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Example: A business wants to redesign its e-commerce website. By analyzing user data, they discover that a significant number of users abandon the checkout process on a specific page. With this insight, the design team decides to simplify the checkout process by reducing the number of form fields, resulting in increased conversions and improved user experience.
Designing shouldn’t be hard — and with Figma plugins, it doesn’t have to be!
Figma 101
If you are a stranger to Figma, well first off — where have you been?! Secondly, we are about to put you onto some of our favorite plugins to use with our client work!
To begin, Figma is a collaborative web application for interface design, with additional offline features enabled by desktop applications for macOS and Windows. It is seriously one of our favorite tools!
Plugins 101
Figma has revolutionized the way designers collaborate and create digital designs. One of Figma’s standout features is its extensibility through plugins. These plugins can enhance your design workflow and help you accomplish tasks more efficiently.
You can think of plugins as tools created by the Figma community to make designing easier than ever! In this blog, we’ll explore some must-know Figma plugins that can supercharge your design process!
Auto Layout — Simplify responsive design with Auto Layout, which automatically adjusts layers and frames.
Zeplin — Streamline the handoff process by exporting Figma designs to Zeplin for developers.
Stark — Ensure your designs are accessible with Stark, a tool for checking color contrast and accessibility.
Anima — Create responsive and interactive web and app prototypes directly in Figma.
Unsplash — Quickly insert high-quality stock photos from Unsplash into your designs.
Overflow — Turn your Figma designs into interactive user flows and prototypes.
Split Shape — Easily divide shapes and create new designs from existing ones.
Better Font Picker — Enhance your font selection experience with advanced typography tools.
Content Reel — Populate your designs with realistic content like names, emails, and more.
Iconify — Access a vast library of icons and easily insert them into your projects.
These Figma plugins cover a range of functionalities, from design enhancements to collaboration and productivity tools, making them invaluable for designers and teams working on various projects.
Where to Find More Plugins
Depending on your design needs, you can find more Figma plugins here using the Figma Community! We suggest refreshing this often, there are always new and exciting plugins coming out. You can see how many people are using the plugin, and can search for plugins depending on your goals.
💡Tip: You can also keep an eye on this X profile, which respost Figma plugins they are loving!
Accessing Plugins to Figma
Using a Figma plugin is a straightforward process, and it can significantly enhance your design workflow. Here are the steps to use a Figma plugin:
Open Your Figma Project: Start by opening the Figma project in which you want to use the plugin. If you don’t have a Figma account or a project yet, you’ll need to sign up or log in to Figma (https://www.figma.com/).
Access the Plugins Panel: In Figma, you can access the Plugins panel from the left sidebar. Click on the “Plugins” icon (it looks like a puzzle piece). If you don’t see it, make sure you’re using the Figma desktop application or have an active internet connection. The plugin panel should appear on the right side of your screen.
Browse or Search for Plugins: In the Plugins panel, you can browse through available plugins or use the search bar to find a specific one. You can also access the Figma Community (https://www.figma.com/community/plugins) to explore and discover a wide range of plugins created by the community.
Install the Plugin: When you find a plugin you want to use, click on it. You’ll see a brief description, screenshots, and the “Install” button. Click “Install” to add the plugin to your Figma workspace.
Run the Plugin: Once the plugin is installed, you can run it from the Plugins panel. Click on the plugin’s name or icon to open it.
Follow the Plugin’s User Interface: Each plugin has its own user interface and specific features. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin. This might include settings, options, or inputs, depending on the plugin’s functionality.
Apply the Plugin to Your Design: Depending on the plugin’s purpose, you can apply it to your design in various ways. It could be as simple as selecting an object or frame and clicking a button within the plugin’s UI. In other cases, you might need to adjust settings and make selections before running the plugin.
Review and Confirm Changes: The plugin may make changes to your design based on your input. Review the changes and confirm them if necessary. Many plugins offer a preview feature to help you see the results before finalizing the modifications.
Save Your Work: After you’ve applied the plugin and made any necessary adjustments, save your work as you would with any other design changes in Figma.
Explore Additional Features: Some plugins have multiple features or settings that you can explore to enhance your design further. Take the time to get familiar with the plugin and maximize its utility.
Use the Plugin Across Different Projects: Once you’ve installed a plugin, it will be available in your Figma workspace for all your projects. You don’t need to reinstall it each time you want to use it.
Keep Your Plugins Updated: Figma plugins may receive updates to improve functionality or add new features. Keep an eye on your installed plugins, and make sure to update them when new versions are available.
Sit Back, Plugin
Figma plugins open up a world of possibilities for designers, enabling them to streamline their workflows, improve collaboration, and enhance the overall quality of their designs.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, these Figma plugins can make your design process more efficient and enjoyable. Experiment with these plugins and discover how they can help you achieve your design goals while making your work more exciting and productive.
So, go ahead and supercharge your Figma experience with these essential plugins!
