Figma is an interface design utility that runs within the browser—however it’s really rather more than that. I’d go as far as to say it’s in all probability one of the best utility for team-based collaborative design tasks. Let’s have a look!
Figma offers you all of the instruments you want for the design section of the mission, together with vector instruments that are able to fully-fledged illustration, in addition to prototyping capabilities, and code era for hand-off.
Be aware: that is a part of our usually up to date studying information The Designer’s Information to Figma. To be taught extra about this highly effective app, attempt our free Figma design instrument tutorial.
Figma Runs On-line
Although Figma is browser-based there are desktop model for each Home windows and Mac OS. Presumably these are wrap purposes that are operating a browser inside them, however whether or not that’s the case or not, Figma is at all times operating on-line inside these apps.
If you happen to do lose connectivity you’ll be able to nonetheless hold engaged on any doc you already had open. The Figma design instrument will retailer your adjustments in your browser, then sync itself if you’re reconnected.
Collaboration
The “at all times on-line” nature of Figma really supplies a few of the biggest strengths of the instrument. A kind of strengths is that Figma permits for stay, real-time collaboration. You and your workforce members can all log right into a design directly, concurrently making adjustments to it.
The truth that these designs are all saved on-line implies that you by no means have to fret about any workforce members falling out of sync with the mission. The most recent adjustments are at all times proper then within the file, and also you needn’t fear about transferring recordsdata between workforce members, or pushing recordsdata to and from any third-party storage platform.
This additionally means you’ll be able to bounce right into a design similtaneously a shopper. So even when you’re in a separate location out of your shopper you’ll be able to nonetheless have a sit-down assembly the place you’re each wanting on the identical factor. The shopper could make options, and you may implement it proper there after which.
On prime of all these stay collaboration instruments you may as well go away feedback immediately on the canvas.
Part Libraries
Figma lets you construct up libraries of reusable elements which the entire workforce has entry to. Elements give designers a head begin on any present design techniques, and when a element is up to date within the central library these adjustments are made throughout all designs for everybody.
Prototyping and Code Output
For prototyping you’ll be able to create connections and hotspots in your design so you’ll be able to simulate how a consumer would move by that interface. For the coding section Figma can generate SVG code, CSS, and iOS and Android code.
FigJam
Since we’re diving into collaboration, it is price speaking about FigJam right here. It has the identical spirit as engaged on designs as a workforce, however it focuses on ideating. In different phrases, it is the proper spot for everybody to brainstorm and arrange concepts digitally.
This new instrument has a whole lot of helpful workforce options, like:
- timer for staying on monitor
- shapes, diagrams, and objects
- audio chat inside FigJam
You may nonetheless must do your design work inside Figma, however FigJam is beneficial for thought creation, planning, and gathering useful contributions out of your entire time.
The Little Issues
In order that’s coated the collaboration elements of Figma, however one of the best a part of Figma is definitely tougher to pinpoint. It’s that end result of all of the little issues that Figma does very well, and there’s a protracted listing of them. We’ve put a complete bunch of them collectively right into a sequence referred to as Figma Suggestions & Tips. There are too many to say right here, however a few of my favourites embody:
- In Figma, a node on a vector can have a number of segments connected to it (extra than simply the usual two). The extra complicated shapes you may make with these are referred to as “vector networks”.
- Figma lets you shortly an simply import a number of photographs directly, inserting them precisely the place you need them.
- Whenever you transfer an object across the canvas in Figma you’ll see its peak and width mirrored within the rulers.
- Copy the SVG code immediately from an object inside Figma, and conversely, you’ll be able to copy SVG code from a code editor and paste it as a graphic onto the Figma canvas.
Sum It All Up: What Figma Is
Figma is a browser-based UI and UX design utility, with wonderful design, prototyping, and code-generation instruments. It’s presently (arguably) the business’s main interface design instrument, with strong options which help groups engaged on each section of the design course of. If you happen to haven’t already, attempt it!
Attempt Out Figma
If you happen to’re prepared to start out with the Figma design instrument, dip your toes in first. You need to use this free Figma UI package as each a leaping off level and a very good time saver. Principally it is a pre-made canvas for expressing your design concepts.
You may entry extra Figma UI template kits along with your Envato Components subscription. There are greater than 9000 UX and UI kits accessible on the all-you-can-download platform. Each is professionally made so that you get skilled leads to your work.
Extra Figma Assets
If you happen to’re concerned with studying extra concerning the Figma UI instrument, remember to try the next assets:
Be taught the Figma Design Software
We have constructed a whole information that can assist you be taught Figma design, whether or not you are model new to Figma’s design instruments, otherwise you need to take your expertise to the following degree.
