Figma

How to use Figma's layout grid for consistent spacing?

Discover tips on utilizing Figma's layout grid for maintaining consistent spacing in your designs. Boost alignment, achieve balance, and elevate visual appeal with these straightforward techniques.

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Overview

Figma's layout grid is a goldmine for designers wanting to keep things neat and orderly across all their projects. Grids let you craft designs that not only look good but feel right, whether it's a website, a mobile app, or some other digital product. Knowing the ins and outs of Figma's layout grid means figuring out how to set up various grids—think columns, rows, and margins—tweak their settings, and smartly weave them into your design process. This keeps everything cohesive and elevates the user experience by drawing the viewer's eye through a well-balanced, tidy layout.

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How to use Figma's layout grid for consistent spacing?

Step 1: Open Figma and Select Your Frame

First things first, fire up Figma and either start a new frame or pick one you've already got. Make sure the frame is active so you can set up the layout grid.

Step 2: Access Layout Grid Settings

With your frame ready, head over to the right-hand properties panel. Scroll down until you spot the "Layout Grid" section. Click on the “+” icon to add a new layout grid.

Step 3: Choose Grid Type

When you add a new grid, Figma will default to a square grid. Click on the “Grid” dropdown to pick between “Grid”, “Columns”, and “Rows”. For consistent spacing, “Columns” is usually the best bet, but it depends on what you're designing.

Step 4: Configure Columns for Consistency

After selecting “Columns”, you'll see more settings pop up:

  • Count: Decide how many columns you need. Common choices are 12, 16, or 24 columns for web design.
  • Type: Choose between “Stretch” and “Center”. “Stretch” adjusts column width based on the frame width, while “Center” keeps columns aligned in the middle.
  • Gutter: Set the space between each column. Around 20-30 pixels is typical.
  • Margin: Define the space on the left and right edges of your frame. This helps keep things consistently spaced out.

Step 5: Toggle Visibility of the Grid

To make things easier to see, you can toggle the grid on or off using the eye icon next to “Layout Grid” in the properties panel. This helps when you're fine-tuning your design elements.

Step 6: Align Elements to the Grid

Start aligning your design elements to the grid columns and rows. This keeps everything consistently spaced and looking good. Drag elements and use Figma's smart guides to snap them to the grid lines.

Step 7: Utilize Multiple Grids

For more complex designs, you might want to add multiple grids. Click the “+” icon again under Layout Grid to add another grid and set it up as needed. This can help manage spacing for different sections or components within the same frame.

Step 8: Review and Adjust

Keep reviewing your design and tweak the grid settings as needed. Make sure all elements are consistently spaced according to the grid. Adjust the column count, gutter width, and margins if the initial setup doesn't quite fit your design needs.

Following these steps will help you keep your Figma designs looking sharp and well-organized, making the most of layout grids.

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