Boost your Figma efficiency with these 10 expert tips
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Tip 1: Duplicate Objects
- Tip 2: Resizing and Scaling Objects
- Tip 3: Resizing Frames
- Tip 4: Copying Styles
- Tip 5: Nudging Objects
- Tip 6: Moving Objects within Groups
- Tip 7: Adjusting the Layer Order
- Tip 8: Renaming Layers
- Tip 9: Auto Layout
- Tip 10: Creating Templates
- Conclusion
10 Tips to be 10 Times Faster in Figma
As a product designer, mastering Figma is essential to achieve productivity and efficiency. In this article, we will explore ten helpful tips and tricks that can make You ten times faster in using Figma. These tips have been gathered from years of experience and watching other professionals in the field. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, these tips are guaranteed to level up your Figma skills and improve your workflow. So, let's dive in and discover how you can become a Figma power user!
Tip 1: Duplicate Objects
One of the basic and time-saving techniques in Figma is duplicating objects. There are three simple ways to duplicate objects in Figma. The first method is the traditional copy-paste method. You select the object, copy it, and paste it to Create a duplicate. The Second method involves using the "Command+D" (or "Control+D") shortcut, which duplicates the selected object. However, note that duplicating elements and frames behave differently in Figma. When duplicating a frame using "Command+D", it places the duplicate to the side of the original frame. The third method is using the option/alt key and dragging the object to create a duplicate while maintaining its relative position.
Pros:
- Saves time by quickly duplicating objects.
- Provides flexibility in duplicating elements and frames.
Cons:
Tip 2: Resizing and Scaling Objects
Resizing objects is a common task in design, and Figma offers several techniques to make this process efficient. The basic method is manually resizing an object by dragging its edges using the handles. However, this method can create inconsistencies in proportions and layouts. To overcome this, you can use the "Alt" key to resize an object from its center while maintaining proportions. Additionally, you can press the "K" key to switch to the Scale tool, allowing you to resize objects with precise control over proportions. By combining these techniques, you can resize and scale objects with ease.
Pros:
- Enables precise resizing of objects.
- Maintains proportions and consistency in layouts.
Cons:
Tip 3: Resizing Frames
When working with frames, you may encounter situations where you need to resize the frame without affecting its content. Figma provides a handy shortcut for this. By holding the "Command" key while resizing a frame, you can resize the frame while keeping its content intact. This is particularly useful when you want to resize a frame to accommodate additional content without having to readjust the positioning and constraints of the elements within the frame.
Pros:
- Allows resizing frames without affecting content.
- Saves time by eliminating the need to readjust elements.
Cons:
Tip 4: Copying Styles
Copying styles from one element to another can be a repetitive task. In Figma, you can streamline this process by using the copy and paste style commands. To copy a style, select the element with the desired style and use the shortcut "Command+Option+C" (or "Control+Alt+C"). Then, select the target element and use the shortcut "Command+Option+V" (or "Control+Alt+V") to paste the style. This shortcut works across various design elements and can significantly speed up your workflow, especially when working on multiple elements with consistent styles.
Pros:
- Enables quick copying and pasting of styles.
- Maintains consistency across design elements.
Cons:
Tip 5: Nudging Objects
When aligning objects to precise positions, using arrows to nudge them can be time-consuming. Thankfully, Figma provides a shortcut for faster and more precise nudging. By holding the "Shift" key and using the arrow keys, you can nudge objects in 10-pixel increments. This technique is especially useful when aligning objects with each other or positioning elements within a specific layout GRID.
Pros:
- Allows faster and more precise object positioning.
- Makes aligning objects easier.
Cons:
Tip 6: Moving Objects within Groups
In complex designs with multiple layers and groups, moving objects while maintaining their position within a specific group can be challenging. However, Figma offers a simple workaround for this. While dragging an object, hold the space bar to temporarily detach it from its parent group. This allows you to move the object freely without removing it from the group. Once you release the space bar, the object will snap back into its original position within the group. This technique is particularly useful when animating elements or designing complex interactions.
Pros:
- Facilitates moving objects within groups.
- Maintains hierarchical structure while providing flexibility.
Cons:
Tip 7: Adjusting the Layer Order
Managing layers and their order is crucial for organizing your designs effectively. In Figma, you can easily adjust the layer order using shortcuts. To move an object up or down the layer stack, hold the "Command" key and press the open square bracket "[" to move it down or the close square bracket "]" to move it up. This shortcut saves time by eliminating the need to manually drag and rearrange layers in the layer list.
Pros:
- Enables quick manipulation of layer order.
- Streamlines organization and structure.
Cons:
Tip 8: Renaming Layers
Naming layers appropriately is important not only for your own organization but also for collaboration with team members. Instead of right-clicking and selecting the rename option, you can use the "Command+R" shortcut to quickly rename layers. Simply select the desired layer and press the shortcut. This shortcut helps maintain a clean and structured hierarchy in your design files.
Pros:
- Speeds up the naming process for layers.
- Improves organization and collaboration.
Cons:
Tip 9: Auto Layout
Auto Layout is a powerful feature in Figma that automates the arrangement and resizing of design elements. By using Auto Layout, you can quickly create dynamic designs that can adapt to different content lengths and screen sizes. Although Auto Layout may require some learning, mastering this feature can significantly enhance your productivity and save time in the long run.
Pros:
- Enables the creation of flexible and responsive designs.
- Saves time by automating layout adjustments.
Cons:
- May require time to learn and understand.
Tip 10: Creating Templates
Designing similar layouts and structures repeatedly can be a tedious task. To streamline this process, consider creating your own templates or boilerplate files. While Figma does not have a built-in template feature, you can easily duplicate a starter file that includes cover pages, sections, dividers, and other elements you commonly use. By duplicating this template file for each new project, you save time by starting with a predefined structure and organization.
Pros:
- Alleviates repetitive work by using predefined templates.
- Improves consistency and efficiency in workflows.
Cons:
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored ten valuable tips and tricks to boost your productivity and speed in using Figma. By mastering these techniques, you can become a more efficient and effective designer, saving time and effort in your daily workflow. From duplicating objects to creating templates, these tips provide valuable insights into maximizing the potential of Figma. Incorporate these tips into your design process and witness the positive impact on your productivity and creativity. Get ready to level up your Figma skills and become a Figma power user!
Highlights
- Ten valuable tips to make you ten times faster in Figma.
- Techniques and shortcuts for duplicating, resizing, and managing objects.
- Leveraging Auto Layout for flexible and responsive designs.
- Creating templates to streamline repetitive tasks.
FAQ
Q: How can I duplicate objects in Figma efficiently?
A: Figma offers three methods for duplicating objects: copy-paste, using the "Command+D" shortcut, and holding the option/alt key while dragging an object.
Q: How can I resize objects while maintaining their proportions?
A: You can resize objects while keeping their proportions by holding the option/alt key and clicking and dragging the object's handles. Additionally, you can press the "K" key to enable the scale tool for more precise resizing.
Q: Are there shortcuts for moving layers up and down in Figma?
A: Yes, you can use the "Command+[" shortcut to move a layer down and the "Command+]" shortcut to move a layer up in the layer stack.
Q: How can I create templates in Figma?
A: While Figma does not have a built-in template feature, you can create your own templates by duplicating a starter file that includes commonly used elements and structures. Duplicate this template file for each new project to save time on repetitive setup tasks.