Creating a Previous and Next Post on a Webflow CMS Template Page

Do you ever wonder how to create a previous and next post feature on a Webflow CMS template page? In this walkthrough, we'll dive into the process of implementing a previous and next post functionality using attributes in Webflow. You'll learn how to set up a CMS collection list, apply attributes, and build the UI for the previous and next posts.

Getting Started

To begin with, let's take a look at the final product we aim to achieve. Our target is to generate and display the previous and next posts on a CMS template page. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to seamlessly navigate between posts on your Webflow CMS template.

The first step is to set up the foundation for our implementation. We'll start by leveraging a CMS collection list to populate the items for the previous and next posts. The content for these posts needs to be generated from the list, and attributes will be used to achieve this functionality.

Setting Up the List Element

In the Webflow Designer, we'll begin by adding a CMS collection list. This list will serve as the source for our previous and next posts. Once the list is in place, we need to apply an attribute to it.

The first attribute we'll use is fs cms prev next element. This attribute is crucial for setting up the list element and providing the necessary context for the previous and next posts. Additionally, we need to ensure that the list contains a URL link to the current template page. This link will help identify the current page and determine the previous and next posts accordingly.

With the attribute applied, we'll also include a text link, hidden from the page, that represents the current page. It plays a pivotal role in determining the positioning of the previous and next posts relative to the current page.

Building the UI for Previous and Next Posts

Now that we've set up the list element with the required attributes, it's time to create the user interface for the previous and next posts. In the Webflow Designer, we'll begin by defining the layout for these elements.

We'll use div blocks to represent the placeholder for the previous and next posts, along with additional content to handle the empty state when there are no previous or next posts available. The UI elements will be structured in a way that provides clear visual indicators for the user.

Applying Attributes to UI Elements

Once the UI layout is defined, we'll apply attributes to the respective UI elements. Attributes such as fs cms prev next element previous and fs cms prev next element next will be assigned to the div blocks representing the previous and next posts. Similarly, attributes for the empty state will also be applied to the corresponding UI elements.

By applying these attributes, we establish the connection between the UI elements and the CMS list, enabling the dynamic rendering of previous and next posts based on the current page.

Testing and Finalizing

With the attributes in place, we'll preview the page to ensure that the setup is correctly configured. We'll hide the list element, as it won't be visible on the actual page. Additionally, we'll verify that the empty state for both previous and next posts is working as expected.

Once we confirm that the setup is functioning as intended, we'll proceed to publish the changes. Upon publishing the page, we'll validate the presence of the previous and next posts in the expected locations, ensuring a seamless navigation experience for the users.

Conclusion

By following this walkthrough, you've successfully implemented the previous and next post functionality on a Webflow CMS template page using attributes. This feature enriches the user experience by enabling effortless navigation between posts. Attributes in Webflow offer a versatile way to enhance the functionality of your projects, and with the knowledge gained from this tutorial, you can further explore and implement dynamic features in your own Webflow projects.

For more in-depth tutorials and valuable resources on Webflow attributes, be sure to explore the Webflow documentation and community forums. As you continue to leverage attributes, your proficiency in Webflow development will undoubtedly grow, empowering you to create robust and interactive websites.