Foundations for Figma Lecture 2: Frames, Constraints, and Auto Layout

Jun 12, 2024

Foundations for Figma: Lecture 2 - Frames, Constraints, and Auto Layout

Introduction

  • Instructor: Anmea
  • Course: Foundations for Figma (In-depth course for beginners)
  • Lecture: 2/10
  • Focus Topics: Practical use of frames, constraints, and auto layout

Lecture Structure

  • Module 1: Difference between Groups and Frames, Introduction to Constraints.
  • Module 2: Introduction and Hands-on with Auto Layout.
  • Module 3: Practical Implementation and Hands-on Examples.

Module 1: Difference Between Groups and Frames

Groups vs. Frames

  • Groups

    • Create by selecting elements and pressing Cmd + G.
    • No constraints options.

  • Frames

    • Enable applying constraints to nested elements.
    • Access constraints through the right panel.
    • Essential for creating responsive designs.

Constraints

  • Horizontal Constraints

    • Center: Keeps element centered when frame stretches.
    • Left/Right: Ties element’s side to the respective side of the frame.
    • Left & Right: Element stretches with the frame.
    • Scale: Maintains element’s size and position proportionate to frame's size.

  • Vertical Constraints

    • Similar principles as horizontal constraints.

Benefits of Frames

  • Enables nested constraints.
  • Can hide content using 'Clip Content'.
  • Useful for creating responsive design systems.

Module 2: Hands-On with Auto Layout

Introduction to Auto Layout

  • Makes UI elements within a frame adaptable to content changes.
  • Elements resize automatically based on inner content.

Key Concepts

  • Axis

    • Horizontal (default)
    • Vertical
    • Wrap

  • Padding and Spacing

    • Horizontal and vertical padding options.
    • Individual padding adjustments.
    • Spacing between elements.

  • Width and Height Settings

    • Hug contents: Container resizes to fit the content.
    • Fixed width/height: Container size remains static.

  • Nested Auto Layouts

    • Combining multiple auto layouts vertically and horizontally within each other.

Practical Use Case

Responsive vs Adaptive Design

  • Responsive Design
    • Adjusts same content across multiple viewports.
    • Example: Adjusting width on different devices.
  • Adaptive Design
    • Customizes content for specific devices.
    • Example: Different UI for mobile and desktop versions.

Examples in Figma

  • Setting constraints for responsive design (Example: iOS screens).
  • Using auto layout for adaptable components (Example: Buttons, Alerts).
  • Testing responsiveness and creating breakpoints.

Tools and Plugins

Important Plugins

  • Responsify: Tests designs on multiple device sizes within Figma.
    • Usage: Plugins > Responsify > Select device.
  • Plugin for adaptive design simulation (uncovered for homework).

Creating Sections

  • Helpful for organizing design files.
  • Mark sections as “ready for dev” for team visibility.

Best Practices

  • Create standard components (e.g., Header Component, Annotation Cards).
  • Practice with community files.
  • Utilize resources for extended learning and upskilling.

Homework and Further Learning

  • Watch “Quick Responsive Workflows” video by Figma.
  • Recreate designs using inspirations from recommended websites.
  • Document and share learnings on LinkedIn.

Upcoming Topics

  • Lecture 3: Styles and Libraries
    • Covering color styles, type styles, libraries.

Summary

  • Key Focus: Understand practical applications of frames, constraints, and auto layout in Figma.
  • Essential Techniques: Nested constraints, auto layout responsiveness, best practices for design organization.
  • Next Steps: Practice with examples, explore plugins, prepare for upcoming lectures.

Resources

Feedback Request: Please provide honest feedback to improve the course.

End Note

Stay consistent, document your learnings, and engage with the community to maximize the benefits of this course.