| Definition |
Components built visually in Webflow. |
Components created in an external codebase (React), then imported into Webflow. |
Components created natively in Webflow with the Webflow AI Assistant (written in React). |
| Who creates them |
Designers and marketers. |
Developers. |
Developers, designers, or marketers. |
| How they're created |
Built visually on Webflow's drag-and-drop canvas or on the Component Canvas. |
Written in React in an external IDE, then imported into Webflow via DevLink. |
Generated from a natural language prompt to the Webflow AI Assistant inside Webflow. |
| Source of truth |
Webflow — changes must be made in Webflow. |
External codebase — changes must be made in code. |
Webflow — changes must be made in Webflow. |
| Skill required |
Low — visual skills only. |
High to create — React proficiency required. Low to use once imported. |
Low — natural language prompts; no code required. |
| Governance |
Site roles and permissions, and custom roles (Enterprise only). |
Site roles and permissions, and custom roles (Enterprise only). |
Webflow AI toggle, site roles and permissions, and custom roles (Enterprise only). |
| DevLink |
Export only — Webflow components can be exported as React via DevLink Export for use in an external codebase. |
Import only — DevLink packages React components from an external codebase into Webflow. |
Not supported — AI code components live natively in Webflow and can't be exported via DevLink. |
| Webflow Cloud |
Can be exported as React via DevLink Export and used inside a Webflow Cloud app, keeping the site and app visually consistent. |
The React code that powers a DevLink code component can live in the same external codebase as a Webflow Cloud app. |
Not currently usable in Webflow Cloud apps. AI code components live only in Webflow and can't be exported via DevLink. |
| Example usage |
Build site layouts and reusable design system patterns. Webflow components can be exported via DevLink to build full-stack web apps. |
Migrate a React site to Webflow, or import advanced UI components built outside Webflow. |
Build interactive functionality directly in Webflow — like pricing calculators, multi-step forms, and image galleries. |