Transferring Figma to Webflow: Just How Easy Is It?

For numerous Webflow professionals, the process of constructing a website often commences by crafting a site design within Figma. Nevertheless, Figma designs are inherently static, and to transform them into dynamic prototypes, you typically need to duplicate everything from this widely used web interface design application to Webflow.

Thankfully, the Figma to Webflow plugin has streamlined this procedure. In the forthcoming guide, we'll assist you in configuring the plugin and getting started with the integration.

What Is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based UI tool that lets you create design prototypes and collaborate with a team. Since it is cloud-based, you do not need to worry about the installation process.

Figma is free to use. You can access files from any location and use any device to complete a design. It works on Linux, Windows, and Mac devices. 

With Figma, it is easy to collaborate with other designers or a team. You only need to share a live link to the prototype you're working on and embed commenting.

For example, your team can share their thoughts about a design, make corrections, explore options, and build a solution. Are you new to design and want a prototype fast?

Figma makes it easy for you. With the templates, you can duplicate a file and use it for your design. With the auto-save feature, you do not have to worry about losing your work.

What Is Figma to Webflow Plugin

Created by Webflow Labs, the Figma to Webflow Plugin empowers you to transform your Figma design concepts into Webflow's CSS and HTML components. In simpler terms, you can effortlessly transport your Figma designs into your Webflow projects, fashioning them as adaptable flexbox structures. Once your design is situated within Webflow, you can seamlessly integrate content using Webflow's potent CMS and, when it's ready, launch your website.

This plugin encompasses a range of features, including support for typography, border styles, shadows, auto layout, absolute positioning, images, opacity, linear gradients, background images, and the conversion of shapes and vectors into SVGs. Furthermore, it boasts a plethora of additional functionalities, such as over 20 prebuilt layouts and responsive structures, automated creation of your style guide, compatibility with vector node exports as SVGs, support for over 50 CSS declarations, and more.

It's crucial to note that, although Figma to Webflow expedites certain processes, it should not be perceived as a magical one-click tool that instantaneously transforms your Figma designs into a fully functional Webflow website. Consider it a valuable aid in your web development journey, but be prepared to invest effort in refining and enhancing your website's functionality and impact post-integration.

Steps to Set Up Figma to Webflow Plugin

Setting up the Figma to Webflow Plugin is a straightforward process. However, it's important to recognize that this is just the initial step in unlocking its full potential. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist you with the installation:

1. Create a Figma Account: Assuming you already use Figma for design and collaboration, you likely have an account. If not, please register at figma.com.
2. Access the Official Figma to Webflow Plugin Page: Visit the Figma to Webflow plugin page. In the upper right corner, you'll find a blue "Try it out" button. Click on it to initiate the setup process.
3. Click on "Run": Upon clicking "Try it out," a new Figma design file will open, and you'll need to select the "Run" option. This step is necessary to obtain authorization from your Webflow account.
4. Authorize Webflow Sites: Determine which of your Webflow projects you want to authorize for the Figma to Webflow plugin. If you have multiple projects, make your selections accordingly. Alternatively, you can authorize the plugin for your entire Webflow workspace. Click "Authorize app" once you've made your choices.
5. Open the Figma to Webflow Plugin in Figma: If the plugin doesn't automatically open within your Figma application, navigate to the "Resources" tab, then the "Plugins" section. Click on "Run" next to the Figma to Webflow plugin.

That's it! You've successfully installed the plugin, and it's now ready for use.

How to Turn Figma Into a Website

The plugin transforms Figma layers into the HTML and CSS code that Webflow generates as you visually construct your website.

Currently, the plugin offers support for the following conversions:

• Typography styles within Auto Layout
• Border and shadow designs
• Background images and linear gradients
• Conversion of SVG vectors and shapes
• Images
• Opacity settings
• Absolute positioning

The plugin provides a collection of pre-designed responsive layouts that can assist you in expediting the implementation of your design elements, such as navbars, hero sections, footers, and other commonly used design components.

To replicate a layout from Figma to Webflow, follow these steps:

1. Open the "to Webflow from Figma" plugin modal window.
2. Navigate to the "Layouts" tab within the plugin.
3. Choose a specific design layout.
4. On the Figma canvas, select the layout you want to copy.
5. In the "to Webflow from Figma" plugin modal window, designate the Webflow site where you intend to paste your layout from the "Choose Webflow site" menu.
6. Within the Figma to Webflow plugin modal window, opt for "Copy to Webflow."
7. Launch the Webflow Designer in a separate window.
8. Copy the layout from Figma and paste it into the Webflow Designer canvas.
9. Notably, you'll only need to select your Webflow site from the "Choose Webflow site" menu once. Afterward, you can effortlessly copy and paste various design structures from your Figma file into Webflow as needed.

How Import Figma to Webflow Design

Ensure that all frames are set to auto layout and detach component instances if necessary to ensure flexibility for design adjustments in Webflow. Quickly detach instances by pressing Option + Command + B (on Mac) or Control + B (on Windows).

Once your design is prepared, follow these steps to copy it:

a. Select the design on the Figma canvas, including all its layers.

b. In the "to Webflow from Figma" plugin modal window, choose the Webflow site where you want to paste your design from the "Choose Webflow site" menu.

c. Within the "to Webflow from Figma" plugin modal window, opt for "Copy to Webflow."

d. Copy the design and paste it directly into the Webflow Designer canvas.

You'll only need to select your Webflow site from the "Choose Webflow site" menu once. After that, you can efficiently copy and paste numerous designs from your Figma file into Webflow as needed.

Consideration When Converting Figma To Webflow

The design settings you need to consider when converting your design from Figma to Webflow are:

Color

Copy the exact color codes you're using on Figma and save them to Webflow. With the color swatch, you can pick the specific color code and add it to your design. 

A pro tip to working with multiple colors is creating a block div for all the colors you're to work with. Webflow lets you set the global colors by selecting the global checkbox. 

Typography

Both Webflow and Figma use global fonts, simplifying the process of finding the exact font styles. However, if you encounter a font in Figma that isn't readily available in Webflow, you can easily add and use it for your design.

Components

Components in Figma, such as headers or navigation bars, can be created and reused throughout your design. This ensures consistency and makes it convenient to update design elements that appear across multiple pages or sections of your website.

Layer

Consider converting Figma layers into div elements in Webflow for consistency and ease of editing. While Figma allows you to switch between design and code tabs to adjust parameters like padding and margin, Webflow provides a more visual and user-friendly interface for these modifications.

Layout Grid

When creating a design on Figma, it's recommended to use a 12-column grid layout. That's the standard grid in Webflow. So, if you're creating your design on Figma and then converting it to Webflow, make sure you use the standard sizes.

Is Figma Better Than Webflow?

Figma is an all-in-one design platform. You can create your design prototype, share it with your team, and gather feedback. 

On the other hand, Webflow is a CMS, website builder, and hosting platform. You can build responsive websites using templates or from scratch. 

Both Figma and Webflow are no-code platforms. It's free to create an account on Figma and collaborate with a team. However, with Webflow, you need a premium plan.

Figma is the best UI tool to create your design, prototypes, and handoff. On the other hand, Webflow is the best platform for your website.

Let's compare the pricing plans for the two platforms. 

Figma

Figma pricing has a starter plan that is free forever, Figma professional, and Figma organization.

Figma professional is $12 per editor/ month, and the organization plan is $45 per editor/ month. The Figma enterprise plan is $75 per editor/ month and has more advanced features than the other plans. 

The features of the free starter plan are - unlimited personal files, unlimited collaborators, a mobile app, 3 Figma files, 3 FigJam files, plugins, templates, and widgets.  

Webflow

Is Webflow free? Webflow has two pricing plans - workspace and site plans, and each has a free starter plan.

The free site plan features are - 50 CMS items, a Webflow.io domain, 50 form submissions, and a 1GB bandwidth. The workspace free plan has a maximum of 1 seat and 2 unhosted sites. 

If you're looking for a collaborative tool, Figma is the best UI design tool. It allows multiple collaborations with your team. For a website builder and hosting platform, you can use Webflow.

Figma Pricing

Figma lets you create a design and prototype for free and hand-off a design to developers. If you're considering using the tool, you can select a plan that works for you. 

The table below has the Figma pricing plans:

Starter:

• Free forever
• Unlimited collaborators
• Mobile app
• Plugins, widgets, and templates
• Unlimited personal files
• 3 Figma and 3 FigJam files

Figma Professional:

• $12 per editor/monthUnlimited collaborators
• Unlimited version history
• Sharing permissions
• Unlimited Figma files
• Shared and private projects
• Audio conversations
• Team libraries

Figma Organization:

• $45 per editor/month
• Design system analytics
• Organization- wide libraries
• Centralized file management
• Branching and merging
• Unified admin and billing
• Single sign-on
• Private plugins and widgets

Pros And Cons Of Using Webflow And Figma

Figma is a prototyping UI design tool that lets you have real-time collaboration with your team and build a solution together. It is free to use, but you can upgrade to premium plans.

Webflow is a website builder with a drag & drop feature for creating a website. It has a learning curve, but the advantage of using it is that it is a no-code platform.  

So what are the pros and cons of using Webflow and Figma?

Figma Pros

• Since it's cloud-based, users can access files from anywhere. You do not need to back up a design to your Google account or carry your computer to work on a project elsewhere. 
• Figma has a forever-free plan. If you're a Figma to Webflow Fiverr freelancer, you can create your client's design without paying for a premium account. 
• With real-time collaboration, your team can critique a design, make the necessary changes and leave comments. In addition, you're able to deliver work faster since your team is working on a similar project. 
• It has an auto-save feature, so you do not have to worry about losing a project you're working on in case your computer goes off. 
• The UI design tool lets you share files with a live link. 
• Figma works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Figma is an all-in-one design tool. It is a designing tool, prototyping, and hands-off for developers. 
• Figma has multiple plugins to use.

Cons

• Since it's cloud-based, you cannot use it in areas without internet access. 
• The search option with local components is not available. 
• Figma is harder to use, especially for a beginner. 

Webflow Pros

• Webflow lets you host your website on the platform and create responsive designs for any website.
• Webflow University has different lessons and courses to help you get started. You can join the Webflow community and forums to learn Webflow how it works.
• It has a drag & drop feature to help you create and customize your design.  
• Web developers can create websites on Webflow. You can use a pre-designed template or start a design from scratch.
• Webflow has cloneable designs which you can copy, edit, and clone.
• You do not need to be a web developer or learn coding to use Webflow.
• With Webflow, you can create an eCommerce website, customize it and fulfill orders. It also allows multiple integrations with other softwares and apps.
• Webflow pricing lets you pick a plan that works for you.
• It is easier to optimize a website without using plugins. Webflow has built-in SEO tools.

Cons

• The eCommerce pricing plan is higher than other platforms. 
• It is not easy to use for a beginner. 
• Webflow support can be slow. 
• Compared to other website builders like WordPress, Webflow is pricey. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, transitioning from Figma to Webflow can significantly enhance the efficiency of your website design workflow. Leveraging a reliable plugin allows you to seamlessly transfer your designs between these platforms with just a few clicks, saving you valuable time and streamlining the web development process. 

Additionally, harnessing the power of Webflow's intuitive features and design capabilities opens up exciting opportunities for creative expression and dynamic web design that can set your projects apart in the digital landscape.