In the world of no-code development, Bubble developers are constantly searching for ways to streamline their workflows, enhance scalability, and build apps faster without compromising quality. One of the most powerful yet often underutilized features in Bubble is the reusable element. These elements not only save time but also ensure consistency across your applications, making them a must-have in any developer’s toolkit.
In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reusable elements in Bubble, from understanding their purpose to mastering their advanced use cases. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced Bubble developer looking to level up your skills, this article will serve as your go-to resource.
What Are Reusable Elements in Bubble?
At its core, a reusable element in Bubble is a component you can create once and deploy across multiple pages or apps. Think of them as custom-made building blocks for your application. Examples include:
- Navigation bars
- Footers
- Popups and modals
- Login and signup forms
- Custom buttons or card layouts
Instead of designing these components from scratch every time, Bubble developers can design them once, save them as reusable elements, and drag them into any page of the app as needed.
This ensures a consistent user experience and drastically reduces development time.
Why Reusable Elements Are Essential for Bubble Developers
1. Time Efficiency
Creating repetitive elements for each page is inefficient. Reusable elements allow Bubble developers to design once and reuse infinitely.
2. Consistency
When you build an app with dozens of pages, keeping the design uniform becomes a challenge. With reusable elements, a single update automatically reflects across all pages where the element is used.
3. Scalability
Reusable elements let apps grow seamlessly. As apps become more complex, these components ensure that the foundation remains manageable.
4. Easier Maintenance
Imagine updating a header across 30 pages. Without reusable elements, you’d have to edit each one manually. With reusable elements, a single change updates them everywhere.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Reusable Elements in Bubble
Step 1: Identify Components to Reuse
Before creating reusable elements, plan your app. Which components will appear frequently? Typically, Bubble developers start with:
- Navigation bars
- Side menus
- Footers
- User authentication forms
Having a strategy saves time later in the development cycle.
Step 2: Create a Reusable Element
- In the Bubble editor, click the “New Reusable Element” option in the left menu.
- Name your element (e.g., “Main Navigation”).
- A new editor tab will open, where you can design the element just like a page.
Step 3: Add the Reusable Element to a Page
Once created, drag your reusable element from the Visual Elements menu onto any page. Bubble treats it as a self-contained component.
Step 4: Customize and Configure Properties
Reusable elements aren’t static. You can expose inputs, outputs, and events for dynamic behavior. For instance:
- A navigation bar can pass the current page state.
- A login form can trigger workflows for authentication.
Step 5: Update Reusable Elements Across the App
When you edit the reusable element, all instances update instantly. This is a huge advantage for Bubble developers managing apps with multiple pages.
Advanced Tips for Bubble Developers
1. Use Custom States for Flexibility
Reusable elements can store custom states, allowing them to respond dynamically to user actions. For example, a reusable sidebar can toggle open or closed using a custom state.
2. Expose Element Properties
Bubble allows developers to expose properties of reusable elements to the parent page. This way, you can pass data in or out of the reusable element easily.
3. Workflow Triggers
Reusable elements can also trigger workflows. For instance, a reusable login form can initiate a workflow that logs users in and redirects them.
4. Responsive Design in Reusable Elements
Design your reusable elements with responsiveness in mind. Bubble’s responsive editor ensures that these components work seamlessly across devices.
5. Nested Reusable Elements
Yes, reusable elements can contain other reusable elements. For instance, you could create a header element that includes a reusable search bar.
Common Mistakes Bubble Developers Should Avoid
- Overcomplicating Elements
Keep reusable elements focused. Avoid stuffing too many features into one component. - Not Planning Ahead
Redesigning later is costly. Bubble developers should identify reusables early in the planning stage. - Ignoring Responsiveness
Reusable elements that don’t adapt well across screen sizes can break user experience. - Not Using Naming Conventions
Name your reusable elements clearly (e.g.,Header_Main,Footer_AuthPages) to avoid confusion in large projects.
Real-World Use Cases
1. Navigation Bars
Bubble developers often create one universal navigation bar to maintain consistent branding.
2. Authentication Forms
Reusable login, signup, and password reset forms save hours of redundant work.
3. Popups & Modals
Whether it’s a subscription popup or confirmation modal, reusables make them easy to manage.
4. Product Cards in Marketplaces
For marketplaces or e-commerce apps, reusable product cards standardize design and simplify updates.
Best Practices for Bubble Developers
- Keep Elements Modular: Break down complex designs into smaller reusable parts.
- Use Global Styles: Combine reusables with global styles for faster theme updates.
- Document Your Elements: Keep notes on what each reusable does to help teams collaborate.
- Leverage Templates: Start from Bubble’s prebuilt templates and convert them into reusable elements.
The Future of Reusable Elements in Bubble
Bubble continues to evolve, giving developers more power over their designs. Reusable elements are central to scalable app-building in the no-code era. For Bubble developers, mastering these elements isn’t optional—it’s essential.
As apps grow in complexity, reusables will remain a cornerstone of efficiency, collaboration, and consistency. With Bubble adding features like improved responsive engines and better workflows, the possibilities for reusable elements will only expand.
Final Thoughts
For Bubble developers, reusable elements are more than a convenience—they are a pathway to building professional, scalable, and consistent applications. By mastering the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you’ll save countless hours, reduce errors, and deliver a better user experience.
In the no-code ecosystem, efficiency is everything. If you’re serious about developing in Bubble, reusable elements should be at the heart of your workflow.
