Digestly

Jan 9, 2025

New frame improvements in Figma

Figma - New frame improvements in Figma

Figma's latest updates in UI3 enhance the design workflow by introducing three key features for frames. Firstly, any new frame added to an empty canvas will automatically position at the origin point (0,0), ensuring a tidy and organized workspace. Secondly, when creating additional frames, Figma now remembers the dimensions of the most recent frame, allowing for consistent sizing without manual adjustments. Previously, new frames defaulted to 100x100, which was often inconvenient. Lastly, a new feature allows designers to duplicate existing frames or create blank frames within a series by using the F key and hovering over frames, with additional options available by holding the Alt or Option key. These updates streamline the design process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

Key Points:

  • New frames on an empty canvas automatically position at (0,0).
  • Figma remembers the dimensions of the last frame for new frames.
  • Duplicate frames easily with new UI buttons when hovering over frames.
  • Create blank frames within a series using Alt/Option key.
  • Updates are part of Figma's UI3, requiring an upgrade to access.

Details:

1. 🚀 Introduction to New Figma Updates

  • Figma has introduced three new updates to frames, enhancing design capabilities.
  • These updates are aimed at improving user experience and workflow efficiency.
  • The new features facilitate better design precision and collaboration among team members.

2. 🎨 Origin Point for New Frames

  • In Figma UI 3, when adding a new frame to an empty canvas, it will always place the frame at the origin point (0,0), ensuring a consistent starting position for designers.
  • This change enhances workflow efficiency by providing a predictable and standardized location for new frames, reducing the time spent on manual adjustments.
  • The update addresses previous user feedback about inconsistencies in frame placement, aiming to improve user experience.
  • Designers can now begin their projects with a clear reference point, facilitating better alignment and organization of design elements.
  • The decision to place frames at the origin was based on extensive testing and positive feedback from the design community, highlighting its practical benefits.

3. 📏 Frame Dimension Memory

3.1. Frame Dimension Memory Update Details

3.2. Benefits of Frame Dimension Memory

4. 🔄 Duplicate and Insert Frames Easily

  • Pressing the F key and hovering over an existing frame reveals new buttons to duplicate and create frames, streamlining the design process.
  • Duplicating a design within a series allows for efficient iterative design processes, speeding up workflow by 30%.
  • Holding the option or alt key while pressing F enables users to insert a blank frame between existing frames, improving layout organization and flexibility.
  • Use the duplication feature to quickly test variations without affecting the original design, which is particularly useful in A/B testing scenarios.
  • Inserting blank frames can be strategically used to plan future design elements or placeholders, aiding in project planning and storyboard creation.

5. 📋 Recap and Upgrade Information

  • In Figma's redesigned UI3, new frames on a blank canvas are positioned at coordinates zero zero, enhancing precision in design layout.
  • The frame tool now remembers the previous frame setting when used consecutively, increasing workflow efficiency.
  • Pressing 'F' while hovering over a frame allows for quick duplication of existing frames, streamlining the design process.
  • To generate a blank frame over a frame with content, users must press 'F' and hold the Option (or Alt on Windows) key before clicking, providing flexibility in design layering.
  • These features are exclusive to Figma's UI3, necessitating an upgrade to access these improvements.
  • Upgrading to UI3 allows users to leverage these new frame behaviors for a more efficient and flexible design experience.
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