How to Create a Back Button in Webflow

Webflow is a powerful tool for building websites, and one of its many capabilities is the ability to create a back button that allows users to navigate back in their browser history. In this tutorial, we will explore how to implement a back button using two different methods in Webflow - one using an href link and the other using jQuery with custom code.

Defining the Back Pages

Before we dive into creating the back button, let's first define the pages we will navigate through. For this example, we have a series of pages labeled "Hack 13," "Hack 12," and "Hack 11," and we'll be navigating between them.

1. Hack 13 (Current Page)
2. Navigating back to Hack 12
3. Navigating further back to Hack 11
4. Returning to Hack 13

Method 1: Using Href Link Settings

Creating the Back Button

In the Webflow Designer, we'll utilize the href link settings to create the back button. This method does not require any additional custom code.

1. Access the link block settings for the back button.
2. Inside the URL field, enter a specific JavaScript code that handles the navigation back in the browser history.

Back One Page via href Button

javascript:`history.back()`

Going Back Two Pages via href Button

javascript:`history.go(-2)`

Method 2: Using jQuery with Custom Code

Adding a Class for jQuery Button

To implement the back button using jQuery, we'll assign an add-on class to the button for easier identification in the custom code.

1. Apply an add-on class to the button, such as "hack-13-back-one" for the back one page button, and "hack-13-back-two" for the back two pages button.

Including Custom jQuery Code

We'll add the necessary jQuery code inside the Webflow project using the custom code area.

1. Inside the custom code area, include the following jQuery script:

// When the DOM is ready$(document).ready(function(){  // Handle click on back one page button  $('.hack-13-back-one').click(function(){    // Send the user back one page in the browser history    window.history.back();  });  // Handle click on back two pages button  $('.hack-13-back-two').click(function(){    // Send the user back two pages in the browser history    window.history.go(-2);  });});

Testing the Back Button

After setting up the back button using both methods, it's important to test its functionality to ensure it accurately navigates through the defined pages.

Verifying the Back Navigation

1. Test the back button to confirm it sends the user back to the previous pages as expected.
2. Ensure that the back buttons work seamlessly for both the href link and jQuery implementations.

By accurately defining the back pages and testing the back button, we can guarantee a smooth user experience when navigating through the website.

Additional Notes

It's worth noting that the href buttons do not require add-on classes and the functionality is achieved directly within the link URL. On the other hand, the jQuery buttons need an add-on class for identification in the custom code, and the functionality is executed via the custom jQuery script.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Webflow offers multiple ways to create a back button for navigating through the browser history. Whether using the simple href link settings or incorporating custom jQuery code, Webflow provides the flexibility to seamlessly implement this essential feature for user navigation.

Thank you for exploring this tutorial on creating a back button in Webflow. Feel free to experiment with these methods in your own Webflow projects and enhance the user experience with smooth navigation controls. For more Webflow tutorials and updates, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit our website for the latest hacks and tools. Happy Webflowing!