Create a Dynamic Slider Component in Webflow Using Finn Sweet CMS | Tutorial

Building a Dynamic Slider Component in Webflow

Are you ready to take your Webflow skills to the next level? In this tutorial, we'll dive into creating a dynamic slider component in Webflow using the Finn Sweet CMS library. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a solid understanding of how to set up a truly dynamic slider that pulls data from a CMS collection list, allowing you to create a new slide for each item in your collection.

Understanding the Structure of the Slider Component

Before we dive into the implementation, let's first understand the structure of the slider component in Webflow. The slider component is a native Webflow slider found in the elements panel. When working with the slider component, we have access to various options for settings, slide navigation, arrows, and Webflow interactions.

Additionally, below the slider component, we have our CMS list, which serves as our data feed. This is where our project items or data are listed and will populate the correct amount of slides with the relevant content on the published site.

Setting Up a Dynamic Slider

To create a truly dynamic slider, we need to combine the data feed from our CMS with the slider component. This involves understanding the relationship between the data feed and the slider component. Here's a breakdown of the key steps to set up a dynamic slider component in Webflow:

1. The CMS List:

• The CMS list below the slider is where the data feed resides. This is where you would typically have items such as "Project 1", "Project 2", and so on, presented in a structured list format.

1. Slider Component:

• The slider component is a native Webflow slider, and its slides are directly related to the data feed from the CMS list. It's important to note that the content inside the slider component can be left blank as all slides and content will be dynamically generated from the data feed.

1. Dynamic Slider Initialization:

• In the Webflow Designer, we'll set up the dynamic slider by combining the data feed and the slider component to ensure that each item in the data feed corresponds to a unique slide in the slider.

Implementing the Dynamic Slider

To implement the dynamic slider, we need to follow specific steps to ensure that the data from the CMS list populates the slider component correctly. Let's walk through the key aspects of how this dynamic slider setup works within Webflow:

1. Dynamic Item Copying:

• The child of the CMS dynamic item is crucial in the implementation process. When setting up the dynamic slider, we essentially copy and paste the content from each CMS dynamic item inside the slider component’s slide. It’s important to understand that we bypass the typical CMS setup on the published site, ultimately ignoring the dynamic wrapper, list, and item layers when copying the content into the slider.

1. Custom Classes for Clarity:

• When pasting the content from the CMS dynamic item into the slider component’s slide, it's essential to assign a specific class to indicate that this content is being copied onto the slide. This enhances clarity and understanding in the Webflow Designer and throughout the implementation process.

1. Data Feed Class Assignment:

• The data feed from the CMS should have a class assigned, and this class needs to be placed on the dynamic list. The class is used for JavaScript targeting and ensures that the information from the data feed populates the correct locations within the slider.

Custom Code for Dynamic Slider Implementation

Once the structure of the dynamic slider is set up within Webflow, we'll need custom code to facilitate the interaction between the data feed and the slider component. Below is a breakdown of the custom code and its functionality for enabling the dynamic slider:

<script src="https://cdn.yourhostedlibrary.js"></script><script>  // Initializing the dynamic slider  function initializeDynamicSlider() {    var fsSlider = new FSLibrary();    fsSlider.target('.slider-data-feed');     fsSlider.sliderComponent('.slider-component', { resetIx: true });  }  initializeDynamicSlider();</script>

1. Hosted Library Script:

• The first line of the custom code includes the hosted library script that is required for enabling the dynamic slider functionality. This script should be included from its hosted source to ensure that the required functionalities are available.

1. Custom Script Initialization:

• Within the custom script, we initialize the dynamic slider by defining a function called initializeDynamicSlider. This function instantiates the Finn Sweet library and targets the slider data feed from the CMS. It then sets the slider component class and configuration options, such as allowing Webflow interactions within the slider.

Testing and Deployment

After setting up the dynamic slider and integrating the custom code, it's essential to thoroughly test and review the implementation. This includes ensuring that the dynamic slider adapts to changes in the data feed, such as adding or removing items from the CMS list. Additionally, checking the behavior of the slider on the published site is essential to confirm that the dynamic content is correctly reflected.

Bringing It All Together

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you've learned how to create a truly dynamic slider in Webflow using the Finn Sweet CMS library. From understanding the structure of the slider component to implementing the dynamic slider and integrating custom code, you now have the knowledge and skills to build a dynamic slider that seamlessly pulls content from a CMS collection list.

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding the relationship between the data feed and the slider component, as well as effectively implementing the dynamic slider through custom classes and code. With these skills in hand, you can now confidently create and manage dynamic sliders in your Webflow projects, bringing engaging and personalized content to your audience. Happy crafting!