Figma Auto Layout Basics

Jul 10, 2024

Figma Auto Layout Basics

Introduction

  • Presented by Raji from Figma
  • Third episode focusing on Auto Layout
  • Aim: To make users proficient with Auto Layout in Figma quickly

Getting Started

  • Select and Add Auto Layout
    • Select two objects
    • Use Shift + A to add Auto Layout frame
  • Alignment Panel
    • Align child objects vertically
    • Change button appearance
    • Add padding (e.g., 16px padding)
    • Dynamically adjusts as you type

Creating Buttons

  • Using Rectangles for Backgrounds
    • Draw a rectangle as button background
    • Select all objects and use Shift + A
    • Background rectangle becomes the button background automatically
    • Apply alignment settings for a flexible button

Advanced Auto Layout Features

  • Direction & Spacing
    • Change direction (vertical to horizontal)
    • Adjust spacing between child elements
  • Padding Adjustments
    • Set different padding for each side
    • Use comma-separated values for quick adjustments

Practical Example: Creating a Menu

  • Home Icon and Text
    • Select and use Shift + A
    • Set 4px spacing between elements
    • Center vertically

Complex Example: To-Do List

  • Nested Auto Layout
    • Set list to vertical Auto Layout
    • Duplicate components respond correctly
  • Fixing Issues
    • Add Auto Layout to individual items
    • Align items vertically
    • Set text and components to fill container horizontally

Indented Lists

  • Independent Padding
    • Adjust padding on left for indentation
    • Override padding settings to achieve desired layout

Creating Face Piles

  • Distribution Settings
    • Set distribution to space between for equal spacing

Designing Dialog Boxes

  • Close Button Placement
    • Set header to horizontal Auto Layout with padding
    • Change distribution to space between
    • Set text to fill container horizontally
  • Trick for Upper Right Close Button
    • Use constraints and space key for precise placement
    • Set to right and top constraints, then test for resizing
    • Use zero height frame hack for complex layouts

Minimum Width/Height Trick

  • Zero Height Frame
    • Use 0.001 height to achieve zero height frame
    • Set minimum width/height within Auto Layout containers

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to use and explore auto layout
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