How to set up a discussion forum in Bubble

The simplest valid way to build a discussion forum in Bubble is to create two main data types (Topic and Post), set up pages that display lists using a Repeating Group, and allow logged‑in users to create new topics and posts through standard Bubble forms and workflows. Bubble doesn’t have built‑in forum features, but these pieces together behave exactly like a forum.

Data Structure

You only need a few Data Types:

• Topic (fields: Title text, Body text, Author User, Posts list of Post, Created Date auto)
• Post (fields: Body text, Author User, Parent Topic Topic, Created Date auto)

This is a classic parent–child setup. Each Post points to its Topic, and Topic keeps a list of its Posts automatically when you create them.

Creating Topics

• Add inputs on a “New Topic” page: Input Title, Multiline Input Body.
• Add a button “Create Topic”.
• Workflow: Data → Create a new Thing → Topic.

// Workflow fields for Topic
Title = Input Title's value
Body = Multiline Input Body's value
Author = Current User

After creation, navigate to the topic page using “Go to page” and send the Topic as data.

Topic Page (list of posts)

Make a page with Type of Content = Topic. Add a Repeating Group whose Data Source is Current Page Topic's Posts:sorted by Created Date. Inside each cell show Post Body, Author, and Created Date.

Creating Replies

• Place a Multiline Input under the Repeating Group.
• Add a “Post Reply” button.
• Create a Post via workflow and set Parent Topic to Current Page Topic.

// Workflow fields for Post
Body = Multiline Input's value
Author = Current User
Parent Topic = Current Page Topic

Privacy Rules

• In Data → Privacy, allow “Everyone can view” for Topic and Post if your forum is public.
• Allow “Current User” to create new Topic/Post.

This keeps reading open but ensures only logged‑in users can write.

Displaying the Forum Homepage

Create a Repeating Group on the homepage with Data Type = Topic and Data Source = Do a Search for Topics (sorted by Created Date). When a user clicks a topic cell, navigate to the topic page and send that Topic as data.

With these pieces, you get a fully working discussion forum: homepage → topic page → replies, built entirely with Bubble’s standard database, repeating groups, and workflows.