Before starting a project in Figma, make sure your workspace is set up for success.
Sign Up or Upgrade:
- Create a free account or upgrade to Figma Professional for team features like version history and private projects.
Create a Team or Project:
- Use Teams for collaborative work with shared libraries and permissions.
- Organize projects into folders for easy access.
Enable Libraries:
- Use shared component libraries (e.g., buttons, icons, grids).
- Link team design systems for consistency.
Download Desktop App or Mobile App (Optional):
- Use the desktop app for better performance and the mobile app for on-the-go previews.
Set Up Plugins:
- Install useful plugins such as:
- Content Reel: Add placeholder text/images.
- Unsplash: Import free stock images.
- Iconify: Access a library of free icons.
Name Files Clearly: Use a consistent naming convention (e.g., ProjectName_V1 or Homepage_Final).
Use Pages Within Files: Separate designs into pages (e.g., Wireframes, Prototypes, Final Designs).
Organize Layers and Frames:
- Group related elements in frames and name layers descriptively (e.g., Header, Footer).
Set Dimensions:
- Define the canvas size (e.g., 1920x1080 for web, 1080x1920 for mobile).
Choose a Grid System:
- Apply grids or layouts (e.g., 12-column grid for responsive design).
Create a Style Guide:
- Define text styles, color palettes, and button components before starting.
Use Frames:
- Work within frames for responsive and organized designs.
Apply Auto Layout:
- Use Auto Layout to create responsive buttons, cards, or sections that adjust dynamically.
Use Components:
- Convert reusable elements (e.g., buttons, navigation bars) into Components for efficiency.
Maintain Consistency:
- Use shared libraries for icons, buttons, and typography.
Apply Layer Naming Standards:
- Example:
- Header/Logo
- Sidebar/Menu
- Content/Card/Title.
Create Variants for Components:
- Add states like Default, Hover, and Disabled to buttons using variants.
Use Placeholder Content:
- Add realistic text, images, or user data using plugins like Content Reel or Unsplash.
Link Frames for Navigation:
- Use Prototype mode to connect frames for buttons, menus, or flows.
Add Microinteractions:
- Apply animations such as Smart Animate for smooth transitions (e.g., page loads or hover effects).
Test Responsiveness:
- Resize frames to ensure layouts work across breakpoints (e.g., mobile, tablet, desktop).
Add Comments:
- Use C to comment on specific elements or areas. Tag collaborators (e.g., @teammember).
Share Links:
- Share project links with permissions (View, Edit).
Version History:
- Check version history for changes and rollbacks, if needed.
| Task | Details | Completed? (?) |
|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|--------------------|
| Grid System Applied | E.g., 12-column for desktop design | |
| Styles Defined | Text, colors, and button styles added | |
| Components Created | Reusable buttons, menus, or sections created | |
| Prototyping Links Added | Navigation and interactions mapped out | |
| Comments Left | Notes or suggestions shared with the team | |
Here are some common design templates and their components:
Purpose: Quickly sketch the structure of a webpage or app.
| Element | Details |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Header | Placeholder for logo, navigation, and CTA button. |
| Hero Section | Large placeholder image or text headline. |
| Content Blocks | Add card layouts, grids, or columns for content. |
| Footer | Placeholder for links, social icons, and copyright. |
Purpose: Create a library of reusable UI components.
| Component | Details |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Buttons | Variants for primary, secondary, and disabled states.|
| Text Inputs | Variants for default, focused, and error states. |
| Navigation Bar | Include desktop and mobile versions. |
| Cards | Templates for product listings, blog previews, etc. |
| Modals | Templates for pop-ups with content placeholders. |
Purpose: Maintain consistency across your project.
| Style Element | Details |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Color Palette | Add brand colors with labels (e.g., Primary Blue). |
| Typography | Define font sizes, weights, and line heights. |
| Icons | Use a consistent set of icons (import via plugins). |
Purpose: Create wireframes or high-fidelity designs for mobile apps.
| Screen Type | Details |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Splash Screen | App logo and loading indicator. |
| Login/Sign-Up | Input fields for email, password, and CTA button. |
| Dashboard | Add cards, graphs, or navigation tabs. |
| Profile | User photo, bio, and settings links. |
Map Navigation: Connect all interactive elements (e.g., buttons, links).
Define Transitions: Use Smart Animate or other effects for smooth changes.
Test Flows: Check user journeys for usability (e.g., login to dashboard).
Preview Responsiveness: Resize frames for mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Share Prototype: Send a preview link to stakeholders or developers.
When your design is complete, prepare assets for sharing or development.
Export Assets:
- Select frames or elements > Right-click > Export.
- Choose file formats: PNG, JPG, or SVG.
Export Settings for Developers:
- Use Inspect mode to share CSS, dimensions, and assets.
Slice Assets (Optional):
- Mark icons or images for export as slices.
Share a Figma Link:
- Provide developers or clients with a link for easy access to the design.
| Asset Name | Format | Usage |
|---------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|
| Logo.svg | SVG | For scalable web graphics |
| Hero-Image.jpg | JPG | For fast web performance |
| Button-Icon.png | PNG | For buttons or icons |
Elements Misaligned:
- Use grids, rulers, and Auto Layout to fix spacing issues.
Missing Assets:
- Ensure all images and icons are uploaded and linked correctly.
Prototype Links Not Working:
- Check and reconnect broken links in Prototype mode.
Export Quality Issues:
- Increase resolution or use vector formats for crisp visuals.