What Are Sections?
Webflow is a design tool that bridges the gap between design and code, empowering designers to build visually-rich websites without writing a line of code. One of the core building blocks in Webflow's layout system is the "Section." For anyone who is serious about mastering Webflow, understanding Sections is non-negotiable. They're the bread and butter of Webflow's design structure as well as any other site builder and a cornerstone for constructing different parts of a webpage. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on Webflow Sections, from adding and using them to implementing best practices for optimised site performance.
In Webflow, Sections serve as a containing element that holds other elements like containers, headings, paragraphs, links, images, and more. Think of them as building blocks or chapters of a webpage. They help you segregate different parts of your page, from the header and hero to content, features, and footer. Each Section serves a distinct purpose and helps in the organisation of your website's content in a logical and visually coherent manner.
How to Add a Section
Step 1: Access the Add Panel
Open the Add Panel located on the left-hand side of your Webflow interface.
Step 2: Locate the Section Element
Under the Layout category, you'll find the Section element.
Step 3: Drag and Drop
Drag this Section element and drop it onto your canvas.
Adding a Section is as straightforward as that. You can also press the shortcut A then S on your keyboard to automatically add a Section.
Customizing Sections
Backgrounds
Adding a background to your Section can make it stand out. You can add a solid color, gradient, image, or even a video as a background.
Height and Width
The default size might not always fit your needs. Webflow allows you to customize the dimensions of your Section easily through the Style Panel.
Padding and Margin
Spacing is crucial for good design. You can adjust the padding and margin to suit your aesthetic needs.
The Advantages of Using Sections
1. Better Organization
Sections help you compartmentalize different elements of your webpage, making it easier for you to manage and style them.
2. Easy Navigation
When you have multiple Sections, navigating through the Navigator Panel becomes a breeze.
3. Reusability
Sections can be turned into Symbols, enabling you to reuse them across different pages, thereby saving time and ensuring consistency.
4. Streamlined Styling
With Sections, you can quickly apply styles to multiple elements at once, saving you the hassle of styling each element individually.
Practical Applications
Creating Hero Sections
Hero sections are the first thing visitors see on your site. You can use Sections to create impactful hero areas with text, images, and calls to action.
Segregating Content
If you’re working on a blog or an article page, Sections are invaluable for segregating your content into digestible chunks.
Building Footers
Use a Section to hold your footer elements like social icons, navigation links, and disclaimers.
Best Practices
Always make sure you check your section is tagged as a section within the html settings. The world won't end if you don't do this, but it's good practice to make sure Google understands the structure of your page.
Conclusion
Webflow Sections are foundational elements that every designer should understand and utilize effectively. They not only help in better content organization but also in styling and navigation. Implement the best practices mentioned here, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a Webflow pro. Happy designing!
