Is Webflow open source?

No, Webflow is not open source. It is a proprietary platform developed and maintained by the company Webflow. While Webflow offers a visual, no-code approach to web design and development, it does not make its source code available to the public.

However, Webflow has some characteristics of an open source system that make it attractive even for designers, developers, and marketers looking for open source solutions.

Webflow is not a completely closed system

Although Webflow is not open source, some features can give it an open source feel while others make it remain proprietary code.

Open functionalities

Here are some features that make Webflow look like an open source tool.

Custom code integration

Webflow allows users to insert custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code into their projects. This feature provides a level of code customization that is similar to open source platforms, allowing developers to extend the functionality of their websites.

API access

Webflow offers API access, allowing users to interact with their websites programmatically. This feature allows developers to create custom integrations and automate tasks, similar to what can be done with open source systems that offer extensive API capabilities.

Custom CMS

Webflow's CMS (Content Management System) allows users to define custom content structures and dynamic content.

Third-party integrations

Webflow allows users to integrate with various third-party services and tools, such as payment gateways, analytics platforms, and marketing automation systems.

‍Customizing templates

Users can get started with Webflow templates and customize them extensively to meet their needs. This template-based approach, combined with the ability to edit code and styles, offers a greater degree of design and layout flexibility than most open source themes and templates.

Collaboration

Webflow offers team collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on a project. This feature facilitates collaborative development, which is common in open source communities where contributors work together to improve projects.

Exporting code

Webflow allows users to export their website code, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This feature allows developers to take their project code and host it on their own servers, similar to the portability of open source solutions.

Closed functionalities

However, we should not completely overlook that Webflow is a closed system. Here are a few reasons why Webflow is not an open source platform.

Closed source code

The Webflow source code is not publicly accessible or modifiable. Unlike open source projects where anyone can contribute to the code base, Webflow's code is tightly controlled by its development team.

Subscription model

Webflow operates on a subscription pricing model, which means that users pay for access to platform features and hosting services. In contrast, open source software is generally free and can be self-hosted at no cost.

Limited customization

Although Webflow offers a high degree of customization through its visual interface, it has limitations compared to open source platforms. With open source solutions, developers have more control over the code and can extensively customize it to meet specific requirements.

Webflow hosting

Webflow's hosting services are proprietary and closely integrated into the platform. In contrast, open source solutions offer flexibility in choosing hosting providers.

Advantages of Webflow compared to open source builders

Here are some of the main benefits of using Webflow compared to its open source counterparts.

User friendly interface

Webflow's intuitive interface allows users to design and create websites without coding skills, making it accessible to a wider audience, including designers with limited technical knowledge.

All-in-one solution

Webflow provides an integrated ecosystem for content design, development, hosting, and management, eliminating the need to find and integrate multiple third-party tools and plugins.

Streamlined workflow

With Webflow, you can design, develop, and host your website within a single platform, reducing compatibility issues and simplifying the entire website creation process.

Reliable hosting

Webflow offers robust hosting services that ensure fast load times and reliable website performance, while open source platforms often require users to find their own hosting solutions.

Effectiveness

Webflow's integrated approach saves time and effort, allowing users to focus on designing and creating content rather than solving technical problems.

Security

Webflow takes care of security updates and maintenance, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities compared to open source platforms where users are responsible for these tasks.

Professional results

Webflow allows users to quickly create professional-quality websites, even if they don't have coding expertise, thanks to its design and development features.

Clean code

Perhaps this is the most important characteristic. Webflow writes clean code, unlike open source tools, where third-party widgets often disorganize code, making sites slow and laggy.

Webflow and external integrations: is it possible?

Being a closed system, one could assume that Webflow has various limitations in terms of integration with external tools and services.
Although it does not have the flexibility of some open source CMS, it is still quite flexible, and a range of tools can be integrated to help you create and maintain your website.

So yes, it's not only possible to use and integrate external systems, but it's actually quite common.

For example, Webflow can be integrated with Hubspot, a popular CRM platform. Integrate HubSpot with Webflow brings significant advantages, such as optimized management of contact forms, a harmonious design between your marketing tools and your site, and a smooth and fast integration. It is the ideal combination to boost your digital marketing strategy.

Conclusion: should you use Webflow?

Webflow is not and should not be the number 1 choice for everyone. It is mainly intended for people who want to create websites without focusing too much on code while maintaining all the flexibility of 100% code sites.

It is also aimed at organizations that want to create websites that do not require too much development power to function and be maintained. Webflow makes this possible through an intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and publish entire content collections.

Plus, it's a paid solution, so if you're aiming to publish a site on a custom domain and unlock all of Webflow's capabilities, you'll need to choose one of the paid pricing plans. That said, the basic Webflow plan is free, and it allows you to use Webflow's main tool to create sites: Webflow Designer. Therefore, if your budget is really limited, you should consider an alternative.

If you decide to choose Webflow and need professional support, do not hesitate to contact our Webflow experts. We transform your site into a highly engaging website that converts visitors into leads and customers.