How can I implement the concept of Collections in Webflow for a Multi-Image with Thumbnails feature?
TL;DR
- Add a Multi-Image field to your CMS collection and upload images.
- On your page, add a Collection List bound to your collection, and nest a Collection List inside for thumbnails using the Multi-Image field.
- Create a main image display area with an Image element and set a default image.
- Use custom JavaScript to update the main image's
srcwhen a thumbnail is clicked by assigning attributes and listening for click events. - Style the layout responsively with grid or flexbox and optimize image loading with lazy loading.
To implement a Multi-Image with Thumbnails feature in Webflow using Collections, you’ll use a Multi-Image field, Collection Lists, and custom interactions to connect thumbnails with a main image display.
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1. Enable Multi-Image Field in Your Collection
- Go to CMS → Collections, choose the relevant collection (e.g., Portfolio Items or Products).
- Click Add Field, select Multi-Image, and give it a name like Gallery.
- Save the field and update your existing collection items by uploading multiple images.
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2. Add a Collection List to Your Page
- On your page (Template or Static), drag a Collection List element onto the canvas.
- Bind the list to your chosen Collection (e.g., Projects).
- Inside this list, add other elements to display basic fields (e.g., title, description).
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3. Add Nested Collection List for Thumbnails
- Inside each main collection item, add a Nested Collection List.
- Select the Multi-Image field as the data source (e.g., the “Gallery” field).
- Place an Image element inside the nested list and bind it to the current image.
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4. Create the Main Image Display Area
- Above or beside the thumbnails, insert a div block to act as the main image container.
- Inside, place an Image element—this will show the selected thumbnail in large display.
- Set a default image (e.g., the first gallery image) using CMS or custom JS.
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5. Use Webflow Interactions to Link Thumbnails to Main Image
- Webflow doesn’t support direct binding of thumbnail clicks to change another image dynamically with native CMS, so:
- Assign a unique ID or custom attribute to the main image (
main-image). - Apply a custom attribute (like
data-image) to each thumbnail that holds the image URL. - Use custom JavaScript (inside a
<script>embed in Page Settings or via a Custom Code embed) to:- Listen for clicks on thumbnails.
- Replace the
srcof themain-imagewith the clicked thumbnail’s URL.
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6. Style Responsively and Optimize
- Use grid or flexbox to position thumbnails vertically or horizontally.
- Use loading="lazy" on images to optimize performance for multi-image galleries.
- Ensure thumbnails resize properly on mobile using Webflow’s responsive settings.
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Summary
To create a Multi-Image gallery with clickable thumbnails in Webflow, use a Multi-Image field in your CMS, nest a Collection List for thumbnails, and connect it to a custom main image display using custom JavaScript. Native Webflow doesn't support dynamic image swapping without custom code, so JavaScript is essential for the thumbnail-click behavior.