# How to develop a quote generator in Bubble.io: Step-by-Step Guide

- Tool: Bubble
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time required: 20-25 min
- Compatibility: All Bubble plans
- Last updated: March 2026

## TL;DR

Build a quote generator in Bubble that creates price quotes from form inputs using calculation formulas, or displays random inspirational quotes from a database. This tutorial covers both use cases — a service pricing calculator that generates professional PDF quotes, and a random quote display with sharing features.

## Overview: Quote Generators in Bubble

A quote generator can mean two things: a pricing tool that calculates service quotes from user inputs, or an inspirational quote app that displays random quotes. This tutorial covers both — building a professional service quote calculator and a random inspirational quote feature.

## Before you start

- A Bubble account with an app
- Basic understanding of math expressions and dynamic data
- For pricing quotes: your service pricing structure

## Step-by-step guide

### 1. Build the pricing quote form

Create a page with input fields for quote parameters: service type (Dropdown from Option Set with base prices), quantity or hours (number input), add-ons (checkboxes for optional services with prices). Calculate the total dynamically: base price + (hourly rate × hours) + selected add-on prices. Display the total in a large, formatted Text element.

**Expected result:** Users fill in a form and see a calculated quote total in real time.

### 2. Generate a quote document

Add a 'Generate Quote' button that saves the calculation: Create a 'Quote' record with fields: client_name, service_type, line_items (list or JSON text), subtotal, tax, total, quote_number (auto-incremented), valid_until (date + 30 days). Display the quote in a styled Group formatted like a professional document with your company logo, quote number, line items, and total.

**Expected result:** A professional-looking quote document is generated and saved to the database.

### 3. Add PDF export for quotes

Install a PDF generation plugin (PDF Conjurer or similar). Add a 'Download PDF' button that converts the styled quote Group into a downloadable PDF file. Alternatively, use an HTML element with print-friendly CSS and trigger window.print() via JavaScript for a simpler approach.

**Expected result:** Users can download their quote as a PDF document.

### 4. Build a random inspirational quote display

Create a 'Quote' data type (if different from pricing) with: text (text), author (text), category (Option Set). Add 20-50 quotes to the database. Display a random quote using: Do a search for Quote :random item. Show the text in a styled card with the author below. Add a 'New Quote' button that refreshes the random selection by changing a custom state trigger.

> Pro tip: Use the :random item operator on a search to get a different quote each time without complex randomization logic.

**Expected result:** A random inspirational quote displays with author attribution and a refresh button.

### 5. Add sharing and favoriting

Add a 'Share' button that copies the quote text + author to the clipboard using JavaScript, or opens a share URL for social media. Add a 'Favorite' button that saves the quote to the user's favorites list (add a 'favorites' list of Quote field on User). Display a 'My Favorites' page with saved quotes.

**Expected result:** Users can share quotes to social media and save favorites for later.

## Complete code example

File: `Workflow summary`

```text
QUOTE GENERATOR — ARCHITECTURE
================================

PRICING QUOTE:
  Form inputs → service type, hours, add-ons
  Calculation: base + (rate × hours) + add-ons
  Save: Create Quote record with line items and total
  Export: PDF generation plugin or print CSS

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:
  Data: Quote type with text, author, category
  Display: Search :random item
  Refresh: New Quote button changes trigger state
  Share: Copy to clipboard or social share URL
  Favorite: Add to User's favorites list

DATA TYPES:
  PriceQuote: client_name, service_type, line_items,
              subtotal, tax, total, quote_number, valid_until
  InspirationalQuote: text, author, category
```

## Common mistakes

- **Hardcoding prices instead of using data-driven pricing** — Price changes require editing the page instead of updating a record Fix: Store service prices in an Option Set attribute or a Pricing data type for easy updates
- **Not auto-incrementing quote numbers** — Manual numbering leads to duplicates and gaps Fix: Use a counter: search for the highest existing quote_number and add 1, or use a backend workflow with a shared counter
- **Generating the same random quote repeatedly** — The :random item operator can return the same result on quick refreshes Fix: Store the last shown quote in a custom state and add a constraint to exclude it from the next search

## Best practices

- Store pricing data in Option Sets or database for easy updates
- Auto-increment quote numbers for professional tracking
- Include an expiry date on price quotes (typically 30 days)
- Add a tax calculation option for applicable services
- For inspirational quotes, seed the database with at least 50 entries for variety
- Cache the random quote in a custom state to control refresh timing

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I email the quote directly to a client?

Yes. Add a 'Send Quote' button that triggers a Send email action with the quote details formatted in the email body, or attach the generated PDF.

### How do I track quote conversion rates?

Add a 'status' field on PriceQuote (Sent/Viewed/Accepted/Declined). Update when the client responds. Calculate conversion as Accepted / Total.

### Can I add a quote comparison feature?

Yes. Let users save multiple quote variations and display them side by side in a comparison table.

### How many inspirational quotes should I add?

At least 50 for decent variety. 200+ is ideal to prevent users from seeing repeats frequently.

### Can I pull quotes from an external API?

Yes. APIs like ZenQuotes, Quotable, or API Ninjas provide free quote endpoints. Connect via API Connector and display the results.

### Can RapidDev build a quoting tool?

Yes. RapidDev builds custom quoting systems with dynamic pricing, approval workflows, e-signatures, and CRM integration.

---

Source: https://www.rapidevelopers.com/bubble-tutorial/develop-a-quote-generator-in-bubble
© RapidDev — https://www.rapidevelopers.com/bubble-tutorial/develop-a-quote-generator-in-bubble