What Is Flatten in Figma?
In Figma, the term "flatten" refers to the process of merging multiple layers or elements into a single layer. This can be useful for simplifying your design, reducing file size, and improving performance.
Why Flatten in Figma?
Flattening layers can come in handy when you want to combine several elements into one cohesive unit. By doing so, you eliminate unnecessary clutter and make your design more organized.
Moreover, flattening can help optimize your design file by reducing its overall size. This is particularly important when working on complex projects with numerous layers.
How to Flatten Layers in Figma
To flatten layers in Figma, follow these simple steps:
- Select the layers you want to flatten. You can do this by either clicking on each layer while holding down the Shift key or by using the selection tool to draw a box around multiple layers.
- Once you have selected the desired layers, right-click on one of them to open the context menu.
- In the context menu, choose "Flatten Selection" or press Ctrl + E (Windows) / Command + E (Mac). Alternatively, you can use the "Arrange" menu at the top and select "Flatten Selection" from there.
Note: Flattening is irreversible, so make sure to duplicate your design or save a backup before proceeding.
The Benefits of Flattening Layers
When you flatten layers in Figma, you gain several advantages:
- Simplified Design: Flattening allows you to combine multiple elements into a single layer, making your design easier to manage and understand.
- Improved Performance: By reducing the number of layers, you can enhance the performance of your design, especially when working with complex and intricate graphics.
- File Size Optimization: Flattening reduces the file size of your design, which is particularly beneficial when sharing or exporting your work.
Flatten vs. Group
It's important to note that flattening layers is different from grouping them. While flattening merges layers into one, grouping keeps them as separate entities but organizes them under a single parent layer.
In Figma, you can group layers by selecting them and pressing Ctrl + G (Windows) / Command + G (Mac) or by right-clicking and choosing "Group Selection." Grouping is useful for maintaining individual layer properties and making changes to multiple layers simultaneously. On the other hand, flattening is more suitable when you want to combine elements into a single layer without preserving their individual properties.
In Conclusion
Flattening layers in Figma allows you to simplify your design, improve performance, and optimize file size. By following a few simple steps, you can merge multiple elements into a single layer seamlessly. Just remember to exercise caution as flattening is irreversible and may affect your ability to edit individual elements in the future.
So go ahead and experiment with flattening in Figma to streamline your designs and enhance your workflow!
