CMS Filter

How to Add a CMS Filter + Live Search in Webflow (No Code with Finsweet)

When you’re building a content-rich site in Webflow — like a blog, portfolio, directory, or marketplace — giving users the ability to filter and search through CMS items is a game changer. The good news is you don’t need to write custom code. With Finsweet Attributes, you can add CMS filtering and live search functionality to your Webflow project quickly and easily.

In this guide, we’ll explore how CMS filters and live search work in Webflow, why Finsweet makes it simple, and how freelancers and businesses can use these features to improve user experience.

What Is CMS Filtering in Webflow?

CMS filtering allows your site visitors to narrow down a list of CMS items — such as blog posts, case studies, or products — based on specific criteria. For example, you could let users filter blog posts by category, author, or publish date.

Traditionally, this kind of functionality requires custom JavaScript, but with Finsweet Attributes you can build powerful filters visually, directly inside Webflow Designer.

What Is Live Search in Webflow?

Live search lets users type into a search bar and instantly see relevant CMS items update in real time, without refreshing the page. This improves user experience, keeps visitors engaged, and helps them quickly find the content they’re looking for.

With Finsweet Attributes, you can connect a search input field to your CMS collection, and results will filter live as the user types.

Why Use Finsweet Attributes for Filtering and Search?

Finsweet Attributes is a free, no-code library built specifically for Webflow users. It allows you to add advanced CMS functionality — like filters, live search, sort options, sliders, and more — without needing to code.

The benefits of using Finsweet Attributes include:

• No code required: Perfect for beginners and designers who don’t code.
• Customizable: Works with any CMS collection and can be styled in Webflow Designer.
• Fast and efficient: Lightweight scripts that run smoothly without slowing down your site.
• Scalable: Works for blogs, ecommerce catalogs, portfolios, or any dynamic collection.

How to Add CMS Filter and Live Search in Webflow

Here’s the high-level process (the video tutorial walks through this step by step):

1. Set up your CMS Collection — Make sure your content (like blog posts or projects) has categories, tags, or fields you want to filter by.
2. Add your Collection List — Drop a Collection List onto the page where you want your items displayed.
3. Install Finsweet Attributes — Copy the Finsweet script link into your Webflow project settings.
4. Create Filter Elements — Add checkboxes, dropdowns, or buttons in Webflow and apply the proper fs-attributes data tags.
5. Add Live Search Input — Insert a search field and connect it to your CMS items using Finsweet’s attributes.
6. Test and Publish — Preview your site to ensure filtering and live search are working in real time.

Benefits for Freelancers and Businesses

Adding CMS filters and live search isn’t just a fancy feature — it directly improves usability and conversions. For freelancers, it’s a value-add skill you can offer clients. For businesses, it creates a smoother customer journey and helps users discover more content.

Final Thoughts

With Webflow CMS and Finsweet Attributes, you can unlock advanced filtering and live search without ever touching code. This makes it easier for freelancers, agencies, and business owners to create modern websites that users love to interact with.