Repeating Group

When you’re building apps in no-code/low-code platforms, you often need to display a list of items—like products in a store, posts in a blog, or users in a directory. Manually adding each one would take forever. That’s where the repeating group comes in.

A repeating group is a dynamic container that automatically displays lists of data. Instead of creating a new section for every item, the app fetches the data from your database and shows it in a repeating pattern. This feature is popular in tools like Bubble, Glide, and FlutterFlow because it saves time and makes apps dynamic.

In this guide, I’ll explain what repeating groups are, how they work, their benefits, and practical examples to help you understand them better.

What is a Repeating Group?

A repeating group is a design element in no-code/low-code platforms that shows multiple records from a database in a repeating layout.

Think of it as a template that repeats itself for each data entry. For example:

• In an e-commerce app → it repeats product cards.
• In a blog → it repeats article previews.
• In a directory → it repeats contact profiles.

Instead of hardcoding each item, you design the layout once, and the repeating group fills it with data automatically.

How Repeating Groups Work in No-code/Low-code

Repeating groups work by connecting to a data source, usually a database or API. Once connected, the app pulls records and displays them in the template you’ve created.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Design the layout – Create one item template (e.g., product card).
2. Link to a data source – Connect the template to your database or API.
3. Set repeating rules – Define how many rows or columns to show.
4. Customize display – Add filters, sorting, or search options.

For example, in Bubble:

• Data source: “All Products.”
• Layout: 3 columns, 4 rows.
• Display: Each cell shows product image, title, and price.

The repeating group automatically updates when new products are added.

Benefits of Using Repeating Groups

Repeating groups are one of the most powerful features in no-code/low-code development because they make apps dynamic and scalable.

Key benefits include:

• Dynamic content – Automatically updates when database changes.
• Time-saving – Design once, reuse for hundreds of records.
• Scalability – Can handle small or large datasets.
• User-friendly – Works with filters, search, and pagination.
• Consistency – All records follow the same layout.

This means you can display hundreds of items without manually creating new elements.

Examples of Repeating Groups in Action

Repeating groups are everywhere in apps you use daily. Here are some examples:

• E-commerce apps – Show a grid of products with images and prices.
• Social media apps – Display feeds with posts, comments, and likes.
• Directory apps – List businesses, contacts, or services.
• Booking apps – Show available slots, rooms, or events.
• Task management tools – Display tasks with deadlines and status.

These repeating groups turn static apps into interactive, data-driven platforms.

Repeating Group vs Static Group

It’s important to understand the difference between a repeating group and a static group:

• Static group – Displays one fixed set of content (e.g., a single product card). It doesn’t change automatically.
• Repeating group – Dynamically pulls multiple records and shows them in a loop (e.g., a product catalog).

In short, static groups are fixed; repeating groups are flexible and data-driven.

Repeating Groups in Popular No-code Tools

Different platforms implement repeating groups in their own way:

• Bubble – Repeating groups are core features for building dynamic web apps.
• Glide – Uses lists and collections to display spreadsheet data repeatedly.
• FlutterFlow – Uses list views and grids for repeating content in mobile apps.
• Adalo – Offers list components that behave like repeating groups.
• Airtable (with front-end tools) – Can power repeating group displays when linked with app builders.

Each platform has its own name, but the concept is the same—show lists dynamically.

How to Use Repeating Groups Effectively

To get the best results with repeating groups, follow these tips:

• Plan data structure first – Make sure your database is organized.
• Keep layout clean – Use consistent spacing, fonts, and design.
• Add filters and search – Help users find what they need quickly.
• Optimize performance – Use pagination or limit records for faster loading.
• Test with real data – Ensure the layout looks good with different record sizes.

Repeating groups can make or break user experience, so design them carefully.

Conclusion

A repeating group is one of the most useful elements in no-code/low-code platforms. It allows you to display multiple records dynamically without coding. Whether you’re building an online store, a blog, or a directory, repeating groups save time, keep apps scalable, and create better user experiences.

If you’re serious about building apps with no-code/low-code, mastering repeating groups will unlock endless possibilities.