Guide

How to Animate in Figma

This guide provides a step-by-step process for creating animations in Figma. Follow these simple instructions to enhance your Figma projects with engaging animations.

Interactive tour · Open canonical tour
  1. Open Prototype Mode – In the top-right corner, click on the “Prototype” tab to switch from design to interaction mode.

  2. Create Multiple Frames (States) – Make different frames for each “state” of your animation. For example, one frame with a button at rest, another with it hovered or clicked.

  3. Link Frames Together – Select an element (like a button), then click and drag the blue “Prototype node” (small circle on the edge) to the next frame.

  4. Set Trigger Type – In the right panel, under “Interaction details”, choose a trigger like:

    • On Click

    • While Hovering

    • After Delay

  5. Choose Animation Type – Under “Animation”, select the type of transition:

    • Instant – No animation

    • Dissolve – Fade between frames

    • Smart Animate – Auto-animates similar elements across frames

    • Move In/Out or Push – Slide elements in/out of view

  6. Customize Animation Settings – Adjust the animation duration and easing (e.g. ease in/out, linear) for smoother or snappier effects.

  7. Preview the Animation – Click the Play (▶️) button in the top-right to launch the prototype and watch your animation in action.

  8. Done – Your animation is live! Use more transitions and smart animate for a complete interactive prototype.