How to Export Clean Interactive PDF Design Previews in Figma Tool

Figma is a popular design tool that allows users to create interactive prototypes and presentations. With the Pitchdeck plugin, Figma users can export their designs as interactive PDF files. This provides an easy way to share clickable prototypes with stakeholders.

When exporting interactive PDFs from Figma, follow these best practices to optimize file size while retaining quality:

Organize Your Figma File

Before exporting, ensure your Figma file is well-organized with logical grouping and naming of elements. Consider:

• Using folders and pages to separate major sections
• Naming and grouping related elements
• Removing unused components

Proper organization ensures a clean PDF that is easy to navigate.

Optimize Images

Large uncompressed images can drastically increase file size. When exporting PDFs:

• Use vector assets instead of raster where possible
• Export bitmap images at 1x scale
• Compress JPG/PNG assets to reduce size
• Crop images to only required areas using masks

Break Down Complex Designs

Limit each artboard to one section or page of the PDF. Break down complex designs into multiple simpler artboards for export rather than cramming everything into one.

Use Export Settings in Figma

Adjust the export settings in Figma before exporting your PDF:

• Set resolution to 1x or 2x. Higher resolutions increase file size.
• Select relevant layers/artboards to export
• Enable “Simplify Vector Paths” to reduce complexity

Check Page Layout

Review page layout to ensure proper multi-page flow in the exported PDF. Set logical page ordering or use page numbers to guide the reader.

Export as Single or Multiple PDFs

For multi-page documents, experiment with exporting as single or multiple PDFs to compare file sizes. Multiple PDFs can sometimes be smaller.

Use PDF Optimization Tools

After export, use online tools like CompressPDF to further compress the PDF and optimize it for small file size. This can shrink files by over 90%.

By following these tips, you can export clean and compact interactive PDFs from Figma while retaining vector quality and functionality. Always test the final PDF thoroughly before sharing to ensure links, prototypes and layouts function as expected after export. Optimized PDF exports allow for easy sharing and reviewing with stakeholders.

Installing the Pitchdeck Plugin

To export interactive PDFs from Figma, first install the Pitchdeck plugin from the Figma community. Here is how:

1. Open your Figma file
2. Click on the “+” icon to access the Figma Community plugins
3. Search for “Pitchdeck”
4. Click Install to add the Pitchdeck plugin to your Figma account

This will install the Pitchdeck plugin so you can access its features in your Figma files.

Setting Up Links in Figma

Before exporting to PDF, you need to set up the clickable links in your Figma prototype. This defines what interactions will be included in the final PDF.

To create clickable links between Figma frames:

1. Select a layer like a button or image
2. In the Design tab, click “+ Add interaction”
3. Choose “Navigate to” and select the destination frame
4. Click outside to close and apply

Repeat for all required links. The link icon on layers shows interactions are set up correctly.

Exporting as Interactive PDF

Once links are defined, you can export your interactive Figma prototype:

1. In Pitchdeck, click “Export”
2. Select PDF as the export type
3. Adjust any settings as needed
4. Click “Export” to save the PDF file

The exported PDF will now have clickable hotspots based on the links you set up in your Figma prototype!

Testing the Interactive PDF

Before finalizing your interactive PDF, thoroughly test it:

• Check functionality of all links: Click buttons/hotspots to ensure correct navigation
• Review layout: Scroll through pages and check alignment, cropping
• Share and collect feedback: Send to stakeholders for review before final distribution

Fix any issues in the Figma source file and re-export PDF if needed.

Interactive PDFs in Figma – Pros and Cons

Using interactive PDF exports allows you to share clickable prototypes without requiring the viewer to have Figma access. However, there are some limitations to note:

Pros:

• Easy to share with anyone
• Retains interactivity
• Familiar PDF format
• Small file size if optimized

Cons:

• Limited interactivity compared to Figma prototype
• Can’t dynamically update content
• Needs optimization to prevent large file sizes
• Links may break if source file changes

So while interactive PDFs have some advantages, they work best for simple prototypes with established final content.

Conclusion

Exporting interactive PDFs from Figma provides an easy way to share and review clickable prototypes. By following the best practices outlined here, you can optimize the exported PDFs for small file size while retaining quality and functionality.

Set up links in your Figma prototype, export using Pitchdeck, adjust optimization settings, and test thoroughly before final distribution. This allows you to get stakeholder feedback on interactive designs without requiring the viewer to access Figma.

With some strategic optimization and testing, interactive PDFs can be an incredibly valuable asset for sharing prototypes with team members and clients.