Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Video Position Using Webflow | Webflow Tutorial

Published on
June 26, 2020

Webflow is a powerful tool that can be used to create dynamic and interactive websites without the need for coding. In this article, we will walk through the process of changing the position of a video element using Webflow. This tutorial will be beneficial for beginners as we delve into the step-by-step process of achieving this effect.

The use case for this tutorial is to change the position of a video element as the user scrolls past it. We want the video to move up to the top right of the page when scrolled past. It is important to note that this is a single video and not a separate one. Let’s explore how we can achieve this effect using Webflow.

Live Example

Firstly, let's visualize the desired behavior in a live example. By default, the video will be displayed inline on the page. When the user scrolls past the video, it will become fixed at the top right of the page. As the user continues scrolling, the video will maintain its position, providing a seamless user experience.

The fixed video behavior is crucial as it allows the video to continue playing even as the user scrolls down the page, ensuring uninterrupted content consumption. Upon scrolling back up to the video section, the video will return to its original position. It's essential to note that the video isn't visible above the designated section, ensuring its appearance is controlled.

Setting Up in Webflow Designer

To achieve this effect, we will use Webflow's Designer feature to manipulate classes and triggers. It's important to understand the classes involved and how they interact to create the desired behavior.

Classes

We'll start by examining the classes involved in this process. The video trigger class serves as an invisible reference point that triggers the change in the video's position. The video container class represents the element containing the video. The fixed video class will be added and removed from the video container to control its position.

Class Adder

The Class Adder feature in Webflow allows us to programmatically add or remove classes based on specific triggers. We will leverage Class Adder to detect when the video trigger scrolls into view and accordingly add or remove the fixed video class from the video container.

Executing the Change in Position

Now, let's focus on the practical implementation of the desired effect in Webflow.

Initial Setup

In the Webflow Designer, we will set up the initial configuration for the video trigger, video container, and the fixed video class. The video trigger will be positioned within the design, serving as the reference point for triggering the change in the video's position. The video container will encapsulate the video element, and the fixed video class will control its position when applied.

Adding Triggers with Class Adder

We will utilize the Class Adder feature to add triggers for the video trigger and the section video, responsible for controlling the addition and removal of the fixed video class. The first trigger will add the fixed video class to the video container when the video trigger scrolls into view. Subsequently, the second trigger will remove the fixed video class from the video container when the section video scrolls into view.

JavaScript Verification

To ensure the functionality is correctly implemented, we will create a JavaScript script to confirm that the classes are being added and removed as expected. This step is essential for validating the behavior and ensuring that the applied classes produce the desired effect.

Importance of Height Application

An important consideration is the setting of height for the elements involved. It is crucial to establish a specific height for the video container to prevent undesired snapping when the fixed video class is applied. Without the defined height, the page layout may snap, leading to a visually disruptive experience.

Inspecting the Behavior

Using the Inspector feature, we can visually inspect the dynamic behavior of the classes being added and removed as the triggers are activated. This step provides a comprehensive understanding of how classes interact with the elements and verify that the desired behavior is accurately represented in the design.

Testing and Validation

It is essential to publish the changes made in Webflow and test the live example to ensure that the desired behavior is successfully achieved. By observing the video's position as the user scrolls, we can confirm that it functions according to the specified behavior, appearing inline by default and becoming fixed at the top right when scrolled past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Webflow offers a robust platform for creating dynamic and interactive website elements without the need for complex coding. The step-by-step process outlined in this tutorial demonstrates how to change the position of a video element, providing a seamless user experience as the video reacts to the user's scrolling behavior. By leveraging Webflow's Designer and Class Adder features, users can effectively control the dynamic behavior of website elements, ensuring a visually engaging and user-friendly experience.

For those seeking additional guidance or encountering challenges during implementation, reaching out to the Webflow support team is recommended. With the demonstrated use case, users can confidently apply similar principles to create engaging and interactive website elements within the Webflow platform.