AI-Focused Features in Figma (Config 2024)

Introduction

• Overview of AI features in Figma introduced at Config 2024.
• Personal insights on the most helpful AI features for design processes.

AI Features Overview

1. Search for Similar

• Functionality:
  • Right-click on an image and select "Search for Similar".
  • Figma searches libraries for similar designs, showing matches and similar layers/components.
• Application:
  • Insert matching instances directly onto the canvas.
  • Useful for finding design components quickly.

2. Content Replacement with AI

• Functionality:
  • Duplicate frames with auto-layout to replace content using AI.
  • Auto-generates new content, like names, for design components.
• Application:
  • Save time on generating placeholder text like names or other content.
  • Customize AI-generated content (e.g., specify name initials).

3. Remove Background

• Functionality:
  • Use Command-K, "Remove Backgrounds" to create transparent images.
• Application:
  • Replace non-transparent images with transparent versions easily.
  • Supports existing plugins or native Figma feature.

4. Layer Renaming with AI

• Functionality:
  • Automatically rename layers using AI.
  • Access through the Actions menu.
• Application:
  • Organize layers efficiently, especially when AutoLayout debugging.
  • AI renames layers except those manually named or from instances.

5. AI Content Generation

• Functionality:
  • Rewrite placeholder text to more realistic content descriptions.
  • Prevent reliance on lorem ipsum in designs.
• Application:
  • Generate descriptions for features or products in design.
  • Refine and adjust AI output as needed.

6. Translation

• Functionality:
  • Translate design text into different languages.
  • Evaluate design adaptability to localization changes.
• Application:
  • Ensure design works across different languages and word lengths.

7. Image Generation with AI

• Functionality:
  • Generate images based on descriptions in the Actions menu.
  • Use AI-generated images for design mockups.
• Application:
  • Quickly populate designs with visual content.
  • Use alongside plugins like Unsplash for high-resolution images.

Conclusion

• AI tools enhance design processes without replacing creative work.
• Features like layer renaming and search improve efficiency.
• Encouragement to explore features and provide feedback on usefulness and areas of improvement.
• Open invitation for questions and discussions about AI in design.

Looking forward to the next module and continuing the exploration of AI's integration into design tools.