How to Use Webflow Templates (the Right Way)

Guide
Published on
July 10, 2025
Contributors
Phoenix Baker
Product Manager
Lana Steiner
Product Designer
Drew Cano
Frontend Engineer
Subscribe to our newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to launch a great-looking site fast? Here’s how to pick, use, and customize Webflow templates without getting stuck.

What Are Webflow Templates?

Webflow templates are pre-built website designs that give you a starting point. You don’t have to design from a blank screen. Instead, you pick a layout that fits your project and then make it your own. There are templates for all kinds of websites like portfolios, blogs, SaaS sites, online stores, and more.

Each template comes with built-in pages, styling, and sections like headers, footers, contact forms, and so on. It’s like buying a fully furnished apartment that you can still decorate however you want.

Should You Use a Template or Start From Scratch?

There’s no right answer for everyone, but here’s when using a template makes a lot of sense:

  • You’re on a tight deadline
  • You don’t have a designer on the team
  • You want something clean and functional without too much effort
  • You’re building a personal project or a first version of a website

Templates save time and remove guesswork. You can launch faster and spend more energy on your content or product.

Now, if you need something very custom, like a full brand experience or advanced features, you might want to start from scratch or hire a designer. But even then, you can use a template as a reference to speed things up.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Use Webflow Templates

Here’s how the whole process works, start to finish.

1. Browse the Template Marketplace

Start at the Webflow Template Marketplace. You’ll find both free and paid templates. Use filters to sort by category, popularity, or price.

Tip: Search by keywords like “SaaS,” “portfolio,” or “startup” to get more relevant results.

2. Add the Template to Your Account

Once you find a template you like, click “Use for Free” or “Buy” depending on the type. Free ones go straight into your dashboard. Paid ones will ask for payment before adding them to your account.

You can only use a paid template for one site, so keep that in mind when picking.

3. Create a New Site From the Template

After selecting the template, Webflow will ask you to name your new site. It will then create a copy of the template as a fresh project. You’ll now have your own editable version to work with.

4. Open Webflow Designer and Start Editing

This is where the fun begins. Webflow Designer will open your template, and you can start editing everything: text, images, layout, colors, and more.

You don’t need to know how to code. You can click on sections and change things right in the editor. It might take a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

5. Set Up CMS and Forms (Optional)

Some templates come with dynamic content powered by Webflow CMS. If your template includes it, you can update those collections to match your content, like blog posts, team members, case studies, and more.

You can also add forms, animations, and third-party tools if you need them.

6. Preview and Publish

Before going live, click the preview button to test how your site looks on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Make sure everything works and looks clean.

Once you’re happy with it, hit publish. Webflow offers hosting, or you can export the code and host it somewhere else.

Tips for Choosing the Right Webflow Template

Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking your template:

  • Start with a free one if you’re new to Webflow
  • Focus on structure instead of just visuals
  • Save your favorites and compare them before buying
  • Preview the demo to see how it behaves live
  • Look for documentation or support from the template creator
  • Avoid overly complex designs that might slow things down or be harder to update

A good template should give you a clean layout, simple navigation, and flexibility to adjust things later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few things to watch out for when working with templates:

  • Skipping the demo and buying too fast
  • Picking something that looks cool but doesn’t fit your content
  • Not testing for mobile responsiveness
  • Ignoring SEO basics like meta tags or heading structure
  • Leaving placeholder content or dummy links on the live site

Take your time to review everything before you hit publish.

Final Thoughts

Webflow templates are a helpful way to get started without all the stress. You don’t need to be a designer to launch a nice-looking website. With just a bit of editing, you can make a template feel like it was built just for your brand.

Whether you’re building something for a client, your business, or yourself, templates give you a solid head start.

Need a Webflow website that actually performs? Get started with the help of our team.