Can You Export Animations From Figma?

Figma is a powerful design tool that allows you to create stunning user interfaces and prototypes. One common question that arises when working with Figma is whether you can export animations from the platform. In this article, we will explore the various options available for exporting animations from Figma and how you can incorporate them into your projects.

Exporting Animated GIFs

Figma provides a simple way to export your animations as animated GIFs. To do this, follow these steps:

1. First, make sure you have created an animation in Figma using the built-in prototyping features. You can animate objects, transitions between frames, and even create interactive elements.
2. Once your animation is ready, navigate to the starting frame of your animation.
3. Next, click on the "Prototype" tab located on the right-hand side of the Figma interface.
4. In the Prototype tab, you will see a section called "Export Settings". Click on it to expand the options.
5. Within the Export Settings section, select "Animated GIF" as your preferred format.
6. Adjust any additional settings such as looping or frame rate according to your needs.
7. Finally, click on the "Export" button to generate your animated GIF file.

Exporting CSS Animations

Apart from exporting as animated GIFs, Figma also allows you to export animations as CSS code. This is particularly useful if you want more control over your animations or if you are working with developers who prefer working directly with code.

1. To export your animation as CSS code in Figma, first create and define your animation using Figma's prototyping features just like before.
2. Navigate to the starting frame of your animation within Figma.
3. Click on the "Prototype" tab on the right-hand side of the interface.
4. Within the Prototype tab, locate the "Export Settings" section and expand it.
5. This time, select "CSS" as your preferred format for exporting animations.
6. Depending on your requirements, you can choose to export either inline CSS or a separate CSS file.
7. Make any necessary adjustments to the animation settings such as easing or duration.
8. Click on the "Export" button to export your animation as CSS code.

Utilizing Lottie Files

Another option for exporting animations from Figma is by utilizing Lottie files. Lottie is a library created by Airbnb that allows you to render animations natively in mobile and web applications using JSON files. This provides greater flexibility and control over animations, enabling smooth playback across different devices and platforms.

1. To export your animation as a Lottie file in Figma, follow similar steps as before: create and define your animation using Figma's prototyping features.
2. Click on the "Prototype" tab located on the right-hand side of the interface.
3. In the Prototype tab, expand the "Export Settings" section once again.
4. Select "Lottie" as your preferred format for exporting animations.
5. Figma will generate a JSON file that contains all the necessary data for rendering your animation using Lottie libraries in various platforms such as iOS, Android, or web applications.

In Conclusion

Figma offers several options for exporting animations depending on your needs. Whether you prefer animated GIFs, CSS code, or utilizing Lottie files, Figma has you covered. By leveraging these export options, you can seamlessly integrate your animations into your projects and bring them to life. So go ahead and explore the possibilities of exporting animations from Figma to enhance your design workflow.