How can I build a form in Webflow and host the site on my own server without requiring Webflow's hosting services?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To build a form in Webflow and host the site on your own server without requiring Webflow's hosting services, you can follow these steps:

  1. Design the form: Start by designing your form in Webflow's visual design editor. Use the form element and add input fields, labels, buttons, and any other necessary elements to create the desired form layout.

  2. Set up form elements: Configure the individual form elements by adding names, labels, placeholder text, and validation rules. You can also customize the style of each form element to match your website's design.

  3. Create form submission: Add a form submission action to collect and process user inputs. You can choose from various options, such as sending the form data to an email address or integrating with third-party services like Zapier.

  4. Export the site: Once your form is set up, export your website's HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. To do this, click on the Publish button in the Webflow Designer, select Export Code, and choose the appropriate export options.

  5. Upload to your server: After exporting, you will receive a zip file containing your website's code. Unzip the files and upload them to your own server or hosting provider using FTP or any file transfer method supported by your hosting service.

  6. Configure form submission: If you opted to send form submissions to an email address, you need to configure your server's email service to handle incoming form data. Consult your hosting provider's documentation for specific instructions on configuring form submissions.

  7. Ensure form security: It's crucial to secure your form data, especially when hosted on your own server. Implement server-side validation and other security measures to prevent spam submissions and protect user information.

  8. Test your form: Before making your website live, thoroughly test the form to ensure it functions correctly on your server. Test form submission, validation, and any integrations you've set up.

By following these steps, you can build a form in Webflow and host the site on your own server, giving you full control over your website's hosting and data management.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I add form validation in Webflow?
  2. Can I integrate my Webflow form with a CRM system?
  3. What other third-party services can I use to handle form submissions in Webflow?