Figma For Beginners: Create designs (2/4)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essential steps to create designs in Figma, a powerful design tool that is free to use. Whether you're new to design or looking to enhance your skills, this guide will help you understand fundamental concepts while building an app interface.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

• Create a New Design File
  • Open Figma and sign in to your account.
  • Click on "New File" to start a new design project.
• Organize Your Pages
  • Use the Pages panel on the left to create different pages for various parts of your design.
  • Name your pages clearly (e.g., Home, Profile, Settings) to keep your project organized.

Step 2: Use Grids and Measurements

• Set Up Layout Grids
  • Select the frame you are working on.
  • In the right-hand properties panel, enable "Layout Grid."
  • Choose a grid type (e.g., columns, rows) to align your designs properly.
• Measure Elements
  • Use the measuring tool by holding down the R key while dragging from one element to another to check spacing and alignment.

Step 3: Work with Shapes and Images

• Adjust Corner Radius
  • Select any shape you create and adjust the corner radius in the properties panel to give it rounded corners.
• Insert Images
  • Drag and drop images directly onto your canvas or use the “Place Image” function (Shift + Ctrl + K) to import images from your files.

Step 4: Customize Text Properties

• Text Tools
  • Use the Text tool (T) to add text elements.
  • Adjust font size, weight, and color in the right-hand panel.
• Create Text Styles
  • Define text styles for consistency across your design by selecting a text element and clicking on the “+” next to Text Styles in the properties panel.

Step 5: Enhance with Plugins and Colors

• Install Plugins
  • Go to the Figma community and explore available plugins to enhance your design process.
• Choose Color Palettes
  • Use the color picker to select colors or input hex codes for precise color selection.
• Check Accessibility
  • Utilize accessibility tools to ensure your color choices meet contrast guidelines.

Step 6: Implement Auto Layout

• Use Auto Layout for Responsive Design
  • Select a frame and click on "Auto Layout" in the right-hand panel.
  • Adjust padding and spacing to create a responsive and flexible layout.

Step 7: Create Components

• Define Components
  • Select elements you want to reuse (e.g., buttons, icons) and right-click to choose "Create Component."
  • Components allow for easy updates across your design.

Step 8: Utilize Clipping and Overrides

• Clip Content
  • Use the “Clip Content” option to restrict the visibility of elements within a frame or component.
• Override Component Properties
  • Change text or images in instances of components without affecting the master component.

Step 9: Work with Vector Networks and Boolean Operations

• Understanding Vector Networks
  • Use the Pen tool to create complex shapes and paths.
• Perform Boolean Operations
  • Combine shapes using Union, Subtract, Intersect, or Exclude operations found in the top toolbar.

Step 10: Design Navigation Bar and Floating Action Button

• Create a Navigation Bar
  • Use rectangles and text to design a navigation bar at the top of your frame.
• Add a Floating Action Button (FAB)
  • Draw a circle and position it at the bottom right corner of your design. Add an icon inside to complete the FAB.

Step 11: Implement Scrolling and Fixed Position Elements

• Create Scrollable Frames
  • Adjust the overflow settings in the properties panel to enable scrolling for certain frames.
• Fix Positioning
  • Select elements and use the "Fix position when scrolling" option to keep important elements visible while scrolling.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned key techniques for designing in Figma, including setting up your workspace, using layout grids, customizing text, and creating components. As you practice these skills, consider exploring Figma's community resources for additional plugins and design inspirations. Your next steps could involve experimenting with more complex designs or collaborating on projects with others!