Table of Contents:
Figma Cheat Sheet — Tools, Shortcuts & UI/UX Design Essentials
Figma has revolutionized the UI/UX design industry by offering a web-based, collaborative design tool that allows teams to design, prototype, and share in real-time. Whether you’re creating mobile app wireframes, responsive web layouts, or complete design systems, this Figma Cheat Sheet gives you everything you need to work efficiently and creatively.
Figma Interface Overview
The Figma workspace is designed for productivity and collaboration. Key areas include:
- Toolbar: Contains selection, shapes, text, frames, and prototyping tools.
- Layers Panel: Displays all frames, groups, and components in your project.
- Properties Panel: Allows you to edit colors, constraints, auto layout, and effects.
- Canvas: Your main design area for creating layouts and prototypes.
- Assets Panel: Contains reusable components, icons, and styles.
Figma Tools and Functions
| Tool / Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Move Tool (V) | Move elements freely around the canvas. |
| Frame Tool (F) | Create frames for layouts, artboards, or screens. |
| Shape Tools (O, R) | Create circles (O) and rectangles (R). |
| Pen Tool (P) | Draw custom vector shapes and paths. |
| Text Tool (T) | Add and style text elements. |
| Hand Tool (Space) | Pan around the canvas. |
| Slice Tool (S) | Export specific regions as images. |
| Eyedropper (I) | Pick colors from the canvas. |
| Comment Tool (C) | Add feedback or notes for team collaboration. |
| Prototype Tool | Connect frames to simulate interactions and navigation. |
Figma Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V |
| Group Selection | Ctrl + G | Cmd + G |
| Ungroup | Ctrl + Shift + G | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Bring Forward | Ctrl + ] | Cmd + ] |
| Send Backward | Ctrl + [ | Cmd + [ |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + | Cmd + + |
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + – | Cmd + – |
| Add Frame | F | F |
| Show Layout Grids | Ctrl + G | Cmd + G |
| Show/Hide UI | Ctrl + * | Cmd + * |
| Present Prototype | Ctrl + Enter | Cmd + Enter |
Auto Layout in Figma
Auto Layout is one of Figma’s most powerful features — it allows designs to adapt dynamically as you resize or modify content.
Advantages:
- Responsive and adaptive designs.
- Automatic spacing between elements.
- Quick adjustments for padding, alignment, and orientation.
Example Use Case:
Designing a button that automatically resizes based on text content.
Pro Tip: Use Auto Layout for cards, navigation bars, and forms to maintain consistent spacing.
Figma Components and Variants
Components are reusable design elements like buttons or input fields. Variants allow multiple states (e.g., hover, active) in one component.
| Feature | Usage |
|---|---|
| Component | Create a reusable element (Ctrl + Alt + K / Cmd + Option + K). |
| Variant | Combine multiple component states. |
| Instance | A copy of a component that inherits all properties. |
| Master Component | The source design for all instances. |
Figma Prototyping and Animation
Bring your static designs to life with Figma Prototyping Tools.
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Prototype Links | Connect frames to create interactions. |
| Smart Animate | Add smooth transitions between states. |
| Overlay | Display popups or dropdowns. |
| Interactive Components | Add button hover and click effects. |
| Flows | Manage user journeys in multiple screens. |
Example:
Connect your “Login” screen to “Dashboard” using On Click → Navigate To → Smart Animate for a seamless experience.
Figma Collaboration and Comments
Figma’s real-time collaboration allows designers, developers, and clients to work together on the same project.
- Comment Mode: Add feedback without altering designs.
- Share Links: Control view/edit permissions.
- Version History: Track and restore previous edits.
- Dev Mode: Developers can inspect CSS, spacing, and export assets easily.
Popular Figma Plugins for Designers
| Plugin Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Autoflow | Quickly connect objects with arrows and flows. |
| Content Reel | Add text, avatars, and icons instantly. |
| Blush | Generate free illustrations inside Figma. |
| Unsplash | Insert royalty-free stock images. |
| Iconify | Access 100,000+ icons directly in Figma. |
| Figmotion | Add motion animations to your prototypes. |
| Contrast | Check accessibility contrast ratios. |
| Design Lint | Detect inconsistencies in your design system. |
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Figma Export and Sharing Options
| File Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| PNG / JPG | Export images for web or mobile. |
| SVG | Scalable vector for icons and UI elements. |
| Export presentations or case studies. | |
| Figma Link | Share real-time design access. |
| Code Inspect | Export CSS, iOS, or Android code snippets. |
Related Topic
FAQ — Figma Cheat Sheet
Q1: Is Figma free to use?
Yes, Figma has a free plan perfect for individuals and small teams. Figma Pro includes advanced collaboration and versioning.
Q2: Can Figma be used offline?
Yes, with the Figma Desktop App, you can work offline and sync when online.
Q3: What is Auto Layout used for in Figma?
Auto Layout helps you design responsive components that automatically adjust spacing and size.
Q4: How do I share a Figma file with my team?
Use the Share button, choose access level (view/edit), and send the project link.
Q5: Can developers export code directly from Figma?
Yes, using Dev Mode, developers can inspect and copy CSS, iOS, and Android code snippets.
