Figma Plugins that actually save me time
I'm sure that by now, every designer and their aunt has compiled a list of "plugin must haves," and I can't say that I blame them. Incredibly time-consuming tasks can be greatly simplified with the help of plugins. What follows is a compilation of web resources and recommendations from coworkers that I have found useful.
1. HTML to Design (html.to.design)
Created by divRIOTS, I’ve listed this one first as it really is one of the very few that genuinely blew my mind a bit when it was introduced to me while on a team meeting with some colleagues. As the name states, this plugin allows you to turn any webpage into a dynamic, editable Figma frame with ready-to-use layers and components.
Sounds a bit too good doesn’t it? Have a look below:
Huge potential. Your tasks may involve upgrading an existing product with little design structure. This eliminates the need for screenshots or starting from scratch for each project. Creating and implementing a design system saves time and effort the more you contribute to the project.
Personal design challenges could also use this. This will save you time in gathering useful components and provide you room to move as you revamp the LinkedIn feed (or any site).
The plugin is free (win), but a PRO license allows unlimited conversions.
2. A11y — Color Contrast Checker
Kelly Gorr developed a plugin called A11y that analyzes the color contrast of any text that is currently displayed within a certain frame. This is especially useful for making buttons or search bars, both of which have historically been made with very little contrast.
In the past, I've used the fantastic Accessible Colours website to manually verify contrast; this method has its advantages, but it also needs you to copy and paste the two color codes into their accessibility checker. You can utilize A11y to make sure your designs comply with WCAG and are accessible to all users right from within Figma.
3. Table creator
Next, I like to use a plugin by freelance designer Gavin McFarland that speeds up the process of making tables in Figma. I can't even begin to calculate how much time I wasted manually making every single grid for all the designs that have ever required or included one for my work. It's enthralling, as you might guess, to go from one input field to the divider to the text input field to the next.
Then I realized that certainly there must be a more efficient method to do this, so I fired up Table Creator.
As shown in the GIF, you may adjust your table's rows, columns, and layout in a simple dialogue. Table Creator users receive master components and the table itself. This plugin has saved me hours of labor and is essential to my toolset, even if grids are boring.
4. Iconify
Creating and managing your own icons from scratch is an intimidating and time-consuming endeavor. While resources like The Noun Project exist online, their icons aren't free to use in commercial projects, and it's difficult to locate a group of icons that all look the same if you're designing a custom interface.
The other common method employs the Google Material Design system, which is fantastic but necessitates a few extra mouse clicks to access the page, search for your icon, select it, download it, import it, and so on. Iconify is a library within Figma that compiles all available open-source icon sets. You won't have to waste time searching for free resources or downloading several copies of the same icon file to your computer.
In conclusion, the world of Figma plugins is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, filled with hidden gems and untold possibilities. As designers, we are fortunate to have access to such a wealth of resources and tools that enable us to bring our creative visions to life in new and exciting ways.
Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow, add new functionality to your designs, or simply explore the endless possibilities of this incredible tool, there is a Figma plugin out there for you. So don't be afraid to experiment, to try new things, and to push the boundaries of what's possible.
By staying curious, staying engaged, and staying committed to your craft, you can unlock the full potential of Figma and take your design skills to the next level. So go forth and explore, my fellow designers, and may the world of Figma plugins inspire you to create designs that truly make a difference in the world.
About me
My name is Romit Soley
While my passion for design extends far beyond any one tool, I have found that Figma has become an invaluable part of my workflow. As such, I am constantly seeking new ways to leverage its powerful features and capabilities to create truly impactful designs.
Through my blog posts, I aim to share my knowledge and expertise with other designers who are equally passionate about Figma. Whether it's tips and tricks for streamlining your workflow, in-depth tutorials on specific features, or insights on the latest design trends and best practices, I strive to provide valuable and engaging content that empowers designers to take their skills to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned Figma user or just getting started, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery and growth. Together, we can unlock the full potential of this incredible tool and create designs that truly make a difference in the world.
