Build an image gallery in Bubble using a Repeating Group in grid layout with Image elements. Configure responsive columns, add a lightbox popup for full-size viewing on click, and implement lazy loading by limiting initial items and loading more on scroll. Use Bubble's Imgix integration to optimize image delivery with automatic resizing and compression.
Create an Image Gallery in Bubble
This tutorial shows you how to build a responsive image gallery with grid layout, lightbox viewing, and performance optimization.
Prerequisites
- A Bubble account with images stored in the database
- A Data Type with an image field
- Basic familiarity with Repeating Groups
Step-by-step guide
Create the Gallery Grid
Create the Gallery Grid
Add a Repeating Group with Type = your image Data Type (e.g., Photo). Set layout to 'Fixed number of columns' with 3-4 columns. Set cell minimum height. Data source: Search for Photos sorted by upload_date descending. Inside each cell, add an Image element mapped to Current cell's Photo's image.
Expected result: A responsive grid of images.
Add Lightbox Popup
Add Lightbox Popup
Create a Popup element with Type = Photo. Inside, add a large Image element and navigation arrows. On gallery image click: Display data in Popup (Current cell's Photo) → Show Popup. Add Previous/Next buttons that navigate through the list.
Expected result: Clicking an image opens a full-size lightbox.
Optimize with Imgix Parameters
Optimize with Imgix Parameters
Bubble hosts images via Imgix. Append URL parameters for optimization: ?w=300&h=300&fit=crop for thumbnails, ?w=1200&q=80 for lightbox. Use dynamic expressions to modify the image URL.
Expected result: Thumbnails load fast with optimized dimensions.
Add Lazy Loading
Add Lazy Loading
Set the RG to show 12-20 items initially. Add infinite scroll or a Load More button using a Custom State for item count. Increase count on trigger.
Expected result: Gallery loads quickly with progressive image loading.
Add Upload and Management
Add Upload and Management
Add an Upload button with File Uploader (accept images only). Workflow: Create Photo with image = uploader value, uploaded_by = Current User. Add delete buttons for owners.
Expected result: Users can upload images and manage their gallery.
Complete working example
1DATA TYPE:2- Photo: image (image), title (text), uploaded_by (User), upload_date (date), tags (list of texts)34PAGE: gallery5- RepeatingGroup Photos (3 columns, responsive)6 Source: Search for Photos (sorted by upload_date desc) :items until page's items_shown7 Cell: Image (Current cell's Photo's image), title overlay8- Popup Lightbox (Type: Photo)9 Image: Parent Popup's Photo's image (full size)10 Button Previous/Next for navigation11- Button Upload → File Uploader → Create Photo1213IMAGE OPTIMIZATION:14- Thumbnails: append ?w=300&h=300&fit=crop to image URL15- Lightbox: append ?w=1200&q=8016- Use Bubble's built-in Imgix integrationCommon mistakes when creating a gallery view for images in Bubble.io: Step-by-Step Guide
Why it's a problem: Loading all images at full resolution in the grid
How to avoid: Use Imgix parameters to serve thumbnails (300x300px) in the grid and full-size only in the lightbox.
Why it's a problem: Not setting fixed cell heights in the grid
How to avoid: Set fixed cell height and use 'fit=crop' to ensure uniform thumbnails.
Why it's a problem: Loading hundreds of images at once
How to avoid: Paginate or use infinite scroll, limiting to 12-20 images per batch.
Best practices
- Use Imgix URL parameters to serve optimized thumbnails.
- Set fixed cell dimensions for a uniform grid.
- Limit initial load to 12-20 images with pagination or infinite scroll.
- Add alt text for accessibility and SEO.
- Support multiple image formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP).
- Allow filtering by tags or categories.
Still stuck?
Copy one of these prompts to get a personalized, step-by-step explanation.
I want to build an image gallery in Bubble.io with a responsive grid, lightbox popup for full-size viewing, and image upload. How do I set up the Repeating Group, lightbox, and optimize image loading?
Create an image gallery with a 3-column responsive grid, lightbox popup on click, image upload with File Uploader, and Imgix optimization for thumbnails.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add image filters or effects?
Not natively. Use Imgix URL parameters for basic adjustments (brightness, contrast, blur) or integrate a JavaScript image editor library.
What is the maximum image file size?
Bubble allows uploads up to 50MB by default. For performance, recommend users upload images under 5MB and let Imgix handle resizing.
Can I create album/folder organization?
Yes. Create an Album data type and link Photos to Albums. Filter the gallery by selected album.
How do I add captions to gallery images?
Add a 'caption' text field to your Photo data type. Display it as an overlay at the bottom of each gallery cell and in the lightbox.
Can I allow drag-and-drop reordering?
Bubble does not natively support drag-and-drop in Repeating Groups. Use a drag-and-drop plugin or add a sort_order field with up/down buttons. For advanced gallery features, RapidDev can build custom solutions.
Does the gallery work on mobile?
Yes. Set the Repeating Group to reduce columns on smaller breakpoints (3 on desktop, 2 on tablet, 1 on mobile) using responsive settings.
Talk to an Expert
Our team has built 600+ apps. Get personalized help with your project.
Book a free consultation