Getting Started With Figma.. A Beginner’s guide
Figma is a cloud-based design software that has been ruling the industry among other design software. If you’re going to learn UI/UX design, Web design and Product design then learning Figma is essential. As a new learner, this guide will kickstart your journey as a designer.
What is Figma?
Figma is a design and prototyping tool that operates entirely in the cloud. It supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple teams to work on a design simultaneously, making it a great tool for teams.
Setting up your Figma Account
To get started with Figma, you’ll need to create an account
- Go to Figma’s website and click on Get Started for Free. You’ll be prompted with a login page. Enter your email and password to create your account, or you can sign up with your Google account.
- Figma offers a free plan with basic features, as well as paid plans with advanced capabilities. For beginners, the free plan is usually sufficient to get started.
- You can download the Desktop app for Figma if you prefer working outside the browser.
Familiarize with Figma’s interface
Once you’ve set up your account and logged in, you’ll be greeted with Figma’s intuitive interface. Here’s a quick overview
Layers panel
On the left side, you’ll find the layers panel, which displays all the layers and objects in your current file. It’s useful for organizing and navigating your design elements.
Properties panel
On the right side, the properties panel shows the settings and options for the selected object, such as color, size, and alignment.
Canvas
The large central area where you’ll do most of your design work. It’s where you create and arrange your design elements.
Toolbar
Located at the bottom of the screen, the toolbar contains tools for selecting, drawing, and editing your designs.
Creating Your First Design
To get hands-on experience let’s create a simple design
- To start a new project, click on the new file button in your Figma dashboard.
- Create a frame using the frame tool in the toolbar, or you can simply create a frame using the keyboard shortcut key “ F ”.
- To add elements to your frame, use the shape tool (rectangle, ellipse, line, etc.) or text tool in the toolbar. Click and drag on the canvas to draw shapes, or click to add text.
- You can modify your elements using the property panel. Select the element in your frame to add properties like sizes, colors, and fonts.
- Use auto-layout to align your elements properly in Canvas. Auto-layout is the way to organize your elements vertically or horizontally in the way you prefer. Is like adding another frame to your elements.
Prototyping and sharing
Figma goes beyond static designs and also lets you build interactive prototypes.
Create Interactions
Switch to the “Prototype” tab in the right panel. You can link different frames or elements by dragging connection lines between them, setting up interactions such as “On Click” or “On Hover.”
Preview your prototypes
Click the “Play” button in the top-right corner to preview your interactive prototype. This allows you to test the flow and interactions of your design.
Share your work
To share your design or prototype, click on the “Share” button in the top-right corner. You can generate a shareable link or invite collaborators by entering their email addresses.
Exploring Figma Community and Resources
Figma has a huge community to assist you during the design process.
Figma Community
You can find UI kits, design systems, and templates on the Figma community page that simplifies the design process.
Learning Resources
Check out the learning resources page of Figma to learn the basics of designing.
Conclusion
Getting started with Figma is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface and powerful features. By understanding the basics of the tool, creating your first design, and exploring its collaborative capabilities, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this versatile design platform. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating beautiful, functional designs with Figma!
