Figma tutorial for beginners - auto layout & components

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Figma Components and Auto Layout

Introduction:

This tutorial will guide you through creating components and utilizing auto layout in Figma to streamline your design process. We will cover how to create reusable components, apply auto layout to maintain design consistency, and make adjustments efficiently.

1. Creating Components:

• Identify the elements you want to reuse as a component, such as a post structure.
• Select the elements, right-click, and choose "Create Component" to make a main component.
• To create a sub-component, copy the main component and paste it elsewhere.
• Editing the main component will automatically update all sub-components sharing the same structure.

2. Using Auto Layout:

• Apply auto layout to the main component to ensure elements adjust dynamically.
• Auto layout helps maintain consistent spacing and sizing when elements are modified.
• Auto layout frames automatically resize elements within them, ensuring design integrity.

3. Building Complex Designs:

• When designing multiple posts or complex layouts, utilize auto layout to align and adjust elements easily.
• Copy and paste components to maintain consistent design across various sections.
• Changing properties in the main component will reflect in all sub-components, except for specific overrides.

4. Advanced Auto Layout Features:

• Experiment with additional auto layout settings like spacing modes and stroke exclusion.
• Use negative spacing to overlap elements or adjust their alignment within the layout.
• Explore text baseline alignment to ensure consistent positioning of text and icons.

5. Best Practices:

• Create components for repeated design elements to save time and ensure consistency.
• Utilize auto layout for dynamic and responsive design adjustments.
• Regularly review and update components to maintain design standards and efficiency.

By following these steps and best practices, you can leverage Figma's components and auto layout features effectively to enhance your design workflow and create cohesive and scalable designs.