Unlocking Velo by Wix: A How-To Guide

How to Get Started with Velo by Wix

If you're looking for a quick guide on how to use Velo by Wix, here's a simple step-by-step process:

1. Enable Dev Mode: Click the "Dev Mode" toggle in the top menu of Wix Editor

2. Access the Code Panel: The Code Panel will appear at the bottom of the screen

3. Select Elements: Use the Properties Panel to identify element IDs

4. Write Code: Use the $w selector to manipulate elements (e.g., $w('#button').onClick(() => {...}))

5. Test Your Code: Click Preview to test before publishing

How to use Velo by Wix combines the simplicity of Wix's visual editor with the power of JavaScript coding. This serverless development platform lets you add custom functionality to your Wix site without managing complex infrastructure. Whether you're looking to create interactive forms, connect to databases, or build custom dynamic pages, Velo provides the tools you need.

Velo transforms your Wix site from a static webpage into a dynamic web application. With its built-in IDE (Integrated Development Environment), you can write standard JavaScript code right in the Wix Editor while still leveraging the drag-and-drop interface for design elements.

I'm Athena Kavis, founder of Quix Sites and an expert in how to use Velo by Wix with over 8 years of web design experience and certification as a Wix Partner since 2019. I've personally designed over 1,000 websites and have helped countless small businesses open up the full potential of their online presence through custom Velo development.

Velo by Wix Overview & Dev Mode Setup

Picture this: you've built a beautiful Wix website, but now you need it to do something special—maybe a custom calculator, a unique booking system, or a personalized shopping experience. That's where Velo comes in, and honestly, it's a game-changer.

Velo by Wix is like having superpowers for your Wix site. It's a full-stack development platform that lets you create professional web applications without the usual headaches. The best part? It's completely serverless—which means you can focus on building cool features while Wix handles all the technical infrastructure behind the scenes.

As one of our clients recently told us, "I thought I'd need to hire a full development team, but with Velo, my Wix site now does things I didn't think were possible!"

At Quix Sites, we've seen how how to use Velo by Wix can transform businesses here in Las Vegas. Many of our clients have cut their development time in half compared to traditional methods, saving both money and getting to market faster.

The platform combines four essential ingredients: a visual drag-and-drop editor for creating beautiful interfaces, an integrated development environment (IDE) for writing code, built-in database capabilities, and robust tools for testing and deployment. It's like having an entire tech department at your fingertips.

Turning Dev Mode On

Getting started with Velo is surprisingly simple. Here's how to flip the switch:

Open your Wix site in the Editor, look for the "Dev Mode" toggle in the top menu bar, and click it. Then simply toggle "Enable Developer Mode" in the dropdown that appears. That's it—you're now a developer!

Once Dev Mode is on, you'll notice your screen transform with several new panels. The Code Panel appears at the bottom, the Properties & Events panel shows up on the right, and the Velo Sidebar displays all your site's code files.

The built-in IDE is actually quite impressive, with features you'd expect in professional development tools: syntax highlighting that makes your code easier to read, smart autocomplete for both JavaScript and Velo-specific code, error detection to catch mistakes before they cause problems, and powerful search functionality to steer your growing codebase.

One of our Shopify clients who recently switched to Wix put it perfectly: "With Velo, I finally feel like I have control over my website without needing to become a full-time programmer."

Exploring the Interface

When you first enable Dev Mode, I'll admit it might look a bit intimidating—suddenly there are panels and options everywhere! Let's break it down into bite-sized pieces.

The Code Panel at the bottom is your new best friend. This is where the magic happens—you'll write JavaScript code here that brings your site to life. It includes a full-featured code editor with syntax highlighting, tabs for managing different files, and a toolbar with handy options like maximizing the panel when you need more space or changing themes if you prefer coding with a dark background.

The Properties & Events panel on the right side is your connection between the visual and code worlds. Here you can view and edit element properties, give unique IDs to elements (which is super important when you want to control them with code), add event handlers like clicks and hovers, and configure how elements behave.

The Velo Sidebar organizes all your code files into logical sections. Your Page Code contains scripts specific to individual pages, the Public section holds shared frontend code, Backend is for server-side code, and Packages & Apps helps you manage additional modules. There's also a handy search feature that lets you quickly find code across all your files—trust me, you'll appreciate this as your project grows!

Beyond these main panels, you'll find additional powerful tools like the Release Manager for gradually rolling out new features, the Secrets Manager for securely storing sensitive information like API keys, and comprehensive logs for tracking errors and performance.

Here at Quix Sites, we guide Las Vegas businesses through this interface every day, helping them set up their development environment to match their specific needs.

Whether you're running a small business website or building a complex web application, how to use Velo by Wix effectively starts with understanding these core components.

For more detailed information about the Properties & Events panel, check out Wix's official guide. And if you want a deeper dive into what Velo can do, we've written a comprehensive article on What is Velo by Wix?

How to Use Velo by Wix: Coding Fundamentals

"Velo is a powerful development platform and sometimes, that makes it a bit confusing." This quote from Wix's documentation perfectly captures the initial feeling many have when first diving into Velo. But don't worry – once you understand the core concepts, everything starts falling into place.

The magic of Velo lies in its unique approach: you design visually using Wix's drag-and-drop editor, then breathe life into those elements with JavaScript code. It's like having the best of both worlds – beautiful design with powerful functionality.

At Quix Sites, we've helped countless Las Vegas businesses transform their static websites into dynamic, interactive experiences using these exact techniques. Let me walk you through the essentials.

Element IDs and the $w Selector

Before you can make elements do cool things with code, they need names – or IDs as we call them in Velo. Think of element IDs like name tags at a party – they help you identify who's who.

When naming your elements, keep it simple but descriptive. For a button that submits a form, "submitButton" tells you exactly what it does. We recommend using camelCase (like "contactForm" instead of "contact-form") since it works seamlessly with JavaScript.

Once your elements have IDs, you'll use the $w selector to "grab" them in your code. If you've used jQuery before, this will feel familiar:

// Grab a single element with a specific ID
$w('#submitButton')

// Get all buttons on the page $w('Button')

// Select elements with a specific class $w('.highlight')

When you type $w('# in the code panel, you'll see a helpful popup showing all available element IDs – a real time-saver when working on complex pages.

The onReady Function

One common mistake we see with how to use Velo by Wix is trying to interact with elements before the page has fully loaded. This is why the onReady function is your new best friend:

$w.onReady(function() {
    // This code runs only after everything is loaded
    $w('#welcomeMessage').text = "Hello there!";
    $w('#signupButton').show();
});

Think of it like making sure all the actors are on stage before starting the play. Without this, you might try to change elements that aren't quite ready yet, leading to errors or weird behavior.

Understanding Code Organization

Knowing where to put your code is crucial for keeping your Velo project organized. Imagine trying to find a specific recipe in a cookbook with no chapters or sections – nightmare, right?

Page Code is perfect for functionality that only applies to one specific page. For example, a contact form validation script would go in your contact page's code.

masterPage.js contains code that runs on every page of your site. This is ideal for site-wide elements like navigation menus, headers, or footers.

Public files are where you put code you want to reuse across multiple pages. Think of them as your custom library of functions. For instance, if you create a special animation you want to use throughout your site, put it in a public file and import it where needed.

Backend files are your secret weapon for sensitive operations. Any code that deals with databases, external APIs, or secure information should live here, safely away from prying eyes in the browser.

How to Use Velo by Wix to Select & Manipulate Elements

Once you've selected an element with the $w selector, the fun really begins! You can interact with elements in three main ways:

Properties are like the element's characteristics – things it has or is. For example:

// Change what a text element says
$w('#announcementBanner').text = "Flash Sale Today Only!";

// Make something invisible $w('#seasonalPromo').hidden = true;

// Change an image $w('#headerLogo').src = "https://mysite.com/holiday-logo.png";

Methods are actions an element can perform – things it does:

// Make an element appear with a fade effect
$w('#welcomePopup').show("fade", { duration: 800 });

// Scroll the page to a specific section $w('#contactSection').scrollTo();

// Start playing a video $w('#tutorialVideo').play();

Animations let you create movement and visual interest. For a recent Las Vegas casino website we designed at Quix Sites, we created a dice-rolling animation that really captured the Vegas spirit:

const animation = Animations.timeline();
animation.add($w('#dice'), {
    duration: 1500,
    rotation: { from: 0, to: 720 },
    y: { from: -200, to: 0 },
    easing: "bounce"
});
animation.play();

How to Use Velo by Wix for Event Handling

Events are what make websites interactive – they're the "when this happens, do that" part of your code. In Velo, you have two ways to handle events:

Dynamic event handlers are added directly in your code, which makes them flexible and powerful:

$w('#signupButton').onClick(() => {
    // Validate the form
    if ($w('#emailInput').value.includes('@')) {
        $w('#signupForm').submit();
        $w('#thankYouMessage').show();
    } else {
        $w('#errorMessage').show();
    }
});

Static event handlers are set up through the Properties & Events panel in the editor. You simply select an element, go to the Events tab, choose an event like "onClick", and enter a function name. Then in your code, you define that function:

export function processPayment(event) {
    // Code to handle the payment
    console.log("Processing payment for:", $w('#nameInput').value);
    // Show loading spinner
    $w('#loadingSpinner').show();
}

Static handlers are great for keeping your code organized, especially when multiple team members are working on the same project.

When users steer between pages, you often need to remember certain information. The wix-storage API is perfect for this:

import { local as storage } from 'wix-storage';

// Save user preferences storage.setItem('theme', 'dark');

// Later, retrieve those preferences const userTheme = storage.getItem('theme'); if (userTheme === 'dark') { applyDarkTheme(); }

At Quix Sites, we've used these exact techniques to build everything from interactive product configurators to multi-step booking systems for our Las Vegas clients. The key to mastering how to use Velo by Wix is starting with these fundamentals and then gradually building up to more complex interactions.

The best way to learn is by doing. Start with small changes to your site, and before you know it, you'll be creating custom functionality that perfectly matches your business needs.

Data, Forms, Packages, Security, Testing & Deployment

Alright, now we're getting to the fun part! This is where Velo really shines - connecting your beautiful website to real data and making it come alive with interactivity. At Quix Sites, we've seen how these features transform static websites into powerful business tools for our Las Vegas clients.

Connecting to Collections & Dynamic Pages

Think of Wix Data collections as your website's brain - they store all the information your site needs to be truly useful. Whether it's product listings, blog posts, or customer information, collections keep everything organized.

Working with collections is surprisingly simple. Here's a taste of how you can add a new product to your inventory with just a few lines of code:

import wixData from 'wix-data';

// Insert a new item wixData.insert("Products", { title: "New Product", price: 29.99, inStock: true }) .then((results) => { console.log("Item inserted, ID:", results._id); }) .catch((err) => { console.error("Error inserting item:", err); });

What's really powerful is how to use Velo by Wix to create dynamic pages. Imagine having hundreds of products but only needing to design one page! We recently helped a Las Vegas boutique set up dynamic product pages - their inventory updates automatically flow through to beautifully designed product pages without any additional work.

The magic happens by connecting datasets (which pull information from your collections) to page elements. Your repeaters, text boxes, and images can all display information that changes based on what's in your database.

Working with Forms

Forms are the conversation starters of your website - they're how visitors become leads and customers. With how to use Velo by Wix, you have two excellent options for creating forms:

Wix Forms is like having a personal assistant who handles all the tedious work. It automatically creates a collection for submissions, sends email notifications, and even includes spam protection. For most of our clients at Quix Sites, this is the perfect balance of simplicity and power.

Custom Forms give you complete creative control. We build these from scratch when clients need something unique, like multi-step reservation forms or interactive calculators.

Here's a comparison that helps our clients choose:

Feature	Wix Forms	Custom Forms
Setup time	Quick	Longer
Collection creation	Automatic	Manual
Validation	Built-in	Custom code
Email notifications	Built-in	Requires code
Design flexibility	Limited	Complete
Field types	Standard set	Any element
Code complexity	Low	Higher

One of our favorite tricks is combining the best of both worlds - using the Wix Forms app but extending it with Velo code:

import wixForms from 'wix-forms';

// Handle form submission wixForms.onWixFormSubmitted((event) => { // Grab the submission data let formData = event.fields;

// Maybe add a special offer based on what they entered
if (formData.budget > 1000) {
    wix.location.to('/premium-thank-you');
} else {
    wix.location.to('/thank-you');
}

});

Installing & Using Velo Packages

Learning how to use Velo by Wix packages is like finding you have a toolkit full of superpowers. These pre-built code modules let you add sophisticated features without becoming a coding expert.

Installing packages is refreshingly straightforward - just click "Packages & Apps" in the Code sidebar, browse the available options, and click "Install" on the ones you want. Then import and use them in your code.

For a Las Vegas restaurant client, we recently added a reservation system with SMS notifications using a Velo package. Instead of spending weeks building it from scratch, we had it up and running in an afternoon!

Always take a moment to read the package documentation (README) - some require additional setup like API keys or configuration options. But even with this extra step, you're saving enormous amounts of development time.

Security & Secrets

When it comes to how to use Velo by Wix securely, remember this golden rule: never put sensitive information in your frontend code. That's like leaving your house keys under the doormat!

The Secrets Manager is your digital vault. It securely stores API keys, passwords, and other sensitive information. You access these secrets only from backend files, keeping them away from prying eyes.

// In a backend file (.jsw or .web.js)
import { getSecret } from 'wix-secrets-backend';

export async function callExternalApi() { // Get the secret securely const apiKey = await getSecret('MY_API_KEY');

// Use it in your API call
const response = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data', {
    headers: {
        'Authorization': `Bearer ${apiKey}`
    }
});

return response.json();

}

At Quix Sites, we take security seriously for our Las Vegas clients. We always keep sensitive operations in backend files, using them as a protective barrier between potential threats and your valuable data.

Testing & Deployment

Before your masterpiece goes live, thorough testing helps ensure everything works perfectly. The Preview mode is your first stop - it lets you experience your site exactly as visitors will, complete with all your Velo functionality.

For more technical testing, the Logs tool is invaluable. It shows you errors, warnings, and debug messages, helping you track down any issues. And don't forget about quotas - free Wix sites have certain limitations on database operations and API calls that you'll want to keep in mind.

When everything looks perfect, publishing is just a click away. For more complex projects, we often use Git integration, which lets you connect your Wix site to GitHub. This is particularly helpful for team collaboration - multiple developers can work on different features simultaneously without stepping on each other's toes.

At Quix Sites, we've refined our testing process over hundreds of Las Vegas website projects. We've learned that thorough testing before launch saves countless headaches later - and keeps clients smiling!

For more advanced development techniques that can transform your business, check out our article on Changing Your Business with Advanced Wix Development Techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Use Velo by Wix

When diving into Velo development, certain questions come up repeatedly. As someone who's guided countless Las Vegas businesses through their Velo journey, I've compiled the most common questions we hear at Quix Sites.

How do I choose between dynamic and static event handlers?

This is probably the most frequent question I get from clients just starting with how to use Velo by Wix. Think of it like choosing between two different tools—each has its perfect use case.

Dynamic event handlers shine when you need flexibility. They're written directly in your code using the $w selector and are perfect when you're working with elements that might change or appear based on certain conditions.

For example, if you're creating a product gallery where clicking any product should open a details panel, dynamic handlers are ideal:

$w('Button').forEach((button) => {
    button.onClick((event) => {
        console.log("Button clicked:", event.target.id);
    });
});

On the flip side, static event handlers are your friend when you want cleaner organization. I often recommend these to my clients who work with design teams, as they create a nice separation between the visual elements and the code functionality.

Static handlers must be exported functions that you connect through the Properties panel:

export function handleClick(event) {
    console.log("Static handler called");
}

The beauty of static handlers is that even if a designer renames an element, your code won't break as long as they reconnect the handler in the Properties panel.

Where should I store shared functions or sensitive data?

This question comes up as soon as sites start growing beyond a single page. When learning how to use Velo by Wix, organizing your code properly can save you hours of headaches later.

For shared frontend functions that you'll use across multiple pages, public files are your best friend. At Quix Sites, we typically create a utilities file like this:

// In /public/utils.js
export function formatCurrency(amount) {
    return new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', { 
        style: 'currency', 
        currency: 'USD' 
    }).format(amount);
}

// In your page code import { formatCurrency } from 'public/utils.js';

$w('#priceText').text = formatCurrency(29.99);

When it comes to sensitive data like API keys for your payment processor or email service, never—and I mean never—put these in your frontend code. I've seen this mistake too many times! Instead, use the Secrets Manager and only access these values from backend code.

And for code that needs to run everywhere? The masterPage.js file is perfect, but use it sparingly. I once had a client who put all their code in masterPage.js, and their site slowed to a crawl because every tiny function was loading on every page.

What limits apply on free Wix sites using Velo?

When you're just starting to learn how to use Velo by Wix, the free plan is great for experimentation. However, it's important to understand the limitations before you build something mission-critical.

Free Wix sites come with generous but definite boundaries. You're limited to 1,000 data items and 1,000 collections, which is plenty for a small project but can quickly become restrictive for growing businesses.

The limits on data operations (1,000 reads and 60 writes per minute) rarely cause issues for low-traffic sites, but can become a bottleneck once you start getting consistent visitors.

Backend computing resources are where you'll likely feel the pinch first. Free sites get just 1 micro container with 1 vCPU and 400 MB RAM, plus a tight limit of 60 backend requests per minute. If your site relies heavily on backend functions, you'll probably need to upgrade sooner rather than later.

At Quix Sites, we typically recommend that Las Vegas businesses start with a premium plan if they're building anything more than a simple brochure site. The increased quotas provide much more room to grow, and the professional features (like removing Wix branding) create a more polished impression for your customers.

These limits aren't just technical considerations—they directly impact your visitors' experience. A site that hits its quota limits will show error messages or behave unpredictably, which can damage trust in your brand.

Conclusion

Mastering how to use Velo by Wix is like open uping a secret door to website superpowers. Suddenly, your beautiful Wix site isn't just a pretty face—it's a dynamic, interactive experience that can do almost anything you imagine.

Throughout this guide, we've walked through the journey from enabling Dev Mode to deploying your finished creation. We've seen how Velo bridges the gap between visual design and custom functionality, giving you the best of both worlds. You can design visually with Wix's intuitive editor while adding sophisticated features with JavaScript code.

The magic of Velo lies in its ability to make complex development accessible. The $w selector becomes your magic wand, allowing you to bring elements to life with just a few lines of code. Whether you're creating simple interactions like animated buttons or building complex data-driven applications, Velo provides the framework you need.

Remember to keep your code organized—frontend code for visual interactions, backend code for sensitive operations, public files for shared functions, and masterPage.js for site-wide features. This organization isn't just about keeping things tidy; it's about creating maintainable, secure websites that perform well.

Velo's built-in features are true time-savers. Collections give you database functionality without database headaches. Forms capture user information seamlessly. Packages let you add pre-built functionality with minimal effort. All these features mean you can focus on what makes your site unique instead of reinventing the wheel.

Security should always be a priority, especially when handling user data or connecting to external services. Keep sensitive information in backend files, use the Secrets Manager for API keys, and follow best practices for data validation. Your users trust you with their information—Velo helps you honor that trust.

Before publishing, test thoroughly using Preview mode, functional testing, and monitoring tools. A little extra time spent testing can save hours of troubleshooting later. When everything works perfectly, hit that publish button with confidence.

At Quix Sites, we've helped countless Las Vegas businesses transform their online presence with Velo by Wix. As certified Wix Partners since 2019, we understand how to leverage Velo's capabilities to create websites that not only look stunning but also deliver exceptional functionality.

Our team specializes in creating custom Velo solutions custom to your specific business needs. Whether you need dynamic product catalogs, interactive booking systems, custom forms with complex logic, or integrations with third-party services, we bring the technical expertise to make it happen while ensuring your site remains visually impressive.

We believe that great websites combine beautiful design with powerful functionality—and Velo by Wix makes this combination more accessible than ever. Our approach balances technical performance with user experience, ensuring your site not only works flawlessly but also engages your visitors effectively.

Ready to lift your Wix site with custom Velo development? Contact Quix Sites today for a consultation. Let's discuss how we can transform your online presence and help your Las Vegas business stand out in the digital landscape.

As one of our clients recently told us after we implemented a custom Velo solution for their retail business: "I didn't know my website could do all this! It's like having a custom-built application without the custom-built price tag."

That's the power of knowing how to use Velo by Wix—and with the right partner, that power is within your reach.