How to Style and Position Webflow Select Dropdown Arrows (Native + CSS)

If you’ve ever used the native Webflow Select Component, you’ve probably noticed a common design flaw: the default arrow is often stuck too close to the edge of the field, and Webflow doesn't give you a native "style" panel to move it.

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In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you how to remove that default arrow and replace it with a custom, perfectly positioned image using a tiny bit of CSS.

The Problem: The "Stuck" Default Arrow

By default, the arrow in a Webflow dropdown field is a browser-rendered element. This means you can’t easily change its color, size, or padding. Often, it ends up touching the right edge of your div block, making your forms look unpolished.

The Solution: A 2-Step Workflow

Step 1: Hide the Default Arrow with CSS

To replace the arrow, we first need to get rid of the browser's default one. We do this by targeting a specific Webflow class: .w-select.

1. Drop an Embed Component onto your page.
2. Paste the following code:

HTML

<style>
 /* Targets the internal Webflow class for select fields */
 .w-select {
   appearance: none;
   -webkit-appearance: none;
   -moz-appearance: none;
 }
</style>


This removes the "system" arrow across all your select fields while keeping the functionality intact.

Step 2: Add Your Custom Arrow as a Background Image

Now that the default arrow is gone, we can add our own and position it exactly where we want it.

1. Select your Select Field and give it a class (e.g., "Custom Select").
2. In the Style Panel, scroll down to Effects > Backgrounds.
3. Add an image and upload your custom arrow icon (SVG is best).
4. Set the positioning to Right and Center.
5. The Secret Sauce: Use Percentage-based positioning (e.g., 95% from the left) to give the arrow some breathing room from the edge. Using percentages ensures the arrow stays responsive across tablet and mobile.

Pro Tip: Why Percentages Matter

As I discuss in my Webflow Image Tutorial, using percentages for background positioning is a professional standard. It prevents the icon from "jumping" or overlapping text when the field shrinks on smaller screens.

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Derek Siu | Sydney Webflow Designer & Developer