Animations in Figma

Animations in Figma are visual transitions that show how elements or frames change during a prototype. Figma allows designers to create transitions using triggers such as clicks, taps, hovering, dragging, or delays.

Properties of Animations in Figma

The main animation settings in Figma control how a prototype moves between frames.

• Animation: Defines the transition between the starting and destination frames. Examples include Instant, Dissolve, Smart Animate, Move, Push, and Slide.
• Easing: Controls the acceleration of the transition. Figma provides easing and spring animation options.
• Duration: Controls how long the transition takes to complete. The duration is measured in milliseconds.
• Direction: Some transitions, such as Move and Push, allow you to control the direction from which the transition starts.

Create Animations in Figma

1. Change in Color Animation

Step 1: Create or select a frame for the prototype.

Step 2: Create an ellipse at the top right position, and under that add two rectangles each of different heights. The design must look somewhat like following one. Add colors and border strokes accordingly.

Step 3: Replicate the design and form another frame of the same design type and change the colors according to your choice.

Step 4: Go to Prototype section and using the arrow, connect the first design to the second one and fill in the options in the box. Choose the option of on Hover animation, and select a time duration upto which you want the type of animation, say ease in to work.

Step 5: Click "Present" to open the prototype and test the animation.

2. Change in Size Animation

Step 1: Create or select a frame for the prototype.

Step 2: Create an ellipse in the top right section and add it within a rectangle. Add colors of choice. The design should look somewhat like this:

Step 3: Duplicate the frame and increase the height of the rectangle in the second frame.

Step 4: Open the "Prototype" tab and connect the first frame to the second frame. Set the trigger to "While hovering" and select "Smart Animate" as the animation. Adjust the easing and duration as needed.

Step 5: Here's the final animation. To see this, go to the presentation view of the design and click on the play button in the top right column.

3. Parallax Effect

Step 1: Create or select a frame for the prototype.

Step 2: Add a mountain background in the frame and set a light bluish background color to the remaining part.

Step 3: Replicate the frame and paste it beside with a picture of birds side by side. Also add a text "Scenery" to it.

Step 4: Open the "Prototype" tab and connect the first frame to the second frame. Choose a transition such as "Slide" and adjust the direction, easing, and duration. You can also use "Smart Animate" when matching layers need to move between frames.

Step 5: Here's the final design. To see this, go to the presentation view of the design and click on the play button in the top right column.

Importance of Animations in Figma

• Show Interactions: Animations help demonstrate how elements and screens respond to user actions in a prototype.
• Improve Feedback: Transitions can make changes between interface states easier to understand.
• Test User Flows: Animations help designers preview how users move through different screens and interactions.
• Support Realistic Prototypes: Appropriate transitions can make a prototype behave more like the intended interface.