How can you create a mobile app prototype using Figma?

1 Set up your project

The first step to create a mobile app prototype using Figma is to set up your project. You can start by creating a new file and choosing a device frame that matches your target platform. Figma offers various presets for iOS, Android, and web devices, or you can customize your own dimensions. You can also add a grid to help you align and arrange your elements. To create a grid, select the frame and go to the Design tab in the right panel. Then, click on the + icon next to Layout Grid and adjust the settings as you wish.

2 Design your screens

The next step is to design your screens using Figma's tools and components. You can use the toolbar on the left to draw shapes, add text, insert images, and apply effects. You can also use the assets panel on the left to access Figma's built-in UI kits or import your own. UI kits are collections of pre-made components that you can use to create common elements such as buttons, icons, menus, and forms. To use a component, simply drag and drop it onto your frame and customize it as you need.

4 Preview your prototype

The fourth step is to preview your prototype using Figma's preview window or the Figma Mirror app. The preview window allows you to see how your prototype looks and behaves on your computer screen. You can access it by clicking on the present icon in the toolbar or pressing CMD/CTRL + P on your keyboard. You can then interact with your prototype using your mouse or keyboard. The Figma Mirror app allows you to see how your prototype looks and behaves on your mobile device. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your Figma account. You can then scan the QR code on the preview window or select your file from the app and interact with your prototype using your touch screen.

5 Share your prototype

The final step is to share your prototype with others using Figma's share feature. This feature allows you to generate a link to your prototype that you can send to anyone, such as your team members, clients, or testers. You can also control the permissions and settings of your link, such as whether you want to allow comments, access to the code, or editing. To share your prototype, click on the share icon in the toolbar or press CMD/CTRL + C on your keyboard. You will see a dialog box where you can copy the link, adjust the settings, and invite people by email.

6 Test and iterate your prototype

Creating a mobile app prototype using Figma is an iterative process that requires testing and feedback. You can use Figma's comment feature to collect and respond to comments from your collaborators or users. You can also use Figma's version history feature to track and restore changes to your prototype. To access these features, click on the menu icon in the toolbar and select Show Comments or Show Version History. You can then add, edit, or resolve comments, or switch between different versions of your prototype. You can also use Figma's plugins to integrate with other tools and services that can help you test and improve your prototype, such as usability testing, analytics, or bug tracking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?