Why does the dynamic list on my Webflow page keep changing and not displaying the items in the correct order?

Published on
September 22, 2023

There are several potential reasons why the dynamic list on your Webflow page might be changing and not displaying the items in the correct order. Here are some possible issues and solutions to consider:

  1. Data source sorting: If you are using a dynamic list connected to a data source, such as a CMS collection or an external API, it's crucial to ensure that the data source is correctly sorted. Check the settings of your data source to verify that the items are ordered by the desired criteria (e.g., date, alphabetical order). You can usually configure the sort order within the data source settings.

  2. Dynamic list sorting: Webflow offers options to sort the items within a dynamic list. Double-check that the dynamic list element on your page has the proper sorting settings. You can access these settings in the dynamic list element's settings panel. Make sure that the list is sorted by the correct field and in the desired order (ascending or descending).

  3. Filter settings: If you have applied filters to your dynamic list, they can affect the order in which the items are displayed. Verify that the filters are set up correctly and are not modifying the order unintentionally. Ensure that the filters match the criteria you want to use for ordering and filtering the items.

  4. Manual overrides: If you have manually rearranged the items within the dynamic list using the Webflow Designer's visual interface, this might be causing the inconsistent order. Manually sorting the items will override any predefined order. To remove any manual sorting, select the dynamic list element on your page and click the "Reset Sort Order" button in the settings panel.

  5. Cached data: Sometimes, your browser may cache data and not reflect any recent changes you have made to the dynamic list. Clear your browser cache and reload the page to see if the correct order is displayed. Additionally, if you are using any caching plugins or CDN services, make sure they are properly configured to avoid caching dynamic content.

  6. Custom code conflicts: If you have added custom code to your Webflow project, particularly JavaScript that interacts with the dynamic list, there could be a conflict causing the incorrect order of items. Review your custom code to ensure it is not interfering with the dynamic list's behavior.

By addressing these possible causes, you should be able to resolve any issues with the dynamic list on your Webflow page displaying items in the incorrect order.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I connect a dynamic list to a CMS collection in Webflow?
  2. Can I manually sort items within a dynamic list in Webflow?
  3. What are the best practices for optimizing dynamic content in Webflow for SEO?