Lesscode.io

How to Use Reusable Elements in Bubble: A Step-by-Step Guide for Developers

If you’re building apps on bubble.io, you might’ve come across something called ‘reusable elements.’ Ever wondered what they are? Why do people use them? And how can you start using them too?

If the answer is a resounding yes, this guide is for you. Let’s get into it.

What Are Reusable Elements in Bubble.io?

Let’s keep it simple – reusable elements are parts of your app that you design once and use over and over again.

They’re like ready-made templates you create once and then use anywhere in your app. Instead of recreating the same design, you design it once and save it as a reusable element. Need that same design elsewhere? Just drag it in. No need to start from scratch each time. 

This saves a ton of time. Also, when you want to make a change, you only update it once, and it changes everywhere. 

Why Not Just Copy and Paste the Same Group on Every Page?

That’s a fair question.

At first, it might seem faster to just copy and paste a button, form, or menu from one page to another. But here’s the problem – every copy is separate. If you need to update the text, styling, or behavior later, you’ll have to do it manually on every single page. That’s not fun.

Reusable elements fix that. That’s why experienced developers rely on them all the time.

How Do You Actually Create a Reusable Element in Bubble.io?

Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

In your bubble.io editor, look on the left side and find the section that says ‘Reusable Elements.’ Click on ‘New Reusable Element.’ Give it a name and hit create.

This opens up a blank canvas. You can now drag in buttons, text, input fields, icons, anything you want. It works just like building on a normal page.

Once you save it, that reusable element becomes available in your toolbox. Now, whenever you want to use it on a page, just drag and drop it in.

Can Reusable Elements Have Workflows Too?

Yes – and they totally should!

Let’s say you’ve created a reusable navigation bar. It has buttons like ‘Home,’ ‘Profile,’ and ‘Log Out.’ You can build all the click actions (a.k.a. workflows) inside the reusable element itself. So every time you use that navigation bar on a new page, it already knows what to do when someone clicks something.

This is why reusable elements are so powerful. They’re not just visual, but they can be interactive too.

Can You Pass Data Into a Reusable Element?

Absolutely. Reusable elements aren’t just static pieces. They can show different data depending on where they’re used.

Let’s say you made a reusable ‘User Profile Card.’ On one page, it needs to show Jane’s info. On another, it needs to show Bob’s info. You can pass data (like the specific user) into the reusable so that it updates accordingly.

This makes reusables dynamic, flexible, and perfect for dashboards, lists, or anything that changes based on the user or page.

How Do You Pass Data Into a Reusable Element?

Once you’ve added a reusable element to your page, you’ll see an option to set its data source. That’s where you tell the element what data to display.

Let’s say the reusable is expecting a ‘User’ type. You just connect it to the current page’s user or any custom data source you’ve set. It’ll then show the right information.

No need to hardcode anything. That’s what makes reusable elements such a helpful tool for any no-code development agency or team trying to save time and stay organized.

What Are Some Things You Can Build as Reusable Elements?

You can build more than just headers and footers. Here are a few practical ideas:

  • Navigation bars
  • Popups for login or messages
  • User cards
  • Repeating elements like product tiles
  • Reusable modals or alerts
  • Input forms

If you find yourself repeating the same design or logic in more than one place, it’s a perfect candidate for a reusable.

In fact, a lot of bubble.io freelancers for hire specialize in building reusable UI kits for faster and more consistent development.

Will Reusable Elements Make Your App Faster?

Good question.

In general, yes. Reusable elements can help improve performance. Since bubble.io knows you’re reusing the same element in multiple places, it handles loading more efficiently.

But it’s also possible to overdo it. If your reusable is overloaded with complex logic, animations, or tons of nested groups, it might slow things down. The trick is to keep your reusable elements lean and purpose-driven.

This is where working with an experienced no code developer or a bubble certified development agency really helps. They know exactly how to keep your app fast, clean, and efficient.

Can You Use a Reusable Inside Another Reusable?

Yes, you can. And it’s awesome when used right.

This is called nesting reusable elements. For example, you might create a reusable chat message component and then place it inside a larger chat window reusable. This makes building complex features much easier.

Just remember – too much nesting can get confusing. If you nest 5 layers deep, it might be hard to troubleshoot later. Use it wisely. If in doubt, hire bubble.io freelancers who know how to manage it cleanly.

How Do You Edit a Reusable Element?

Simple. Go to the ‘Reusable Elements’ section in your Bubble editor, click the one you want to edit, and it opens up just like a page.

Make your changes, update text, buttons, workflows, whatever, and click save. Every instance of that reusable element in your app gets updated automatically.

Are Reusable Elements Responsive?

Yes, reusable elements are fully responsive. You can design them to look great on desktops, tablets, and mobile.

You have access to all of bubble.io’s responsive settings, including min width, max width, hiding elements, alignment, and more. Just design your reusable element to adapt based on screen size.

Want your app to feel modern and mobile-friendly? Start with responsive reusable elements. It’s something every professional no-code development agency takes seriously from day one.

What Should You Avoid When Creating Reusable Elements?

Alright, here’s the ‘what not to do’ list.

Don’t hardcode text or data that’s going to change depending on where the element is used. Instead, use dynamic content.

Also, don’t cram 100 features into a single reusable. Keep it focused. Too much going on in one element makes it slow and harder to debug.

And lastly, avoid circular references. Don’t accidentally put a reusable element inside itself. That creates weird problems you don’t want to deal with.

If you’re unsure about the setup, it might be time to hire bubble.io freelancers who have done it many times before.

Can Reusable Elements Help With Maintenance?

Absolutely.

Imagine having to update a ‘Contact Us’ section that appears on 12 pages. If you build it with reusable elements, you only need to change it once. Without reusables? You’re editing 12 different groups.

Reusable elements make future updates a breeze. That’s why bubble certified development agencies love them for client projects as they save tons of time in the long run.

Are Reusable Elements Production Ready?

Most serious apps built on bubble.io rely heavily on reusable elements. They help teams stay organized and keep designs consistent.

If you’re launching a product or building an MVP, reusable elements are a must-have. 

Should Beginners Learn Reusable Elements Early?

Definitely.

Even if you’re just starting out, learning reusable elements early on is a smart move. It helps you build apps that are cleaner, easier to manage, and more scalable.

If you ignore them at first, you’ll likely end up redoing a lot of your app later. So it’s better to learn them from day one or work with a no code development agency that can help you get it right.

How Do Reusable Elements Keep Your App Clean and Organized?

They force you to build with structure.

Instead of throwing together random groups and workflows, you start thinking in terms of reusable pieces, just like professional developers do. This leads to apps that are easier to understand, fix, and grow.

Clean code (or clean no-code) matters. Especially when you’re building something that other people might work on, like a client project or a team app. That’s why so many people hire bubble.io freelancers who prioritize good architecture.

Are Reusable Elements Worth It?

Yes. Without a doubt.

Reusable elements help you move faster, stay consistent, and build apps that are easier to maintain. They’re a must for anyone serious about building high-quality apps on bubble.io.

The trick is to start small, make a reusable footer or a login popup. Then build from there. Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever built without them.

Want expert help building reusable-driven apps? Reach out to a no code development agency or find top-rated bubble.io freelancers for hire to guide you through it.