The Figma is an online design app. With it, one can easily create user interfaces and interactive designs. Unlike many programs, it does not need to be downloaded. Everything is done directly in the browser. So, we will show how to use Figma step by step.

Main Learnings:

• The Figma is a cloud-based design platform, accessible via the browser

• Allows creating, collaborating, and prototyping user interfaces

• Eliminates the need for constant downloads and updates

• A complete guide for beginners to learn how to use Figma

• Robust resources for user interface design

What is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based design platform. This means you can use it in a browser. You don’t need to download heavy software. This ease helps designers collaborate from anywhere.

Cloud-based design platform

It offers everything you need to create. With many tools, designing interfaces becomes easier. Teams can collaborate and even prototype together in real time.

Create, collaborate, and prototype user interfaces

Figma is different from others. You use it directly in the browser, no installation needed. This makes it much easier because you can edit projects from wherever you are. Without needing a specific computer.

Accessible via the browser, no downloads required

Since it's in the cloud, designers from various places can work together. This is good because teams become more connected. And everyone, regardless of location, can contribute.

Why use Figma?

Figma aids in real-time collaboration. Designers can work together from anywhere. Several professionals can work simultaneously, speeding up the project.

Robust tools for interface design

Figma has many tools for creating interfaces. Designers use vectors, shapes, text, and other advanced functions. This helps in making complex and realistic designs easily.

Global accessibility based in the cloud

Figma operates in the cloud, so it is accessible from anywhere. As long as you have internet, you can apply design in a team. This simplifies the work of dispersed teams around the world.

The Figma interface

The Figma interface is like a workspace where designers move around. It has several parts, each helping with a type of task.

Tool bar

The tool bar is at the top. It's where you find everything you need, such as files and editing options. With it, doing designs becomes much easier.

Workspace

We call the workspace the place where everything happens. Here, designers place, change, and organize what they will create.

Layers panel

The layers panel is on the left. It shows the structure of your project in parts. This helps to organize your designs clearly.

Properties panel

On the other side, there is the properties panel. It shows and controls the characteristics of selected elements. Things like color, size, and alignment are adjusted here.

How to create a new project

To start a new project in Figma, click on "New" in the menu bar. Then choose "New Project". This creates a blank file to start your design.

Choose the type of project

Figma has several project options. You can choose from mobile app designs, wireframes, illustrations, and more. This helps to catch the right template for your project.

Set initial settings

When starting a project, you set the file name, screen size, and orientation. These basic settings can be changed later if needed. They serve as a starting point for what comes next.

Essential tools in Figma

Figma provides several powerful tools. They facilitate the effective creation of interface designs. Let’s look at some of the most useful for our work.

Selection

Selection is essential for manipulating design elements. It allows you to select, move, and even apply transformations. This makes work much easier and faster.

Pen Tool

To create custom shapes, we use the Pen Tool. It is used to make detailed drawings, adding beauty to our projects.

Text Tool

With the Text Tool, we add text to designs. Besides writing, it's possible to format the text in various ways. This helps make interfaces richer.

Shapes

In Figma, we find several preloaded basic shapes. This includes rectangles, circles, and polygons. These elements are great for starting any design.

Layers

To organize the project well, we use the layers panel. It allows grouping and ordering parts of the design. Thus, everything becomes clearer and easier to modify.

How to use Figma

In this part, we will learn essential steps to use Figma well and take advantage of its features. Whether you are starting or already experienced, this guide will help you. Let’s explore how to use the tools and resources of this powerful design that allows teamwork.

First, let’s talk about the basics of Figma. After creating an account, you will see an easy-to-use interface. At the top, the tool bar provides quick access to the main features. On the left, the layers panel helps organize your project.

The Figma stands out for allowing immediate collaboration. This means you and your team can work together in real-time. You can add comments and feedback on the platform to improve communication.

You can also customize your space on Figma. With many tools and settings options, adapt the interface to your style. This will make your work more efficient.

The Figma works very well with other development tools. This facilitates exporting your designs and using them in code. This way, your design and development process becomes more integrated.

To fully utilize Figma, it’s good to know advanced techniques. This includes creating variables, using keyboard shortcuts, and building a library of reusable components. With these tips, your productivity increases, and you maintain the visual consistency of the projects.

Now that you have seen the main points of Figma, it’s time to start creating. Use the tools and resources to enhance your design. This will help you be more creative and deliver high-quality design solutions.

Figma Plans and Pricing

In Figma, we have several plans for designers and teams. They are designed for all types of needs and sizes. Learn about each of them below:

Free Plan

The free plan is perfect for those just starting or freelancing. With it, you can create projects, collaborate a little, and export your work. It’s a chance to use Figma at no cost and see how it works.

Professional Plan

For $12 per month, the Professional Plan brings many benefits. It has more space for your files, allows you to create advanced prototypes, and use more components. It’s great for those who work more intensively in design.

Organization Plan

If you have a large team, the Organization Plan might be ideal. It costs $45 per user per month. It gives access to tools like version control and centralized project management. Perfect for companies looking to grow and work together efficiently.

Enterprise Plan

For large teams and projects, the Enterprise Plan offers advanced solutions. With all the benefits, it costs $75 per month. It offers everything from dedicated workspaces to detailed controls for guest access. Ideal for organizations seeking customization and efficiency in design.

Get Figma for Free

To get Figma for free, create an account and fill out a form. This way, you request student benefits. This gives access to all tools. And helps in your growth as a designer.

Benefit Details Free Access Upon getting Figma for free, use everything the tool offers. You can create projects, collaborate, and export what you created. No Additional Costs You don’t need to pay anything. Figma at no extra cost, through the student account, is all yours. Unlimited Advantages Having Figma for free means being able to use everything it has. This greatly enhances your work as a designer.

This opportunity is fantastic! Take advantage of it to discover everything you can do in Figma. This way, you make your design projects good, without spending anything.

Canva vs Figma

Choosing the best design tool involves considering the advantages of Canva and Figma. Each platform has its highlight, depending on the user's needs.

Canva for simple designs

Canva is great for those who want to create quickly. It’s used for making social graphics, cards, and basic presentations. With an affordable price, it caters well to various experience levels.

Figma for interface design and collaboration

Figma goes beyond, specializing in interface design. It’s ideal for design and development teams, offering advanced prototyping and design. With it, collaboration is efficient, and projects achieve high quality.

Collaboration in Figma

Figma makes it easy to share projects with your team. Send a link, and everyone can view, comment, or even edit, depending on permissions.

Real-time editing

Editing in real-time is one of the great advantages of Figma. This allows many members to edit together, speeding up work and improving communication.

Comments and feedback

In Figma, you can add comments and feedback directly on the design. This way, making adjustments and including suggestions becomes easier and more efficient.

Basic tools and customization

Figma has several basic tools. With them, we can make everything from simple projects to the most complex. It also has many options for customization.

Figma is flexible. With tools like Selection and Pen Tool, we create the elements we need. Thus, we control layouts, shapes, and texts the way we want.

But Figma offers even more possibilities. We can change colors, fonts, and spaces to make each project unique. This freedom helps us be more creative and achieve unique results.

Figma is great for both beginners and professionals. It combines essential tools with many customization options. This is very important and makes Figma an excellent choice for designers.

Reusable components

Figma has a very cool feature: creating reusable components. They are design elements that are easy to duplicate and use in various places. This way, your project always looks the same, and work moves faster.

With this tool, we can create a library of elements, such as buttons and headers. If we need to change something, we update only the component. And all places where it is used change along. This helps save time and keeps the project's look uniform.

Using reusable components is great for the whole team to work together. Everyone sees and uses the same parts. This is essential in interface and user experience design. It helps keep everything organized and beautiful.

Integrations and plugins

Figma makes it easy to connect with development tools. This allows easy exporting of designs to be used in code. Thus, it makes the process of ensuring that design and development are aligned more agile.

Exporting to development tools

Using Figma, you can send your designs to development platforms like Zeplin and Storybook. This connection helps designers and developers work together. The final result stays true to the original design.

Third-party plugins

Figma offers various plugins made by other developers. They empower Figma's tools and help automate some tasks. This way, designers can improve their work and become faster, adjusting the software to their needs.

Templates

The Figma community provides ready-made templates to assist in design. This prevents you from having to start from scratch in each new project. The templates ensure a visually consistent design and save time.

Advanced techniques in Figma

Discovering advanced functionalities in Figma can make incredible projects. Let’s talk about three techniques that boost creativity and efficiency.

Variables

In Figma, variables are created for colors, fonts, and other design elements. This ensures the project’s look is maintained easily. It also helps when making quick updates. By defining styles and common properties, designers can use them in various points of the design. This makes the project look more harmonious and standardized.

Keyboard shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts in Figma saves a lot of time. Learning the main shortcuts, such as those for selecting and aligning elements, helps a lot. This increases productivity. Thus, designers have more time to be creative.

Component library

Using a library of reusable components in Figma is great. It speeds up design and keeps the same visual look across various projects. By storing buttons, icons, and common layouts, designers don’t need to do everything from scratch. This facilitates work and improves efficiency.

Create landing pages in Figma

Figma is a powerful tool. It helps in creating beautiful and effective landing pages. We, designers, do this using design, prototyping, and collaboration of Figma.

With it, we can create pages with beautiful layouts. We test variations and quickly launch them on HeroSpark. This union makes the process much more agile.

This tool is also very good for teamwork. Designers, marketing specialists, and developers collaborate effectively. The result? Landing pages that stand out and convert well.

Using Figma with HeroSpark, we create amazing pages. This helps a lot in our online campaigns. It’s a powerful partnership to transform our designs into success.

FAQ

What is Figma? Figma is a cloud-based design tool. With it, you can create, collaborate, and prototype. You do all this without needing to download anything.

Why should I use Figma? Using Figma means being able to create together, in real time. It is good for interface design. Moreover, you can go wherever you want, as it’s in the cloud.

What is the Figma interface like? In Figma, we have several useful areas. There is a tool bar, a workspace, and places for layers and properties. This helps provide an organized design experience.

How do I create a new project in Figma? To start a new project, click on "New" and then "New Project". There, you choose the name, size, and orientation.

What are the main tools in Figma? In Figma, you have many cool tools. You can use selection, pen, text, and shapes. This helps you create unique and beautiful designs.

What are the plans and prices for Figma? There is a free plan and other paid ones. The Professional plan costs $12 per month. There is also the Organization plan for $45 and finally, the Enterprise plan for $75 per month.

How can I get Figma for free? Just register at Figma and then fill out a form to get the student plan. That way, you use Figma at no cost.

What’s the difference between Canva and Figma? Canva is simple and good for basic content. Figma is more advanced, great for interface design teams. Therefore, it is the choice of many designers and creative teams.

How does collaboration work in Figma? In Figma, it’s easy to work together. You share, edit, and comment in real time. All this improves communication and speed in work.

What are the basic tools and customizations available in Figma? In Figma, you find many creation options, plus you can adjust the details as you wish. This makes you create even more special projects.

How to use reusable components in Figma? Reusable components are very useful in Figma. They help maintain a consistent appearance in many parts of your project. This makes the work faster and more effective.

What integrations and plugins are available in Figma? You can connect Figma with other development tools to export your designs. Additionally, there are many third-party plugins ready to add new functionalities to Figma.

What are advanced techniques I can use in Figma? Figma has very cool features, like variables and keyboard shortcuts. You can also build your own component library. This helps be more productive and have more consistent designs.

How can I create landing pages in Figma? Figma is excellent for creating beautiful landing pages. With the right tools, such as design, prototyping, and collaboration, pages become great for conversion. Then, just put them on HeroSpark.