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How to Export Figma Prototype: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Figma Expert
Last modified Aug. 31 2023
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How to export Figma prototypes is an essential step in the design process. It allows designers to share their work with clients, developers, or other team members for feedback and testing. Figma is a popular design tool that offers various export options for prototypes. This article will explore how to export a Figma prototype and share some tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Designers must set up their Figma prototype by adding interactions and animations. Once the prototype is ready, they can select the content they want to export and apply the export settings. Figma offers several export formats, including PNG, JPG, PDF, GIF, and MP4. Designers can choose the format that best suits their needs and adjust the export settings accordingly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Figma offers various export options for prototypes, including PNG, JPG, PDF, GIF, and MP4.
  • Designers can adjust the export settings to fit their needs, such as selecting the content they want to export and choosing the export format.
  • Figmafy is a great tool that can help designers convert their Figma designs into code seamlessly.

Setting Up Figma Prototype

Figmafy image

When it comes to setting up a Figma prototype, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. By following these steps, you can ensure your prototype is set up correctly and ready to share with others. This section will cover the following sub-sections: Choosing the Right Frame, Setting the Canvas, Defining the Flows, and Selecting the Starting Frame.

Choosing the Right Frame

The first step in setting up a Figma prototype is to choose the right frame. This frame should be the one that contains the design you want to turn into a prototype. Choosing the right frame is important because it will determine what your prototype looks like and how it functions. Make sure to select the frame that best represents the design you want to prototype.

Setting the Canvas

Once you've selected the right frame, the next step is to set the canvas. The canvas is the area where your prototype will be displayed. It's important to correctly set the canvas to ensure your prototype looks good on all devices. You can set the canvas by going to the "Design" tab and selecting "Canvas Size". From there, you can choose the size that best fits your needs.

Defining the Flows

The next step is to define the flows. Flows are the paths that users take through your prototype. Defining flows is important because it helps you identify potential issues and make improvements to your prototype. You can define flows by creating connections between frames. Select an object in your design to create a connection and click the "Prototype" tab. From there, you can create a new connection and define the flow.

Selecting the Starting Frame

Finally, you'll need to select the starting frame. The starting frame is the first frame that users will see when they interact with your prototype. Choosing the right starting frame is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the prototype. To select the starting frame, right-click on the frame and select "Add Starting Point." You can also duplicate a frame with an existing starting point.

Figmafy is a helpful tool for setting up Figma prototypes. With Figmafy, you can easily create and share prototypes with others. By following these steps and using Figmafy, you can create high-quality prototypes that are ready to be shared with others.

Export Settings

When exporting a Figma prototype, it is important to understand the various export settings available. These settings determine the exported file's quality, format, and resolution. This section will cover the different export settings and how to use them effectively.

File Formats and Quality

Figma offers a variety of file formats for exporting prototypes, including PNG, JPEG, SVG, and PDF. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one for your needs is important.

PNG is a popular choice for exporting images because it offers high-quality compression and supports transparency. On the other hand, JPEG is ideal for photographs because it supports high-quality compression and can be optimized for web use. SVG is a vector format that is ideal for logos and icons because it can be scaled without losing quality. Finally, PDF is a versatile format that is ideal for printing and sharing documents.

When choosing a file format, consider the image's quality, the file's size, and the intended use of the exported file. Figmafy can help export files in the right format and quality for your needs.

Scaling and Colors

When exporting a Figma prototype, it's important to consider the scaling and colors of the exported file. Scaling determines the size of the exported image, while colors determine the color profile of the exported file.

Figma allows you to scale the exported image by a percentage or by a specific pixel size. This is useful if you need to export the image at a specific size for web or print use. Additionally, you can adjust the color profile of the exported file to ensure accurate color reproduction.

Resolution and Background Color

Finally, it's important to consider the resolution and background color of the exported file. Resolution determines the quality of the exported file, while background color determines the color of the exported file's background.

Figma allows you to adjust the resolution of the exported file to ensure that it is high-quality and suitable for your needs. Additionally, you can adjust the background color of the exported file to match the color of your website or document.

Overall, understanding the different export settings available in Figma is essential for exporting high-quality prototypes. You can ensure that your exported file meets your needs by choosing the right file format, scaling, colors, resolution, and background color. Figmafy can help streamline the export process and ensure that your files are exported correctly.

Adding Interactions

Figma allows designers to create interactive prototypes by adding interactions to their designs. These interactions can be defined by actions such as clicking, hovering, and showing/hiding elements. This section will discuss how to add interactions to your Figma prototypes.

Defining Actions

Actions are the events that trigger interactions in your prototype. Select an element in your design to define an action and navigate to the "Prototype" tab in the right sidebar. From there, you can choose the type of action you want to define, such as "Click" or "Drag." Once you have chosen an action, you can set the destination of the interaction by selecting a frame or layer in your design.

Setting Hover and Show

In addition to click and drag actions, you can also define interactions based on hover and show/hide events. Select an element in your design to set a hover interaction and navigate to the "Prototype" tab. From there, choose the "Hover" action and set the destination of the interaction. To show/hide elements, select the element you want to show/hide and navigate to the "Prototype" tab. From there, choose the "Show" or "Hide" action and set the destination of the interaction.

Managing Overflow Behavior

When designing prototypes in Figma, it is important to consider how your design will behave when it is viewed on different devices. One aspect to consider is the overflow behavior of your design. Figma allows you to define how your design will behave when viewed on a smaller screen size device. Select a frame in your design to manage overflow behavior and navigate to the "Prototype" tab. From there, choose the "Overflow Behavior" option and select how you want your design to behave when it is viewed on a smaller screen.

Figmafy is a tool that can help streamline the process of creating interactive prototypes in Figma. With Figmafy, designers can quickly add interactions to their designs and preview how their prototypes will behave on different devices.

Incorporating Animations

Animations can add a layer of interactivity to your Figma prototypes, making them more engaging and realistic. This section will discuss how to create and implement animations in your Figma prototypes.

Creating Animations

Figma allows you to create animations using the Prototype feature. To create an animation, you need to select the frame or element you want to animate and then choose the animation type from the Properties panel. Some of the animation types available in Figma include Push, Slide, and Dissolve.

Once you have selected an animation type, you can customize it further by adjusting the duration, easing, and direction. You can also add multiple animations to an element or frame to create more complex animations.

Implementing Animations

After you have created your animations, you can implement them in your Figma prototype. You need to connect the frames in your prototype using the Prototype feature to do this. When you connect two frames, you can choose the animation type and duration for the transition between them.

To preview your animations, you can use the Preview feature in Figma. This lets you see how your animations will look and feel in the final product. You can also share your Figma prototype with others to get feedback on your animations.

If you want to export your animated Figma prototype, you can use tools like Anima or TorusKit. These tools allow you to export your Figma design to HTML without writing any CSS or JS. Figmafy is another tool that can help you with exporting your Figma prototypes. It lets you quickly export your designs to multiple formats, including HTML, CSS, and React.

In conclusion, animations can add much value to your Figma prototypes. By following the steps outlined in this section, you can easily create and implement animations in your Figma prototypes. Using tools like Anima, TorusKit, and Figmafy can also help you streamline the process of exporting your Figma prototypes.

Exporting the Prototype

Exporting a prototype from Figma is a straightforward process. This section will review the steps you need to follow to export your prototype. We will also discuss the different export formats available and how to deal with export issues.

Choosing the Export Format

Before exporting your prototype, you need to choose the appropriate export format. Figma offers several export formats, including HTML, PDF, and Zip files. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs.

If you want to share your prototype as a webpage, you can export it as an HTML file. This format allows you to share your prototype with others, and they can interact with it as if it were a real webpage. You can export your prototype as a PDF file if you prefer to share it as a document.

If you need to share your prototype with someone who doesn't have Figma, you can export it as a Zip file. This format includes all the necessary files, including images and fonts, to ensure that your prototype looks the same on any computer.

Saving the File

Once you've chosen the export format, you need to save the file. When exporting a prototype from Figma, you can choose to export the entire file or just a selection. If you want to export the entire file, go to the File menu and select Export. If you want to export a selection, select the objects you want to export and then go to the File menu and select Export Selection.

When saving your file, make sure to choose a descriptive file name that reflects the content of your prototype. This will make it easier to find your file later on.

Dealing with Export Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter issues when exporting your prototype. For example, you may notice that the exported file doesn't look the same as the original. If you encounter issues like these, you can do a few things to resolve them.

First, make sure that you've chosen the correct export format for your needs. If you're exporting your prototype as an HTML file, for example, make sure that you've included all the necessary files, including images and fonts.

If you're still encountering issues, try exporting your prototype in a different format. For example, try exporting your prototype as a PDF file if you're having trouble with an HTML export.

If you're still having issues, you may want to consider using a tool like Figmafy. Figmafy is a powerful tool that can help you export your prototypes quickly and easily. With Figmafy, you can export your prototypes as HTML, PDF, and Zip files with just a few clicks. Figmafy ensures that your exported files look the same as your original prototype, so you don't have to worry about any export issues.

Sharing and Testing the Prototype

Once the Figma prototype is ready, it's time to share and test it with others. This section will cover how to share your project and test the prototype with others.

Sharing the Project

Sharing your project is an essential step in the design process. Figma makes it easy to share your project with others. To share your project, click on the "Share" button in the top right corner of the Figma editor.

Figma offers several options for sharing your project. You can copy a direct link to the file or prototype, embed a Figma file or prototype on another website, and link directly to the currently selected layer. You can also choose if people with view access can copy, share, or export from the file.

Figmafy is a tool that can help you share your Figma projects easily. It provides a simple way to share your Figma files and prototypes with others. With Figmafy, you can share your designs with others without worrying about the complexity of the sharing options.

Testing the Prototype

Testing your prototype is an essential step in the design process. Figma allows you to test your prototype with real users. To test your prototype, you can use tools like Maze.

To test your Figma prototype with Maze, you need to copy the share link of your prototype. Users with view access to a prototype can copy the share link. Users with editor and owner access can edit a prototype's share settings.

Maze allows you to gain insight and build better products with usability metrics and valuable feedback. You can use Maze to test your interactions with users and present your designs to stakeholders.

In conclusion, sharing and testing your Figma prototype is an important step in the design process. Figma makes sharing your project with others easy, and tools like Maze can help you test your prototype with real users. Figmafy is a tool that can help you share your Figma projects easily.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

When exporting Figma prototypes, several advanced tips and tricks can help designers streamline their workflow and improve the quality of their exports. Here are some sub-sections that cover some of the most useful tips and tricks:

Working with Layers and Objects

One of the most important aspects of exporting high-quality prototypes is ensuring that all layers and objects are properly organized and named. This makes it easier to select and export the specific elements that are needed for each export. Designers can use Figma's layer and object naming conventions to ensure that everything is properly labeled and organized.

Using Overlays and Videos

Overlays and videos can be a great way to add more interactivity and engagement to Figma prototypes. Designers can use overlays to create pop-ups, tooltips, and other interactive elements that provide more information or context. Videos can be used to showcase animations or other dynamic elements that are difficult to convey through static images.

Leveraging Plugins and Editors

Figma offers a wide range of plugins and editors that can help designers optimize their exports and improve the quality of their designs. For example, designers can use plugins to automate repetitive tasks, optimize image quality, or export designs to other file formats. Editors can be used to fine-tune designs and ensure that they are pixel-perfect.

Managing Pages and Folders

Managing pages and folders is essential for keeping Figma prototypes organized and easy to navigate. Designers can use folders to group related pages and elements together and use page names to provide context and clarity. This makes it easier to find specific elements and export them quickly.

Integrating with Unity and Photoshop

Figma can be integrated with other tools like Unity and Photoshop to streamline the design process and improve the quality of exports. Designers can use Unity to create interactive prototypes with advanced animations and transitions, while Photoshop can be used to add additional effects and filters to exported images.

Collaborating with Developers

Collaborating with developers is essential for ensuring that Figma prototypes are properly implemented and optimized. Designers can use Figma's developer handoff feature to generate code snippets and export assets that can be easily integrated into web and mobile applications. This helps to ensure that designs are implemented accurately and efficiently.

Figmafy is a great tool that can help designers export Figma prototypes quickly and easily. By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing image quality, Figmafy can help designers streamline their workflow and improve the quality of their exports.

Figma to Code Services from Figmafy

Figmafy is a software development service made up of a team of excellent developers who can turn Figma designs into anything. They have experience in building WordPress, HTML, Webflow pages, websites, and even full-fledged software from Figma designs. With Figmafy, exporting a Figma prototype to code is easy and hassle-free.

Figmafy's team of developers is skilled in creating responsive, pixel-perfect, and bug-free websites. They understand the importance of delivering a website that looks great and functions smoothly. Figmafy can help with the entire process from start to finish, ensuring that the final product is exactly what the client envisioned.

Figmafy's services include converting Figma designs into HTML, WordPress, Shopify, Webflow pages, and even full-fledged software. They offer a range of services to suit different needs and budgets. Their services are affordable, and the turnaround time is quick.

If you're looking to export your Figma prototype to code, Figmafy is a great option. Their team of developers is experienced and skilled in turning Figma designs into high-quality websites and software. With their help, you can rest assured that your website will look great and function smoothly.

Have a design file you need to bring to life? Get in touch to receive a FREE consultation and proposal!

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