Figma has become one of the most popular design tools for UI/UX designers due to its excellent collaboration features. It makes it easy for designers to share and get feedback on their designs from stakeholders, product managers, and developers.
One of the most important collaboration workflows is designer to developer handoff. Figma has fantastic capabilities for exporting design code and assets to assist developers with implementation.
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Why Exporting Code is Important
Exporting code from Figma is valuable for a few key reasons:
- Accurate implementation – By exporting styles, colors, fonts, etc. developers can accurately match the designs.
- Development efficiency – Developers don’t have to manually measure spacing, fonts sizes, etc. Saving significant time.
- Single source of truth – There’s no confusion on which is the latest design file. Developers work directly from the Figma exports.
Getting Started with Developer Exports
Exporting code/assets from Figma requires a few quick setup steps:
1. Structure Files and Name Layers
Keep files organized with one feature per file. Name layers, styles, and components clearly and consistently. This helps developers locate assets faster.
2. Set Export Settings on Assets
Select any layer or group and click the “+” icon in the export settings tab to add export formats (PNG, SVG, PDF) and scales.
From the share menu, invite developer email addresses and choose “Can view” permission.
Exporting Assets and Code
Once files are shared, developers can export text styles, colors, images, and code:
Export Images and Vectors
Developers can export layers and groups in PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF formats at 1x, 2x, and 3x scales.
Export Color Styles
The CSS code for colors used in fills, borders, and text can be copied. Includes HEX, RGB, and variable values.
Export Text Styles
Font family, size, weight, transforms, etc. can all be exported as CSS code snippets.
Export Components as Code
React, iOS, Android, and web code can be generated for components.
Best Practices for Developer Handoff
Here are some top tips for optimizing the developer handoff process:
Use a Design System
Creating and sharing a structured design system ensures consistency in naming conventions and coding styles.
Add Developer Comments
Annotate designs with comments specifically for developers to clarify complex layouts or unusual interactions.
Include Development Notes
Supplement design files with development guides that outline technical considerations, browser support, graceful degradation, etc.
Validate Code Exports
Double check code exports to ensure fonts, colors, and layouts match design intentions.
Be Accessible
Communicate frequently with developers to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the implementation process.
Sample Developer Handoff Checklist
Here is a sample checklist covering the key elements for effective Figma developer handoff:
Design Files
- [ ] Consistent naming conventions
- [ ] Layered systematically
- [ ] Development comments added
- [ ] Shared with developer access
Components
- [ ] Created from styles
- [ ] Marked for export
- [ ] Code exported
Styles
- [ ] Colors have exports
- [ ] Text styles have exports
- [ ] Spacing/sizing styles created
Exports
- [ ] Assets exported at needed scales
- [ ] Code exports validated
- [ ] Development notes provided
Communication
- [ ] Developers invited to files
- [ ] Kickoff call completed
- [ ] Contact info shared
By following a comprehensive handoff process, Figma designers and developers can collaborate seamlessly to build world-class products. The ability to export code and assets directly from designs is a game-changer for efficient and accurate development.
