Do all links in my Webflow website need to be in the format of https:// for them to work properly, or do I have any settings configured incorrectly?
TL;DR
- Use relative paths (e.g., /about) or the page picker for internal links; always include https:// for external links.
- Avoid link issues by ensuring CMS and custom code use the full URL with https:// for external sites and test links using Webflow's tools.
Link formatting in Webflow depends on whether you're referencing internal or external links. You don't always need https:// for links to work properly, but understanding when to use it—and how Webflow handles them—is key to proper setup.
1. Internal vs. External Links
- Internal links (pages within your Webflow site) should use relative paths like
/aboutor use the page picker tool to ensure correct URLs. - External links (to other websites or assets outside your domain) should use the full URL starting with https:// (or occasionally http://, though https is preferred).
2. Webflow Link Field Behavior
- In Button, Text Link, or Link Block elements, if you paste an external link without https://, Webflow may treat it as a relative path, which can break navigation.
- Example: entering
www.example.com(without https://) can be interpreted by Webflow as a relative URL likeyourdomain.com/www.example.com.
3. CMS and Link Fields
- In CMS Link fields, always include the full URL with https:// when linking to external sites.
- If using a link field for internal pages, you can use relative paths like
/contact.
4. SEO and Redirect Considerations
- Webflow automatically handles HTTP to HTTPS redirects, but it's best practice to use https:// in all external links to:
- Avoid unnecessary redirects
- Ensure browser security warnings aren’t triggered
5. Check for Link Issues
- Use Webflow’s Publishing & SEO checks or browser dev tools to test any broken links.
- Make sure custom code, CMS fields, or dynamic embed content are not missing the https:// prefix where needed.
Summary
No, not all links need https://, but external links should always include it to function reliably. Internal links can use relative paths. If you're seeing broken links, double-check whether the full URL format is used where required.
