Building a Webflow Pagination Component for Loading More Items

Are you looking to create a web pagination component in Webflow that loads more items on the same page? In this tutorial, we'll explore how to utilize the F and sweet CMS library for Webflow to achieve this functionality. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement the load more feature without requiring any custom code. Let's dive into the process of building a Webflow pagination component for loading more items.

Introduction to Webflow Pagination

By default, when using Webflow's pagination, clicking the "Next" button displays the next set of items on a new page (page 2, 3, 4, and so on). However, many users prefer a seamless experience where the new items load directly under the items currently being viewed. This tutorial focuses on achieving that functionality using the F and sweet CMS library for Webflow.

In the live example provided, we have a load more board component where the next 8 items are displayed under the existing items on the same page when the "Next" button is clicked. We have also set a specific limit of 45 items, demonstrating the ability to dynamically make the "Next" button disappear when the entire list has been loaded.

Let's explore the step-by-step process of setting up this functionality using Webflow's native pagination and the F and sweet CMS library.

Setting Up in Webflow Designer

Dynamic List Configuration

When setting up the load more functionality in Webflow, it's essential to understand how the dynamic list and pagination are configured in the Webflow Designer.

1. Dynamic List Pagination Settings: In the Webflow Designer, configure the dynamic list to paginate items, setting the number of items to display per page. For example, setting the pagination to display 8 items per page.

2. Limiting the Number of Items: Establish a limit for the total number of items to be loaded. In the given example, we set the limit to 45 items.

It's crucial to ensure that the number of items displayed initially and the number of items loaded on clicking "Next" align with the pagination settings. The native Webflow pagination feature must be used for this functionality to work seamlessly.

Applying Classes

Two important classes need to be applied to make the JavaScript targeting feasible in the subsequent steps.

1. Collection List Class: Apply a class to the collection list element, which is different from the collection list wrapper. For example, the class can be named "collection-list."

2. Next Button Class: Apply a class to the "Next" pagination button, ensuring it's the actual pagination next button. This class will be used to target the "Next" button for the load more functionality.

Integrating the F and Sweet CMS Library

To enable the load more functionality, we will integrate the F and sweet CMS library script into our Webflow project. Below are the steps for integrating the library and implementing the load more feature without requiring custom code.

Adding the Library Script

In the Webflow project, navigate to the custom code section before the closing body tag. Add the F and sweet CMS library script to the page. When the library is launched, a hosted script file will be available for use.

JavaScript Implementation

Next, we'll implement the JavaScript code specific to our site to enable the load more functionality using the F and sweet CMS library.

Creating a New Instance of the Library

We initiate a new instance of the F and sweet CMS library to target the collection list class. The new instance is stored in a variable for future use.

// Create a new instance of the FS libraryconst projectsGrid = new FS.library('collection-list');

Running the Load More Component

We then run the load more component on the newly created library instance, specifying the next button class and optional animation settings.

// Run the load more component on the library instanceprojectsGrid.loadMore({  button: 'load-more-button',  animation: {    enable: true,    duration: 500,    ease: 'ease-out',    fade: true,    translation: {y: 20}  }});

The button parameter refers to the class applied to the "Next" pagination button, while the animation section allows for customization of the animation effects when loading more items.

Working Through Inspector

The tutorial also emphasizes the functionality being validated through the inspector, emphasizing that the items are dynamically loaded onto the page using Webflow's CMS. This provides a visual demonstration of the load more functionality in action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of the F and sweet CMS library in conjunction with Webflow's native pagination feature allows for the seamless implementation of a load more component. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily create a web pagination component that loads more items on the same page without delving into custom code. This tutorial serves as a useful resource for beginner Webflow users aiming to enhance their websites with dynamic and interactive content display functionalities.