Exporting and Sharing Assets in Figma

Key Concepts

Exporting and sharing assets in Figma is a crucial part of the design workflow, allowing designers to deliver high-quality resources to developers and stakeholders. This section covers the essential concepts of exporting assets, sharing prototypes, and managing permissions.

1. Exporting Assets

Exporting assets in Figma involves saving design elements as files that can be used in other applications or by developers. This includes exporting images, icons, and other design components in various formats such as PNG, SVG, and JPG. To export assets:

1. Select the element you want to export.
2. Click the "Export" button in the right sidebar.
3. Choose the desired format and settings (e.g., resolution, background).
4. Click "Export" to save the file.

Think of exporting assets as packaging a gift. You select the items you want to include, choose the right wrapping (format), and then deliver it to the recipient (developer or stakeholder).

2. Sharing Prototypes

Sharing prototypes in Figma allows you to distribute interactive versions of your designs for feedback and testing. This feature enables stakeholders to experience the design as if it were a real application or website. To share prototypes:

1. Create a prototype by linking different artboards or frames.
2. Click the "Share" button and generate a link.
3. Set the access level (e.g., view, comment, edit) for the link.
4. Send the link to stakeholders for review and feedback.

Imagine sharing prototypes as giving someone a demo of a new product. You create a working model (prototype), invite people to try it out, and gather their feedback to improve the final product.

3. Managing Permissions

Managing permissions in Figma ensures that only authorized users can access and edit your design files. This feature is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your designs. To manage permissions:

1. Click the "Share" button to open the sharing settings.
2. Set the access level for each team member (e.g., view, comment, edit).
3. Use the "Invite" feature to add new team members and assign their permissions.
4. Regularly review and update permissions to ensure they align with project needs.

Think of managing permissions as controlling access to a secure building. You decide who can enter (view), who can make changes (edit), and who can only observe (comment), ensuring that only authorized personnel have access.

4. Batch Exporting

Batch exporting in Figma allows you to export multiple assets at once, saving time and effort. This feature is particularly useful when exporting icons, images, or other design components. To batch export assets:

1. Select multiple elements you want to export.
2. Click the "Export" button in the right sidebar.
3. Choose the desired format and settings for each element.
4. Click "Export" to save all files simultaneously.

Consider batch exporting as preparing a shipment of multiple items. You gather all the items (elements), package them (set formats), and send them out together (export) to save time and streamline the process.

5. Asset Previews

Asset previews in Figma provide a quick way to visualize how exported assets will look in different formats and resolutions. This feature helps ensure that the exported assets meet the required specifications. To use asset previews:

1. Select the element you want to preview.
2. Click the "Export" button in the right sidebar.
3. Toggle between different formats and resolutions to see the preview.
4. Adjust settings as needed before exporting.

Think of asset previews as trying on different outfits before a big event. You can see how each option (format and resolution) looks, ensuring you choose the best one for the occasion (final export).

6. Version History

Version history in Figma allows you to track changes to your design files over time and revert to previous versions if necessary. This feature is invaluable for maintaining a history of your work and recovering from mistakes. To use version history:

1. Open your design file.
2. Click the "File" menu and select "Versions."
3. Review the list of saved versions and their descriptions.
4. Select a previous version to revert to it.

Imagine version history as a time machine. You can travel back to any point in time (previous version) to see what the design looked like and make adjustments as needed.

Examples and Analogies

Exporting Assets

Consider a logo design. By exporting the logo in multiple formats (PNG, SVG, JPG), you ensure that it can be used across different platforms and applications, maintaining consistency and quality.

Sharing Prototypes

Imagine a mobile app design. By sharing a prototype with stakeholders, they can experience the app's functionality and provide feedback before development begins, ensuring the final product meets user expectations.

Managing Permissions

Think of a collaborative project. By managing permissions, you ensure that only the right team members have access to sensitive design files, maintaining security and preventing unauthorized changes.

Batch Exporting

Consider a set of icons. By batch exporting all icons in one go, you save time and ensure that each icon is exported in the correct format and resolution, ready for use in the final product.

Asset Previews

Imagine exporting a banner image. By using asset previews, you can see how the banner will look at different resolutions, ensuring it looks sharp and clear on all devices.

Version History

Consider a complex design project. By using version history, you can track changes over time, revert to previous versions if needed, and maintain a clear record of your design process.

By mastering the concepts of exporting and sharing assets in Figma, you can streamline your design workflow, ensure high-quality deliverables, and facilitate effective collaboration with stakeholders and developers.