What To Know
- The most straightforward way to save a Figma design as a PNG is to export a single frame.
- Figma will export a PNG file containing only the selected area or element.
- If you want to export all the frames in your Figma file as PNGs, the “Export All” feature is your best friend.
Figma is a powerful design tool that allows you to create stunning visuals and prototypes. But what good is a beautiful design if you can’t share it with the world? This is where knowing how to save your Figma designs as PNGs comes into play. PNGs are a versatile image format, perfect for sharing your designs online, incorporating them into presentations, or even printing them out.
This blog post will guide you through the process of saving your Figma designs as PNGs, covering everything from basic exports to advanced techniques. Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find valuable tips and tricks here to ensure your designs are always ready for prime time.
Understanding the Importance of PNGs
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand why PNGs are the preferred format for sharing Figma designs:
- High-quality visuals: PNGs support lossless compression, meaning no image quality is lost during the saving process. This ensures your designs maintain their sharp edges, vibrant colors, and intricate details.
- Transparency support: PNGs allow for transparent backgrounds, which is essential for designs that need to blend seamlessly with other elements or have a clean, modern look.
- Wide compatibility: PNGs are universally supported by most software and web browsers, making them ideal for sharing across different platforms.
The Basic Method: Saving a Single Frame
The most straightforward way to save a Figma design as a PNG is to export a single frame. Here’s how:
1. Select the frame: Click on the frame you want to export.
2. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button in the right-hand panel.
3. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the drop-down menu.
4. Set the export options: You can adjust the resolution, scale, and other settings according to your needs.
5. Click “Export”: This will save the PNG file to your chosen location.
Exporting Multiple Frames at Once
What if you need to save several frames as PNGs? Figma offers a convenient way to export multiple frames simultaneously:
1. Select the frames: Click and drag to select all the frames you want to export.
2. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button.
3. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the drop-down menu.
4. Set the export options: Adjust the resolution, scale, and other settings as needed.
5. Click “Export”: Figma will generate individual PNG files for each selected frame.
Exporting a Specific Area or Element
Sometimes, you might only need to save a specific area or element within a frame. Figma allows you to export precisely what you need:
1. Select the area or element: Use the selection tool to select the desired area or element.
2. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button.
3. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the drop-down menu.
4. Set the export options: Adjust the resolution, scale, and other settings as needed.
5. Click “Export”: Figma will export a PNG file containing only the selected area or element.
Exporting with Specific Dimensions
For precise control over the dimensions of your exported PNGs, Figma provides the option to specify the width and height:
1. Select the frame: Click on the frame you want to export.
2. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button.
3. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the drop-down menu.
4. Set the export options: Enter the desired width and height in pixels.
5. Click “Export”: Figma will export a PNG file with the specified dimensions.
Using the “Export All” Feature
If you want to export all the frames in your Figma file as PNGs, the “Export All” feature is your best friend:
1. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button.
2. Select “Export All”: Choose this option from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the format options.
4. Set the export options: Adjust the resolution, scale, and other settings as needed.
5. Click “Export”: Figma will generate individual PNG files for each frame in your file.
Utilizing the “Export to Assets” Feature
For a more organized approach to managing your exported assets, use the “Export to Assets” feature:
1. Select the frame or element: Choose the frame or element you want to export.
2. Open the export menu: Go to “File” > “Export” or click the “Export” button.
3. Select “Export to Assets”: Choose this option from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose PNG as the format: Select “PNG” from the format options.
5. Set the export options: Adjust the resolution, scale, and other settings as needed.
6. Click “Export”: Figma will create a new “Assets” section in your design file, where your exported PNGs will be stored.
Going Beyond the Basics: Advanced Export Techniques
For those seeking even greater control over their PNG exports, Figma offers some advanced techniques:
- Exporting with a specific background color: If you want to remove the transparency from your PNGs and replace it with a solid background color, you can do so during the export process. Simply select the desired background color in the export settings.
- Exporting with a custom prefix or suffix: You can add a prefix or suffix to your exported PNG filenames to make them more organized or easily identifiable.
- Using the “Export as SVG” feature: While not directly related to PNGs, Figma’s “Export as SVG” feature is useful for creating vector graphics that can be scaled without losing quality.
Wrapping Up: A World of Possibilities with PNGs
Learning how to save your Figma designs as PNGs unlocks a world of possibilities for sharing, showcasing, and using your creations. From basic exports to advanced techniques, Figma provides the tools you need to ensure your designs are always ready for any purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I export a Figma design as a PNG with a transparent background?
A: Yes, you can! PNGs support transparency, so your designs will have a clean, modern look when exported.
Q: What is the difference between “Export” and “Export to Assets”?
A: “Export” saves your PNG files directly to your computer’s chosen location. “Export to Assets” creates a dedicated “Assets” section within your Figma file where the exported PNGs are stored.
Q: Can I export multiple frames with different settings?
A: Yes, you can apply different resolution, scale, and other settings to each frame you export.
Q: Can I export a Figma design as a PNG with a specific size?
A: Absolutely! You can specify the width and height of your exported PNGs in pixels for precise control over their dimensions.
Q: What are the best settings for exporting a Figma design as a PNG for web use?
A: For web use, a resolution of 72 DPI is generally sufficient. You can also adjust the scale to ensure the design fits the intended web space without distortion.
