How can I create a dynamic grid layout in Webflow that automatically populates images and links from a collection, where some images are larger and others flow around each other nicely?

To create a dynamic, flexible grid layout in Webflow where images from a CMS Collection automatically populate and vary in size or positioning, use Webflow’s CMS in combination with CSS Grid or Flexbox and custom settings. Here's how:

1. Set Up a CMS Collection

• Create a CMS Collection with fields like:
• Image
• Slug or Link
• Size Category (e.g., small, medium, large — you’ll use this later for layout sizing)

2. Add a Collection List to Your Page

• Drag a Collection List onto the canvas.
• Connect it to your CMS Collection from Step 1.
• Inside the list, add:
• An Image element bound to the Image field.
• A Link Block or Anchor Wrapper tied to the Slug or link field.

3. Use CSS Grid for the Parent Layout

• Select the Collection List Wrapper, then:
• Go to Display Settings and set it to Grid.
• Define the number of columns (e.g. 4) and adjust row/column gaps as needed.
• Use Auto or Min/Max sizing to let the grid flow responsively.

4. Allow Variable Image Sizing Using Conditional Sizes

• On the Collection Item, enable custom sizing by adding a reference class such as .grid-item.
• Then, for each size variant, add combo classes like:
• .grid-item.large
• .grid-item.medium
• .grid-item.small
• Use Conditional Visibility or Custom Code + CMS field values to apply different layout behavior per item.
• In the Style Panel, adjust each combo class:
• Example: Set .grid-item.large to span 2 columns and 2 rows using the Grid Row Span and Grid Column Span options.

5. Optimize Image Positioning and Overflow

• Make sure images are set to cover or use object-fit: cover.
• Set the height and aspect ratio either directly or using Webflow’s padding trick with % to maintain layout consistency.

6. Make It Responsive

• On Tablet and Mobile, reduce the number of columns controlled in the Grid layout.
• Modify or remove row/column spans as needed for better stacking behavior.

Summary

Use Webflow’s CSS Grid, CMS Collection Lists, and conditional span behavior to create a dynamic image grid. Vary image sizes with CMS fields and apply custom combo classes to span multiple rows/columns. This creates a fluid, Pinterest-style layout that updates automatically via your collection.