/ How to

How to Find, Install and Use Plugins in Figma Interface Design Platform

Figma has become one of the most popular interface design platforms, allowing designers to easily collaborate and share their work. One of the things that makes Figma so powerful is its plugin ecosystem. Plugins allow you to extend the functionality of Figma in many ways to improve your workflow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding, installing, and using plugins in Figma:

Finding Figma Plugins

There are a few main ways to find Figma plugins:

  • Figma Community Plugins Page – Figma has an official plugins page where you can browse and search plugins published publicly by the Figma community. This is the best place to start.
  • Desktop App – Open the Figma desktop app and go to the plugins browser (Plugins > Development > Open Plugins Browser). This provides an interface to search, sort and filter all published plugins.
  • Google Search – A simple Google search for “Figma plugins” will reveal many plugins and lists of top recommendations. Useful for finding plugins for specific purposes.
  • Social Media – Many Figma plugin developers promote their plugins on Twitter, YouTube and other networks. Following relevant hashtags and creators is a good way to stay on top of new releases.

When browsing for plugins, make sure to check reviews, ratings, number of installations and recent updates to evaluate quality and reliability.

Installing Figma Plugins

Installing plugins in Figma is very simple:

  1. Open plugin page – Each plugin should have a clearly visible “Install” button on its page, whether it’s the official Figma listing or the plugin developer’s website. Click this.
  2. Grant permissions – A permissions pop-up will appear, showing what data and functionality the plugin will be permitted to access. Review carefully then click “Install” if you’re happy.
  3. Check Plugins menu – Go to the Plugins menu (left sidebar) and you should now see the installed plugin listed, ready to use!

Many popular plugins like Content Reel and Stark require access to your Figma files, user data and content on the clipboard. The permissions are necessary for the plugins to function. Make sure you trust the developers before granting access.

If you have concerns, you can always uninstall a plugin later through the Plugins menu.

Using Figma Plugins

Once installed, there are a few ways to interact with Figma plugins:

  • Through the Plugins Menu – The left sidebar menu lists all your installed plugins. Click on any plugin icon here to open its panel and access its tools and options.
  • With Keyboard Shortcuts – Some plugins have keyboard shortcuts defined, allowing you to trigger actions quickly without using your mouse. Check each plugin’s documentation for details.
  • Through Context Menus – Many plugins add options to Figma’s context menus (right click menus). So when clicking on certain objects, you’ll see the plugin name as a new menu option.
  • With the Show UI Button – Installed plugins also add a “Show UI” button next to their listing in the plugins browser. This opens up the plugin’s unique interface.

As you install more plugins, use them regularly and become familiar with the different ways to access their functionality. Most plugins come with onboarding flows, tooltips and detailed documentation to help you get started.

Here are some especially popular and useful Figma plugins to check out:

  • Content Reel – Reuse design content across files. Great for managing component libraries.
  • Stark – Create high-fidelity prototypes with advanced interactions and flows.
  • Figmotion – Animate your designs with smooth micro-interactions.
  • Figpixels – Export properly scaled design assets with ease.
  • UXPin Merge – Import and sync designs from other apps like Sketch and Adobe XD.

The Figma community is rapidly developing new plugins for different specialities like wireframing, charts, illustrations and team workflows. There’s likely a plugin available to improve almost any aspect of your design process.

Explore the Figma plugins ecosystem with an open mind and you’re bound to find helpful tools to boost your productivity and take your designs to the next level!

Conclusion

Figma’s flexibility and open approach has given rise to a thriving plugins marketplace full of amazing creativity. From entire collaboration suites to tiny buttons that save you a few clicks, there are over 100 plugins waiting to streamline your workflow.

Finding plugins is easy through Figma’s desktop app and community site, with more being shared daily on social media. Installing them takes just one click. And plugins integrate tightly into your daily Figma usage through the menu, shortcuts, context menus and custom interfaces.

Related Posts