Webflow. Delete Site in 2024. The Process Has Changed

At the end of the year 2023, Webflow slightly changed the process of a website deletion, since then you might struggle to find the Delete button.

To delete a Webflow site, navigate to the Dashboard, click the Ellipsis button at the right-bottom corner of the site tile and select the Archive option. In the opened pop-up, confirm the action by entering the site ID and clicking the Archive Site button. After that, go to the Webflow Support page and send a request for permanent site deletion.

As for today, you need to archive the site first and then contact Webflow support. Let’s dive into the new process more in detail.

How to Delete a Webflow Site in 2024

So, the process consists of two parts: the site archival, which takes no effort, and the request to support, which requires collecting some data beforehand.

Before jumping into action, it’s worth doing two things:

• Write down the project name, the site domain, and the site read-only link somewhere. Even though this data is optional, it’s still helpful information for Webflow support. The more information you provide, the better result you will get.
• Go through this checklist 7 Things to Do Before Deleting / Archiving a Webflow Site, which might help you prevent irreversible consequences

Follow these steps to permanently delete a Webflow site:

1. Navigate to the Dashboard
2. Click the Ellipsis button (here if you select the Share option and you can get the site Read-only link)
3. Select the Archive option
4. Enter the site ID in the opened pop-up
5. Click Archive Site
6. Go to the Webflow Support portal
7. Go through the Get Support flow steps
   1. Login
   2. Select Workspace
   3. Select Area
   4. Select Topic
   5. Browse Solutions
8. Fill out the form

This is an example of how I would fill the form out:

Your name: First name + Last name

Email address: your.email@example.com

Subject: Permanent site deletion

How can we help?: Hello! I have recently archived a website (your-site-domain.com), and I would like to delete it. Could you assist me with that, please?

Site name (optional): Your site name

Webflow project read-only link (optional): Your site read-only link

Attachments: I don’t think you need any attachments here, but you can add some screenshots.

7 Things to Do Before Deleting / Archiving a Webflow Site

Step 1. Backup Content

Download any images, files, or content from your Webflow site that you want to keep. This includes things like blog posts, images, videos, and other media files.

Read “Save and restore backups” by Webflow University to learn how to back up the site content properly.

Step 2. Export Code

If you’ve made customizations to your site’s code or if you want to keep a copy of your site’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, you can export your site’s code. This is especially important if you plan to recreate your site elsewhere.

Read “Code export” by Webflow University to learn how to export the site source code properly.

Step 3. Export CMS Data

If your site contains dynamic content managed through Webflow’s CMS (Content Management System), you should export your CMS data. This includes collections, items, and any associated content.

Read “Import / export Collection content” by Webflow University to learn how to export the site collection content properly.

Step 4. Note Settings

Take note of any custom settings, configurations, or integrations you’ve applied to your site. This could include custom domains, SSL certificates, form settings, and integrations with third-party services.

The easiest way to do this is to go through the site settings and take screenshots.

Step 5. Save Custom Styles

If you’ve applied custom styles or interactions to your site using Webflow’s Designer tool, make sure to document or save these styles elsewhere if you want to replicate them in the future.

Step 6. Check for Dependencies

Review your site for any dependencies on third-party services or integrations. If your site relies on external services for functionality, you may need to adjust or remove these dependencies before deleting the site.

Step 7. Notify Stakeholders

If your site is used by others or if it’s part of a larger project, make sure to notify relevant stakeholders about the impending deletion. This gives them a chance to retrieve any necessary information or make alternative arrangements.

Summary

As you can see, deleting a Webflow site is not as easy as it used to be, now it requires communication with support

Is it good or bad?

I think it might be annoying for sandbox owners. However, for business site owners it might be more safe. Imagine if your site brings you a lot of money and your Webflow account got hacked, would you like the process to be as simple as before? I wouldn’t.