Webflow is an easy-to-use platform that lets you create websites without needing to know a lot of coding. It offers plenty of design and development tools that make building a site simple, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced designer. However, one question that comes up often is whether you can back up your Webflow project before deleting anything, so you don’t lose important content. In this blog, we’ll explain how to back up your Webflow site, what tools Webflow offers for protecting your work, and answer some common questions about the process. Whether you are looking for a Webflow website designer, need help from a Webflow Development Agency, or want to hire a Webflow developer, this guide will help.
Can You Back Up Your Webflow Site Before Deleting?
Yes, you absolutely can back up your Webflow project before deleting anything. Webflow offers a couple of ways to back up your website so you can ensure your content, design, and settings are safe, even if you decide to delete or make major changes to your site.
Here are some methods you can use to back up your Webflow project:
1. Exporting Your Site’s Code
One way to back up your Webflow project is by exporting the site’s code. This allows you to keep a local copy of your website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Here’s how to do it:
How to Export Your Webflow Site’s Code:
- Open Webflow Designer: Go to your Webflow project and open the Designer view.
- Click the Settings Icon: On the left side, click the Project Settings icon (the gear icon).
- Go to the Export Code Tab: In the Project Settings menu, click the Export Code tab.
- Export the Code: Click the Prepare ZIP button to download your site’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files as a ZIP file.
This ZIP file will include your site’s front-end code (images, fonts, etc.), so if you need to restore or rebuild your site elsewhere, you have everything you need. However, note that this method won’t back up your CMS content or settings specific to Webflow.
2. Webflow’s Automatic Backup Feature
Webflow automatically saves a backup every time you make a change to your site and publish it. These backups let you restore your site to a previous version if you accidentally delete something or want to undo changes.
How to Restore a Backup in Webflow:
- Go to Project Settings: Open the Project Settings of your Webflow site.
- Go to the Backups Tab: In the settings menu, find the Backups tab.
- Restore from Backup: You’ll see a list of all the backups Webflow has created for you. Simply choose the backup you want to restore and click Restore.
You can restore the entire site or specific pages. These backups are created every time you publish or make changes, but keep in mind that they are only available in the Designer view, not the Editor. So, your live site won’t have a backup unless you’ve already published those changes in the Designer.
3. Backing Up CMS Collections and Content
Webflow’s built-in backup system doesn’t back up CMS data like blog posts, product listings, or any other dynamic content. But you can still protect your CMS data by manually exporting it or using the Webflow API.
Option 1: Manually Export CMS Data
You can export your CMS content (like blog posts or product details) as a CSV file. Here’s how:
- Open the CMS Collections Panel: In the Webflow Designer, open the CMS panel.
- Export CMS Data: Select the CMS collection you want to back up, then click the Export button. This will generate a CSV file you can download and save.
Option 2: Use Webflow’s API for Automatic Backups
If you have some coding skills or a developer on your team, you can use Webflow’s API to automatically back up your CMS content. This can help ensure your CMS data stays updated and safe in case you need to restore it later.
4. Manually Backing Up Custom Code and Integrations
If you’ve added custom code, third-party integrations, or custom forms to your Webflow site, Webflow doesn’t automatically back those up. For these types of settings, you’ll need to save them manually.
It’s a good idea to copy any important custom code, integration details, or settings you’ve changed in Webflow, so you can easily restore them later if necessary.
Conclusion
Backing up your Webflow project before deleting or making major changes is important to protect your work. Whether you export your site’s code, use Webflow’s automatic backup feature, or export your CMS data manually, there are several ways to ensure your website is safe.
If you're not sure how to back up your project or if you need help with your Webflow site, you can always hire a Webflow developer. At Aron Web Solutions, we specialize in Webflow development and can help you back up, build, or update your site. If you're looking for professional help with your Webflow site, get in touch with our Webflow Development Agency to make your web design process smooth and stress-free.