How can I fix CLS issues in Webflow when using custom fonts?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To fix Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) issues in Webflow when using custom fonts, follow these steps:

  1. Optimize font loading: CLS issues often occur when the text content shifts as custom fonts load. To optimize font loading, use the "font-display: swap;" CSS property. This property tells the browser to use a fallback font while the custom font is loading, preventing layout shifts.

  2. Preload custom fonts: Preloading custom fonts ensures that the fonts are loaded early in the page rendering process. This reduces the chance of CLS issues because the fonts are available when the content loads. In Webflow, you can preload fonts by adding a custom code snippet in the Head section of your site settings.

  3. Set font dimensions: CLS issues can also occur if the dimensions of the font are not known before it loads. To prevent this, specify the font dimensions in the CSS to reserve the necessary space for the text. This way, when the custom font loads, it won't cause any layout shifts.

  4. Wait for fonts to load before rendering content: Delay rendering critical content until after the custom fonts have loaded. This can be done using JavaScript and the FontFaceSet API. By ensuring that fonts are fully loaded and applied, you can prevent any layout shifts caused by font loading.

  5. Test and monitor: It's crucial to test your website on different devices and network conditions to identify and address any CLS issues caused by custom fonts. Additionally, monitor your site regularly to stay aware of any new CLS issues that may arise.

By implementing these steps, you can effectively fix CLS issues when using custom fonts in Webflow, ensuring a smooth and visually stable user experience.

Additional Questions:

  1. What are CLS issues in Webflow?
  2. How can I optimize font loading in Webflow?
  3. What is preloading and how can I implement it for custom fonts in Webflow?