Master URL Parameters in Bubble.io: Pass & Retrieve Data Like a Pro

Hey,

Have you ever needed to pass data between pages in your Bubble.io app? Most people save everything to the database, but there’s a faster way—URL parameters.

Instead of creating unnecessary database entries, you can pass data directly through the URL. This makes your app more efficient, improves performance, and reduces database load.

This week, I’m breaking down exactly how to use URL parameters to streamline navigation, pass data dynamically, and improve your workflows.

1. What Are URL Parameters?

URL parameters are extra pieces of data added to the end of a web address. They allow you to pass information between pages without needing to store it in the database.

Example URL with parameters:

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yourapp.com/profile?user_id=123&plan=premium

• ?user_id=123 → The parameter user_id holds the value 123.

• &plan=premium → The parameter plan holds the value premium.

This means when a user clicks a link, Bubble.io can retrieve this data instantly on the next page.

2. How to Pass Data Using URL Parameters in Bubble.io

There are two main ways to pass URL parameters in Bubble.

Method 1: Using the "Go to Page" Action

1. Add a workflow to navigate to another page.

2. Select "Go to Page" and choose the destination.

3. Click "Send more parameters to the page" and enter:

   • Key: user_id

   • Value: Current User’s Unique ID

Now, when the user navigates, the URL will include their ID:

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yourapp.com/profile?user_id=123

Method 2: Creating Dynamic Links

You can also manually add parameters when setting up links.

1. Create a text element (e.g., “View Profile”).

2. Insert a dynamic link like this:

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   yourapp.com/profile?user_id=[Current User’s Unique ID]

Now, when a user clicks the link, their ID is passed instantly.

3. How to Retrieve Data from URL Parameters

Once you’ve sent parameters, you need to extract them on the next page.

Steps to retrieve URL parameters in Bubble.io:

1. On the destination page, select an element where you want to display data (e.g., a text box).

2. Set the dynamic data source to Get data from page URL.

3. Enter the key (e.g., user_id).

4. Bubble will automatically pull the value from the URL.

Example:

• If the URL is: yourapp.com/profile?user_id=123

• The text element will display User ID: 123

4. Practical Use Cases for URL Parameters

Not sure when to use URL parameters? Here are some real-world examples:

• Profile Pages
  Instead of searching the database, pass the User ID in the URL and retrieve the user’s data instantly.

• Filtering Data
  Pass search filters like category=electronics to dynamically filter product listings.
  Example: yourapp.com/store?category=shoes&price=under50

• Multi-Step Forms
  Keep track of user progress in long forms without saving unnecessary temporary database entries.

• Pre-Filled Forms
  Pass user input from one page to another to auto-fill forms.
  Example: yourapp.com/[email protected]

5. When to Use URL Parameters vs. The Database

A good rule of thumb: Use URL parameters for temporary, non-sensitive data and the database for long-term storage.

That’s a Wrap

URL parameters are one of the most underrated tools in Bubble.io, but they can massively improve your app’s performance. Instead of saving everything in the database, try using dynamic URLs for a faster, smoother experience.

What’s the first thing you’re going to use URL parameters for? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear how you’re applying this.

Until next week
Stackless