Figma is an interface design utility that runs within the browser—however it’s truly rather more than that. I might go as far as to say it’s most likely the perfect utility for team-based collaborative design tasks. Let’s have a look!
Figma provides you all of the instruments you want for the design part of the mission, together with vector instruments that are able to fully-fledged illustration, in addition to prototyping capabilities, and code technology for hand-off.
Observe: that is a part of our often up to date studying information The Designer’s Information to Figma. To study extra about this highly effective app, attempt our free Figma design device tutorial.
Figma Runs On-line
Regardless that Figma is browser-based there are desktop model for each Home windows and Mac OS. Presumably these are wrap functions that are operating a browser inside them, however whether or not that’s the case or not, Figma is all the time operating on-line inside these apps.
When you do lose connectivity you possibly can nonetheless maintain engaged on any doc you already had open. The Figma design device will retailer your modifications in your browser, then sync itself if you’re reconnected.
Collaboration
The “all the time on-line” nature of Figma truly offers a number of the best strengths of the device. A kind of strengths is that Figma permits for stay, real-time collaboration. You and your group members can all log right into a design directly, concurrently making modifications to it.
The truth that these designs are all saved on-line signifies that you by no means have to fret about any group members falling out of sync with the mission. The most recent modifications are all the time proper then within the file, and also you needn’t fear about transferring information between group members, or pushing information to and from any third-party storage platform.
This additionally means you possibly can soar right into a design concurrently a shopper. So even should you’re in a separate location out of your shopper you possibly can nonetheless have a sit-down assembly the place you’re each trying on the similar factor. The shopper could make solutions, and you may implement it proper there after which.
On prime of all these stay collaboration instruments you may also depart feedback straight on the canvas.
Part Libraries
Figma permits you to construct up libraries of reusable elements which the entire group has entry to. Parts give designers a head begin on any present design methods, and when a element is up to date within the central library these modifications are made throughout all designs for everybody.
Prototyping and Code Output
For prototyping you possibly can create connections and hotspots in your design so you possibly can simulate how a consumer would movement by that interface. For the coding part Figma can generate SVG code, CSS, and iOS and Android code.
FigJam
Since we’re diving into collaboration, it is value speaking about FigJam right here. It has the identical spirit as engaged on designs as a group, however it focuses on ideating. In different phrases, it is the proper spot for everybody to brainstorm and arrange concepts digitally.
This new device has a number of helpful group options, like:
- timer for staying on observe
- shapes, diagrams, and objects
- audio chat inside FigJam
You may nonetheless have to do your design work inside Figma, however FigJam is helpful for concept creation, planning, and gathering useful contributions out of your entire time.
The Little Issues
In order that’s coated the collaboration features of Figma, however the perfect 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 an extended listing of them. We’ve put a complete bunch of them collectively right into a collection referred to as Figma Suggestions & Tips. There are too many to say right here, however a few of my favourites embrace:
- In Figma, a node on a vector can have a number of segments hooked up to it (extra than simply the usual two). The extra complicated shapes you may make with these are referred to as “vector networks”.
- Figma permits you to shortly an simply import a number of photos directly, inserting them precisely the place you need them.
- Once you transfer an object across the canvas in Figma you’ll see its peak and width mirrored within the rulers.
- Copy the SVG code straight from an object inside Figma, and conversely, you possibly can 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 glorious design, prototyping, and code-generation instruments. It’s presently (arguably) the business’s main interface design device, with strong options which assist groups engaged on each part of the design course of. When you haven’t already, attempt it!
Strive Out Figma
When you’re prepared to start out with the Figma design device, 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. Mainly it is a pre-made canvas for expressing your design concepts.
You possibly can entry extra Figma UI template kits together with your Envato Parts subscription. There are greater than 9000 UX and UI kits out there on the all-you-can-download platform. Every one is professionally made so that you get skilled leads to your work.
Extra Figma Sources
When you’re excited about studying extra in regards to the Figma UI device, be sure you try the next sources:
Study the Figma Design Device
We have constructed an entire information that can assist you study Figma design, whether or not you are model new to Figma’s design instruments, otherwise you need to take your abilities to the subsequent degree.
