Figma Auto Layout & Constraints

Auto Layout in Figma is a powerful feature that allows you to create dynamic and responsive designs. It helps you maintain consistent spacing and alignment between elements, and automatically adjusts them when the layout changes.

To use Auto Layout in Figma, follow these steps:

1. Create a frame or group: Start by creating a frame or group that contains the elements you want to arrange using Auto Layout.
2. Enable Auto Layout: Select the frame or group, and then click on the “Auto Layout” button in the toolbar at the top. It looks like a series of horizontal and vertical lines connected by dots.
3. Choose the layout direction: Once Auto Layout is enabled, you can choose the direction in which the elements will be arranged. You can select from horizontal, vertical, or grid layouts. Click on the layout direction icon next to the “Auto Layout” button to switch between options.
4. Add elements: Add the elements you want to include in the layout inside the frame or group. They can be text layers, shapes, or images.
5. Adjust spacing and alignment: With Auto Layout enabled, you can adjust the spacing between elements and their alignment within the frame or group. Simply select the elements and use the spacing and alignment controls in the properties panel on the right side of the screen.
6. Resize the frame or group: When you resize the frame or group, the elements within it will automatically adjust according to the layout rules you set. Elements can grow or shrink, and spacing will be maintained based on the defined constraints.
7. Override and nesting: Auto Layout also supports overrides and nesting, which allows you to create reusable components and customize instances. You can override text content, swap images, or adjust properties of individual instances while still maintaining the overall layout.

Auto Layout in Figma is a flexible and efficient way to create responsive designs and maintain consistency across different screen sizes. It simplifies the process of designing interfaces that adapt to various device types and orientations.