Exporting Figma prototype animations can be a daunting task for beginners. After all, the idea of dealing with complex software and numerous settings is enough to make anyone’s head spin. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it seems.
With a few simple steps, you can easily export high-quality animations from Figma. This step-by-step guide will explain how to export Figma prototype animations and provide helpful tips along the way. With the right knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to confidently export animations that can be used in a variety of projects.
So, let’s get started and learn how to export Figma prototype animations like a pro!
What is Figma and why is it used for animation?
Figma is a web-based design and collaboration platform that offers a variety of features. One of its most useful functions is the ability to create high-quality animations. By exporting Figma prototype animations, designers can create a realistic and high-fidelity prototype that can be used to review designs with stakeholders and team members.
Since Figma is a web-based tool, it can be accessed from any device with internet access. This means that designers can create prototypes from home, at the office, or even on-the-go. Additionally, Figma is highly adaptable and can be used for a variety of different projects.
Exporting Figma prototype animations is a great way to showcase high-quality animations that are typically difficult to create. Figma animations can be used to display complex transitions, interactions, and micro-interactions that are typically challenging to recreate by hand.
Preparing your prototype for animation
Before you can actually export Figma prototype animations, you’ll need to prepare your prototype. This will ensure that your animations are exported to the highest quality. By following these steps, you can ensure that your prototype will look great no matter what.
– Use the correct asset types –
Your prototype may contain many different types of assets. But if you’re trying to export Figma prototype animations, you’ll want to focus on the following types:
- – Symbols
- – PNGs
- – SVGs
- – Transparent PNGs
- – JPEGs
- – GIFs
For optimal results, be sure to use the correct type of assets for each Figma transition.
– Keep symbols at a minimum –
Figma animations can be very time-consuming to create. It can take hours to design and animate even a simple prototype. That’s why you’ll want to keep your design as simple as possible.
By using symbols, you can create reusable components that can be used multiple times throughout your prototype. It’s important to keep symbols to a minimum, however, to avoid creating a cluttered design. Symbols are great for creating reusable components, but they take much longer to design and animate.
You should only use symbols when absolutely necessary.
– Add your layers to a separate page –
Each page in Figma corresponds to a single animation. This means that if you’re trying to create a Figma prototype that contains multiple animations, you’ll need multiple pages. But, this can get a bit cluttered and confusing. That’s why you should add your layers to a separate page. This will help keep your design organized and make it easier to export Figma prototype animations.
– Be aware of layer settings –
Different layers have different settings that can impact how your prototype animations appear. This includes settings like opacity, color, and visibility. Be aware of these settings when designing your prototype and click on each layer to review its settings.
Exporting Figma prototype animations
Now that you’ve prepared your prototype, it’s time actually to export Figma prototype animations. Exporting Figma prototype animations is a three-step process.
You’ll first need to choose the animation type and then select the type of Figma transition. Finally, you’ll need to choose the duration of the animation.
Let’s take a closer look at each step in more detail.
– Choose the animation type –
The first step to exporting Figma prototype animations is to choose the animation type. This will determine how your prototype animations will be displayed throughout your Figma prototype. For example, if you choose the “Blinds” animation type, your prototype animations will be displayed as a series of blinds that are stacked on top of one another.
– Select the Figma transition –
Once you’ve chosen the animation type, it’s time to select the appropriate Figma transition. This will determine how your prototype animations will be displayed throughout your Figma prototype. For example, if you select the “Push” Figma transition, your prototype animations will appear as a series of swipe gesture animations.
– Choose the duration of the animation –
Finally, once you’ve chosen the appropriate Figma transition, you’ll need to choose the duration of the animation. You can choose between a few different options. For example, you can choose to export your animations as a “Loop” animation that will repeat itself over and over again. Or, you can choose to export them as a “One-shot” animation that will only play once.
3 Alternative ways of exporting prototype animations
There are a few different ways that you can export your Figma prototype animation.
1. Export function
You can use the ‘Export’ function in the File menu, or you can use the ‘Publish to web’ function in the Share menu. To export your animation using the ‘Export’ function, go to File > Export > Animation. Choose the format that you want to export your animation in, and then click ‘Export’.
2. Generate code
You can also use the ‘Generate code’ function in the File menu. To generate code for your animation, go to File > Generate code. Choose the format that you want to generate code for, and then click ‘Generate’. Your code will be generated, and you can copy and paste it into your website or app.
3. Publish to the web
To use the ‘Publish to web’ function, go to Share > Publish to web. Choose whether you want to publish your prototype privately or publicly, and then click ‘Publish’. Your prototype will be published online, and you will be given a URL that you can share with others.
Troubleshooting common problems
Unfortunately, exporting Figma prototype animations doesn’t always go smoothly. There are a number of potential issues that you may run into during the exporting process. Fortunately, these issues are typically easy to fix.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can follow these tips for fixing it.
– Your prototype animations aren’t appearing –
This issue typically occurs when you’ve made an error during the exporting process. Double-check that you’ve chosen the correct animation type, transition, and duration. If you’re still having issues, make sure that you’ve added your layers to an additional page in the background.
– Your prototype animations are too long –
If your animations are lasting longer than you’d like, there are a couple of potential reasons why. You may have chosen a transition that is longer than others. Or, you may have overused symbols in your prototype.
In Conclusion
Exporting Figma prototype animations is a great way to showcase high-quality animations that are typically difficult to create by hand. To do this, you’ll first need to prepare your prototype by adding your layers to a separate page and keeping your design as simple as possible. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can export your animations by choosing the appropriate animation type, transition, and duration.
Just keep in mind that there are a few potential issues that you may run into along the way. By following this guide, you can easily export high-quality animations from Figma.
