How can I create a grid layout in Webflow with random placement of images using CMS items, while also maintaining a parallax effect and lightbox functionality for each image?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To create a grid layout in Webflow with random placement of images using CMS items, while also maintaining a parallax effect and lightbox functionality for each image, follow these steps:

  1. Create a CMS collection: Start by creating a CMS collection in the Webflow Designer. Add fields for the image, title, description, and any other relevant information you want to display for each image.

  2. Upload and tag your images: Upload the images you want to display in the grid and add tags to each image based on the desired categories or groups you want to use for random placement. For example, you could tag images by color, subject, or any other relevant criteria.

  3. Design the grid layout: In the Webflow Designer, create a new page or section where you want the grid layout to appear. Add a grid layout element to the page, and set the desired number of rows and columns.

  4. Connect the grid to your CMS collection: In the grid layout settings, click on "Connect collection" and select the CMS collection you created in step 1. Choose the "Multi-reference" field type and connect it to the images field from the collection.

  5. Add a dynamic list: Within the grid layout element, add a dynamic list element and set its source to the CMS collection you created. Set the limit to the maximum number of images you want to display in the grid.

  6. Customize the grid items: Inside the dynamic list, add a grid item for each image. Design and style the grid item as desired, including any effects or interactions you want to apply. You can use Webflow's built-in elements and components or custom code as needed.

  7. Apply random placement: To achieve random placement of the images within the grid, you will need to use custom code. You can accomplish this by adding a custom attribute to each grid item element in the dynamic list and applying a random order to the items via JavaScript. You can find code snippets and examples from the Webflow community to help you with this step.

  8. Add parallax effect: To create a parallax effect for each image, you will need to apply custom CSS and JavaScript. Use interactions or custom code to trigger the parallax effect on scroll or hover. You can adjust the speed and intensity of the effect to achieve the desired result.

  9. Implement lightbox functionality: To enable lightbox functionality for each image, you can use the Webflow lightbox component. Add a lightbox link to each grid item that corresponds to the image. Make sure to connect the lightbox link to the image field from the CMS collection.

  10. Publish and test: Once you have completed the design and functionality setup, publish your site and test the grid layout. Make sure the images display in a random order, the parallax effect works as intended, and the lightbox opens the correct image when clicked.

By following these steps, you can create a grid layout in Webflow with random placement of images using CMS items, while maintaining a parallax effect and lightbox functionality for each image.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I create a CMS collection in Webflow?
  2. What is a parallax effect and how can I add it to my Webflow site?
  3. Can I customize the lightbox component in Webflow?