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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 src when 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 src of the main-image with 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.

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