Figma Updates 2024: Figma AI + Figma Slides

Introduction

Figma has recently rolled out its most significant updates yet, enhancing its functionality for designers like never before. This article takes you through the most exciting new features and explains how to incorporate them into your design workflow.

Redesigned Editor UI

One of the most noticeable updates is Figma's completely redesigned editor user interface. The new design embraces a modern yet minimalistic look. The toolbar has been relocated to the bottom of the interface, which streamlines the design experience. Despite these changes, the overall structure of the panels remains intact, so you won't have to relearn everything.

Currently, not all Figma users will have instant access to these updates, as they will be rolled out gradually over the coming months. However, if you want to experience them sooner, you can join the waitlist. Just click on the question mark icon and select the "Join Waitlist" option to get the chance to explore these features ahead of the general release.

Enhanced Auto Layout Feature

For users who find it challenging to structure components with Auto Layout, Figma now offers an "Other Layout Suggestions" feature. By right-clicking on a component, such as a card, and selecting this option, Figma will suggest the most appropriate frame structures for responsive design. This feature can also be used for larger segments of your design, like entire pages, although results may vary for larger elements.

AI-Powered Features

Figma has unveiled an array of AI features aimed at streamlining your design process. When faced with a blank canvas, the AI can generate an initial design to help kickstart your creative flow. If you need to rename layers, the AI can accomplish this task with a single click, eliminating the tedious manual renaming process.

Additionally, the AI can rewrite content, making it easier for designers to draft descriptions and titles during the initial stages. A particularly useful feature is the one-click prototype option, which automatically links your pages, saving you considerable time. There’s also a translation option, making it simpler to adapt your design for various languages.

New UI Kits

Figma has partnered with Apple and Google to offer official UI Kits, now available in the assets panel. This resource is valuable for designers who wish to adhere closely to these platforms' design guidelines.

Dev Mode Enhancements

The updated Dev Mode introduces new statuses like "Edited" and "Completed," improving communication about changes and readiness, thus supporting a smoother development process. You can now view designs on any screen size with the new responsive prototype viewer, a much-anticipated addition.

Introducing Figma Slides

Figma has also launched a new product called Figma Slides, the first presentation tool built specifically for designers and their teams. This innovative tool allows for collaborative narrative creation, audience engagement, and the crafting of impressive slide decks. Featuring Auto Layout, advanced property settings, and shared libraries, Figma Slides enables you to use prototyping options within your slides.

You can copy a prototype of your design and paste it into your slides for an interactive presentation experience. Polling and alignment tools allow you to gather real-time feedback from your audience. Additionally, you can toggle on design mode for slide editing, mirroring the ease of use found in the editor. The AI tone adjustment option even lets you modify the tone of your text to be shorter, longer, more professional, or more casual.

Conclusion

Figma's latest updates are undoubtedly game-changing. Be sure to explore these new features and integrate them into your workflow to maximize your design potential.

Keywords

• Figma Updates
• Editor UI
• Auto Layout
• AI Features
• UI Kits
• Dev Mode
• Figma Slides
• Prototyping
• Collaboration

FAQ

1. What are the key changes in the Figma editor UI?
The Figma editor UI has undergone a significant redesign, moving the toolbar to the bottom while maintaining the overall panel structure.

2. How can I gain early access to the new features?
You can gain early access by joining the waitlist through the question mark icon in Figma.

3. What are "Other Layout Suggestions"?
This feature helps structure components in Auto Layout by suggesting the best frame structures to make them responsive.

4. What new AI capabilities has Figma introduced?
Figma's new AI capabilities include generating initial designs, renaming layers automatically, rewriting content, and an easy one-click prototype option.

5. How can Figma Slides benefit my presentations?
Figma Slides allows for co-creating presentations, interactive slideshow experiences, and real-time audience feedback through polls and alignment tools.