How to manage user preferences in Bubble

The simplest and most reliable way to manage user preferences in Bubble is to store them directly on the User data type (or a related “Preferences” data type if things get complex), let users update those fields through workflows, and protect them with correct Privacy Rules. Bubble automatically saves and loads these fields for the logged‑in user, so you don’t need extra logic.

What to store and where

For most apps, create fields on the User type such as text preferences, switches (yes/no), or lists (for example, a list of categories). Bubble stores these values for each user record, so you can read them anywhere in the app using Current User.

• Lightweight preferences: yes/no fields like “Dark mode enabled”.
• Choice-based preferences: text or option set fields like “Default language”.
• Multi-select preferences: list fields like a list of tags the user likes.

How users update preferences

Use a regular workflow triggered by a Save button. The action is Make changes to Current User. Just map the input values into the User’s fields.

// Example workflow action
Make changes to thing: Current User
Dark mode enabled = Toggle Dark Mode's value
Language = Dropdown Language's value
Favorite categories = Multiselect Category's value

Loading preferences in the UI

Whenever you want to show or use a preference, reference Current User’s FieldName. For example, show a dark-themed group only if Current User's Dark mode enabled is yes.

• Inputs can be pre-filled by setting their Initial content to the user field.
• Conditionals can change appearance using the saved preference.

Protecting preferences with Privacy Rules

In Data › Privacy, create a rule for the User type that allows a user to see and modify only their own preferences. Enable “View all fields” and “Modify” only when This User is Current User. This prevents other users from reading or changing someone else’s settings.

When to use a separate Preferences data type

If a user has many grouped settings, or you want multiple “profiles” per user, create a new type like Preferences with a User field linking back to the owner. This keeps the User table clean but works the same: update via workflows and load via searches or direct reference.