Is there a simpler way to create an image gallery in Webflow, where I can add multiple pictures at once and have it automatically create thumbnails using a lightbox tool or another method?

Creating an image gallery in Webflow can be simplified by using the built-in Lightbox component or CMS collections, allowing you to bulk-add images and auto-generate thumbnails.

1. Use Webflow's Lightbox with Static Images

• Drag a Lightbox component from the Add Panel into your layout.
• Click “Choose Image” inside the Lightbox and upload multiple images at once.
• After uploading, you'll need to duplicate the Lightbox element manually for each image, which is fine for small galleries but tedious for large ones.

2. Use a Lightbox with a CMS Collection (Best for Bulk & Dynamic Control)

• Use Webflow CMS to manage your gallery images dynamically.
• Set up a CMS Collection (e.g., “Gallery”) with at least one field: Image.
• Add images directly to the CMS, either one by one or in bulk via CSV if you have URLs (Webflow doesn’t support direct multi-image upload into CMS yet).
• On your page, bind a Lightbox component inside a Collection List to the CMS image field.
• Webflow will automatically generate thumbnails and allow lightbox functionality across all items.

3. Automate Image Upload Outside of Webflow (Optional)

• Use third-party tools like Zapier or Make to connect image sources (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) with Webflow CMS if you want true bulk upload automation.
• These tools can push image URLs into your CMS Collection for dynamic display.

Summary

For the simplest manual setup, use Webflow’s built-in Lightbox component, duplicating it for each image. For bulk, dynamic control and thumbnail automation, use a CMS Collection bound to Lightbox elements, which offers scalability and clean design with minimal effort.