Published: August 28, 2023 by Juan Lizardo
Figma has revolutionized the way designers collaborate and create digital products. One of its standout features is the ability to enhance functionality through plugins. Plugins are third-party tools that extend Figma's capabilities, streamlining workflows, and enabling designers to achieve more in less time. In this article, we will delve into what plugins are, their benefits, and how to effectively use them within the Figma design environment.
Plugins are add-ons that integrate seamlessly with Figma, offering additional functionalities beyond the platform's built-in tools. These mini-applications are designed to simplify tasks, automate repetitive processes, and introduce new features. From UI design to prototyping, user testing, and beyond, plugins have the potential to supercharge your design workflow.
✅Efficiency Boost: Plugins can automate repetitive tasks, saving precious time that designers can allocate to more creative and strategic aspects of their work.
✅Extended Functionality: Figma's core features are robust, but plugins open doors to specialized tools that cater to specific design needs, allowing designers to work with greater precision.
✅Workflow Streamlining: With the right plugins, you can streamline your workflow by reducing the need to switch between different tools or applications. Everything can be done within Figma.
✅Consistency: Plugins can help maintain design consistency by providing reusable components, templates, and guidelines.
✅Customization: Plugins allow you to tailor Figma to your specific design process, adapting the platform to match your unique requirements.
There are many ways to browse and install plugins in Figma, I will be showing you the easiest and quickest ones that I know and use every day in my designs.
Open your web browser and go to the Figma Community website, you'll find a search bar at the top of the page.
Figma Community offers a wide range of resources for designers to explore and utilize in their projects. You can search for specific design files, plugins, or resources using tags, categories, or recent uploads. Additionally, you can follow your favorite designers and show your support by liking their work. Figma Community also allows you to copy and modify existing design files or create new designs based on them, providing a starting point for your projects.
Type in keywords related to the type of plugin you're looking for. For instance, if you're searching for a gradient generator plugin, type "gradient generator" in the search bar. As you type, the Figma Community website will provide suggestions based on your keywords and display plugin results that match your search terms. Scroll through the search results to find plugins that align with your requirements.
Click on a plugin that interests you to access its detailed page, which includes a description, features, and any attached files. If you decide to use a specific plugin, look for an "Install" or "Open in Figma" button on the plugin's page. Clicking this button will add the plugin to your Figma account, and you'll be able to use it within the Figma design environment.
Note: Remember to explore the diverse range of plugins available on the Figma Community website to discover tools that can optimize your design process and help you create more efficiently.
Another way to install plugins is to use the "Manage Plugins" option in the menu. This will open a window where you can search for plugins, as well as see the ones you have already installed. To install a new plugin, simply click the "Install Plugin" or “Run” button next to it.
There are 2 ways to activate the Quick Actions Bar. The first option would be with the cursor positioned anywhere on the canvas, press the right mouse button, and choose the option "Quick Actions." The other way is in Windows by pressing on your keyboard Ctrl+p or on Mac ⌘ / or ⌘ P.
Type the plugin name in the pop-up window. If the plugin is already installed, it will immediately appear on your screen. If there are several plugins with very similar names, Figma will display them all so you can choose the one you want to run. In this case, you can use the up and down arrows to navigate through the list.
Note: The Quick Actions Bar works when you already have the plugin installed, and you want to browse it. If you don't have the plugin installed, you will see an option that says "no matches" after typing the plugin name.
Content Reel: Easily generate placeholder text, images, and icons to populate your designs.
User Flows: Create user flow diagrams and visualize navigation patterns seamlessly.
Stark: Ensure accessibility compliance by checking color contrast and other accessibility standards.
Zeplin: Simplify handoff by exporting Figma designs into developer-friendly specs.
LoremIpsum: Best for adding sample text to your Figma designs.
Unsplash: Best for adding images to your Figma designs.
WireFrame: Ideal for creating wireframes quickly.
RemoveBG: Great for removing backgrounds from photos on Figma.
Plugins in Figma have revolutionized the way designers work by adding efficiency, flexibility, and expanded capabilities to the design process. By integrating third-party tools seamlessly into the Figma platform, designers can streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and ultimately create more polished and engaging designs. Embracing the power of plugins is essential for staying competitive and innovative in the rapidly evolving landscape of design. So, explore the plugin library, find the ones that suit your needs, and start elevating your design game with Figma plugins.
PS: Looking to get a headstart on your design projects in Figma? Get your free Figma templates to speed up your work like never before!