How can I randomly select and display a different item from a collection in Webflow using JavaScript?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To randomly select and display a different item from a collection in Webflow using JavaScript, follow these steps:

  1. Add a custom code section: In your Webflow project, go to the page where you want to display the random item. Add a new HTML embed element or a custom code section where you want the item to be displayed.

  2. Create a collection: If you haven't already, create a collection in the Webflow CMS for the items you want to randomly select and display. Add all the necessary fields for each item.

  3. Access the collection data: Inside the custom code section, use JavaScript to access the collection data. This can be done by using the Webflow CMS API or by directly accessing the item data if it's stored in a separate JavaScript file.

  4. Generate a random number: Use JavaScript to generate a random number. The number should be within the range of the total number of items in the collection.

  5. Retrieve the random item: Use the random number generated in the previous step to retrieve a random item from the collection. This can be done by accessing the array of items and selecting the item at the index corresponding to the random number.

  6. Display the random item: Use JavaScript to inject or update the HTML content of the custom code section with the details of the randomly selected item. You can access the item fields and populate the HTML elements with the relevant data.

  7. Optional: Add a button to refresh: If you want to allow users to refresh and see a new random item, you can add a button or trigger that will rerun the JavaScript code to generate a new random number and display a different item.

Note: This solution assumes basic knowledge of JavaScript and Webflow CMS. If you're unfamiliar with these concepts, it may be helpful to consult Webflow's documentation or seek assistance from a developer.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I use the Webflow CMS API to access collection data in JavaScript?
  2. How do I add a custom code section in Webflow?
  3. Can I customize the display of the randomly selected item using CSS?