Linking Frames and Pages in Figma
Key Concepts
- Frames
- Pages
- Linking Frames
- Navigation
- Prototype Mode
Frames
Frames in Figma are containers that hold design elements. They are similar to artboards in other design tools and are used to organize content within a single view. Frames can be nested within other frames, allowing for complex layouts and interactions.
Example: A website design might have a frame for the homepage, another for the about page, and additional frames for different sections within each page.
Pages
Pages in Figma are collections of frames that represent different views or sections of a design. Each page can contain multiple frames, and pages are used to organize and manage larger projects. Pages can be linked together to create a seamless user experience in the prototype.
Example: A mobile app design might have a page for the login screen, another for the main dashboard, and additional pages for settings and profile views.
Linking Frames
Linking frames in Figma allows you to create interactive elements that navigate between different frames within the same page. This feature is useful for creating micro-interactions and enhancing the user experience within a single view.
Example: On a homepage frame, you can link a button to another frame that displays a detailed view of a product. Clicking the button will transition the user to the product detail frame.
Navigation
Navigation in Figma refers to the process of moving between different frames and pages. By linking frames and pages, you can create a navigable prototype that simulates the user journey through your design. Navigation can be set up using hotspots, buttons, or any interactive element.
Example: In a mobile app prototype, you can link the "Home" button on the navigation bar to the homepage frame, and the "Settings" button to the settings page.
Prototype Mode
Prototype Mode in Figma allows you to create interactive prototypes by linking frames and pages. This mode enables you to define interactions, transitions, and navigation paths, making it easy to test and iterate on your design. Prototype Mode is essential for design handoff, as it provides a clear representation of how the final product will function.
Example: In Prototype Mode, you can set up a flow where clicking a "Sign Up" button on the login page navigates the user to the sign-up page, with a smooth transition effect.
Examples and Analogies
Think of frames as rooms in a house, each containing different furniture and decor. Pages are like different floors of the house, each with its own set of rooms. Linking frames is like connecting rooms with doors, allowing you to move between them. Navigation is the process of walking through these rooms and floors, and Prototype Mode is like a virtual tour guide that shows you how to navigate the house.
In a real-world scenario, consider a multi-page brochure. Each page represents a different section of the brochure, and each section contains various elements like text, images, and buttons. By linking these elements, you create a seamless reading experience, guiding the reader through the content.