How to Use the F & Sweet CMS Library for Filtering in Webflow

In this tutorial, we will be going over the F & Sweet CMS Library for Webflow. We will particularly focus on using the filter component within the library to create a live example. The filter component allows us to filter items in a grid based on text content that is present within a collection item. Let's dive into the details of how this works and how you can effectively use it in Webflow.

Understanding the Filter Component

The filter component functions by taking text that's inside a collection item and then filters that item in the grid based on the text. In the context of Webflow, the collection list item is generated using Webflow CMS. Each piece of text inside the collection item serves as a way for that item to be filtered within the grid.

Inside the Webflow CMS, you can control various attributes like the year, rich text for branding and web design, color in a drop-down, toggle, and other possible attributes based on your specific requirements. Updating any of these attributes will automatically update the text inside the item, thereby changing how that item is filtered within the grid.

It's essential to note that the text that needs to be filtered does not necessarily have to be visibly present on the page. It only needs to be on the published site, as the filter component operates based on the underlying content. This means that even if the text is not visibly displayed on the page, the filter will still function effectively.

Live Example - Implementing the Filter Component

Let's explore a live example to demonstrate how the filter component can be utilized effectively in Webflow.

Setting Up the Example

In this example, we have a collection of different items with varying attributes such as year, color, branding, and web design. We want to showcase how the filter component works by selecting specific attributes to filter the items in the grid.

Example 1: Basic Filtering

We start with a basic filtering example, where we have a single filter group. This filter group allows us to filter the items in the grid based on a single attribute, such as color or year. By selecting a specific attribute, the grid updates to display only the items that match the selected attribute.

Example 2: Using Multiple Filter Groups

In the second example, we explore the use of multiple filter groups. Each filter group can have its own filter type - exclusive or multi. This allows us to mix and match different filter groups and decide how they work together to filter the items in the grid.

Example 3: Advanced Filtering with Mixed Filter Types

In the advanced example, we combine two different filter groups - one with an exclusive filter type and the other with a multi filter type. This showcases the powerful capabilities of the filter component, as it allows us to filter the items based on multiple attributes simultaneously.

Building the Filter Component in Webflow

Now that we have seen the live examples of the filter component in action, let's discuss how to build this functionality in Webflow.

Structure and Classes

In Webflow, we need to define the structure and classes for the elements that we want to apply the filter component to. The key classes and elements include:

• Collection list class: collection-list
• Parent wrappers for filter groups: filters-wrapper

These classes will allow us to effectively target the collection list and its associated filter groups within the Webflow designer.

Data Attributes

In addition to classes, we also need to define data attributes to specify what the filter buttons are actually filtering by. These data attributes indicate the filtering criteria such as color, branding, web design, etc.

Custom Code

To implement the filter component in Webflow, we need to add custom code that initializes the F & Sweet CMS Library and sets up the filter functionality. The custom code includes:

• Initializing the F & Sweet CMS Library script
• Creating an instance of the library targeting the collection list class
• Defining an array of filter groups and their respective filter types
• Incorporating the necessary script to run the filter component with the defined filter array

Conclusion

In conclusion, the F & Sweet CMS Library offers a powerful and flexible filtering component that can be seamlessly integrated into Webflow projects. By understanding the mechanism of the filter component and effectively setting it up using the Webflow designer and custom code, you can create dynamic and interactive filtering functionalities for your web designs.

With the ability to customize filter types, mix and match filter groups, and manage filter attributes through the Webflow CMS, you can provide an engaging user experience with tailored content filtering. Whether it's for showcasing products, portfolio items, or any other dynamic content, the filter component in F & Sweet CMS Library adds a dynamic dimension to your Webflow projects.

By following the outlined steps and examples, you can leverage the powerful capabilities of the F & Sweet CMS Library to create a seamless and interactive filtering experience for your website visitors.