Why does my exported site from Webflow look different from my site on Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When you export your site from Webflow and view it on a different platform or hosting environment, such as your local machine or a different server, it is possible that you may notice slight differences in how your site looks. There are several reasons why this may occur:

  1. Missing CSS or JS files: Webflow utilizes a specific structure for organizing and delivering the CSS and JS files that make up your site. When you export your site, it is important to ensure that all the necessary CSS and JS files are uploaded to your hosting environment. Missing or improperly linked files can result in visual inconsistencies.

  2. Incorrect file paths: If you have used custom code or linked external files in your Webflow project, it is crucial to double-check that the file paths remain valid after exporting. For example, if a file was linked with a relative path in Webflow, it may need to be adjusted to reflect the correct path in the exported site.

  3. Different caching behavior: Webflow's hosting environment is optimized for performance, and it uses various techniques to cache and deliver your website's assets efficiently. When you export your site, these caching mechanisms might not be present, resulting in a slight change in how your site appears.

  4. Browser inconsistencies: Browsers can interpret CSS and HTML differently, which may result in visual discrepancies between your site on Webflow and the exported version. It is important to test your site on multiple browsers after exporting to identify and address any browser-specific issues.

  5. External dependencies: If your Webflow site relies on third-party libraries or scripts, ensure that these dependencies are correctly included in the exported files. If any dependencies are missing or loaded in the wrong order, it can lead to visual differences.

To address these differences and make your exported site look as close as possible to the version on Webflow, follow these steps:

  1. Double-check that all CSS and JS files are properly linked and uploaded to your hosting environment.

  2. Verify that all file paths and references to external files are correctly updated in the exported files.

  3. Test your site on multiple browsers to identify and fix any browser-specific issues.

  4. Ensure that any external dependencies are included and loaded correctly in the exported files.

  5. If needed, consult Webflow's documentation or reach out to their support team for specific guidance on troubleshooting exported site discrepancies.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I export my Webflow site?
  2. Why is it important to test my site on different browsers?
  3. What should I do if I encounter issues with external dependencies after exporting my Webflow site?