Exporting your Figma designs to PDF is crucial for creating professional, print-ready documents quickly.
Whether you need to share your work with clients, collaborate with your team, or prepare for a presentation, understanding how to export Figma to PDF ensures your designs retain their quality and structure.
Figma offers a range of export options designed for various formats and use cases, making it a versatile tool in the digital design space.
However, the process of converting your meticulously crafted vector graphics and interactive designs into a polished PDF document can sometimes be confusing.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to export Figma to PDF, including step-by-step instructions and tips for maintaining high-quality output.
We’ll dive into the specific settings you need to tweak, explore common issues and their solutions, and discuss the importance of using the right export format for different design assets. Get ready to master exporting from Figma to PDF seamlessly.
How to Export Figma to PDF: Quick Workflow
- Open Your Document: Launch Figma and open the document containing the design you want to export. You can either create a new document or use an existing one.
- Select the Frame or Artboard:
- Click on the frame or artboard you wish to export directly on the canvas. A blue outline will appear around your selection.
- Alternatively, you can select the frame from the layers panel on the left side of the screen if you have multiple frames.
- Access Export Options:
- Go to the Properties Panel on the right side of your screen.
- Scroll down to find the Export section at the bottom.
- Choose PDF Format:
- Click on the Export button, which will open the export options.
- From the list of formats, select PDF. You may also click on the three dots next to PDF to customize settings like color profile and bounding box if needed.
- Export and Save:
- After selecting PDF, click on the Export button again to initiate the download.
- You will be prompted to name your PDF file and choose a save location. Click Save to finalize the export.
- Multi-Frame Export (Optional): If you want to export multiple frames as a single multi-page PDF:
- Go to the top menu, click on File, then select Export, and choose Export Frames to PDF. This will create a PDF where each frame is placed on its own page, ordered from top-left to bottom-right as they appear in Figma
Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting PDFs in Figma
Exporting Individual Layers
Selecting specific layers for export is straightforward. Navigate to the Layers Panel, click on the target layer, and head over to the Properties Panel. You’ll find the option to select the export format — choose PDF for a high-quality output.
Once you’ve designated the layers for export, assign a unique name. This makes it easier to organize files, especially in collaborative design projects. Hit the Export button, and you’re done. The exported PDF will retain all vector graphics, perfect for maintaining clarity and detail.
Exporting Multiple Frames as a Multi-Page PDF
For projects needing multiple frames, organize the frames in the correct sequence first. This sets the flow for the final PDF. Use the “Export Frames to PDF” option available in the File Menu. It’s intuitive.
Post-export, managing the page order is crucial. Typically, Figma exports frames in the order they’re arranged in the canvas. This allows you to create multi-page layouts seamlessly, whether it’s for digital product design or preparing presentations.
Tips for Ensuring Quality in Exports
High-resolution assets are key. Always use vector graphics when possible to maintain quality at various scales. Bitmaps can pixelate if not carefully managed.
Next, choose the appropriate page orientation. Figma gives you the flexibility to select between landscape and portrait. The format should complement the design’s intent. A landscape orientation might suit a presentation, while portrait might be better for detailed documentation.
Enhancing the Export Process with Third-Party Tools
Benefits of Using Plugins and Alternatives
Third-party tools can open up a whole new world of possibilities. They expand export capabilities and often make it easier to simplify complex workflows.
With the right plugin, you can do things that standard Figma features might not support out-of-the-box. This can save time and reduce frustration.
Overview of Notable Tools
Supademo Plugin for Interactive Prototypes
This plugin is a game-changer. It shines in exporting frames as interactive prototypes, turning static designs into dynamic demos.
You can transform designs into demos that stakeholders can click through, almost like experiencing the final product. This interactive nature is especially useful for user interface design and user experience designs.
Wondershare Mockitt for Advanced Exports
If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, Wondershare Mockitt is worth considering. It’s an alternative to Figma for beginners but also packs a powerful punch for advanced exports.
This tool excels at generating dynamic widgets and transitions. It integrates seamlessly into your design workflow to create more sophisticated prototypes.
Comparison of Figma and External Tools
When comparing Figma and external tools, several factors come into play:
- Integration and Collaboration Capabilities: Figma is the gold standard in terms of real-time collaboration and cloud storage. Many third-party plugins also integrate well, enhancing these capabilities.
- Cost-Effectiveness and User-Friendliness: While Figma remains relatively cost-effective, some plugins or external software might offer free tiers or additional features that could lower costs in the long run. User-friendliness varies, but tools like Supademo and Wondershare Mockitt are designed to be intuitive, even for those new to digital product design.
Technical Insights into Figma’s PDF Exporter
How Figma’s PDF Exporter Works
Figma’s PDF exporter is a powerhouse of functionality. At its core, it leverages built-in vector-based export functionality. This means your designs maintain their crispness and scalability, ideal for both web design tools and intricate user interface design.
When it comes to handling complex elements like gradients and shadows, Figma doesn’t miss a beat. Complex vector graphics are translated seamlessly into the PDF format, ensuring every detail is captured. The exporter interprets these elements accurately, avoiding any degradation in quality.
Key Highlights of Figma’s PDF Technology
One major highlight is the precise rendering of design elements. Your typography, color schemes, and layout keep their integrity, ensuring what you see in Figma is what you get in the exported PDF. This is crucial for presentations and client reviews, where first impressions matter.
Another standout feature is avoiding rasterization for high-fidelity output. Unlike some other design software, Figma’s exporter doesn’t convert vectors into raster images, which can lead to pixelation. Instead, it preserves the vector format, allowing for infinite scaling without losing quality.
FAQ on How To Export Figma To Pdf
How do I export a design to PDF in Figma?
To export a design to PDF in Figma, select the frames or objects you need. Then, navigate to the File menu, choose Export and select PDF.
Ensure your export settings match your requirements for quality and features like vector graphics. Hit Export and your PDF is ready.
Can I export multiple frames to a single PDF file?
Absolutely, you can. Select all the frames you’d like in the PDF. When you go to the Export option, ensure Include in one PDF is checked.
This feature consolidates your selected Figma frames into a single, cohesive PDF document, perfect for presentations or client reviews.
Does Figma maintain vector quality in exported PDFs?
Figma excels in maintaining vector quality. When exporting to PDF, vectors, text, and design elements retain their crispness and scalability.
This ensures your design assets are top-notch for printing or high-resolution displays, aligning perfectly with professional standards in digital design.
What are the best settings for print-ready PDFs?
For print-ready PDFs, select RGB if your printer supports it. Choose 300 DPI to ensure high resolution. Maintain your vector elements and layer structures.
These settings will help preserve design integrity, making your printed materials look as stunning as on-screen presentations.
How do I export specific layers or components to PDF?
To export specific layers or components, select them and use the right-click menu. Choose Export and then PDF format.
Customize settings to suit your needs, like resolution and vector preservation. This method allows precise control over which design elements appear in your PDF.
Can I automate the Figma to PDF export process?
While native automation isn’t built into Figma, third-party plugins can help. Plugins like “Figma-to-PDF” can streamline this task, saving you time.
Enable these plugins and set up your preferences to automatically handle the export process, making it easier to manage frequent exports.
Are there any plugins that help in exporting Figma to PDF?
Yes, the Figma-to-PDF plugin is quite popular. It facilitates bulk exports and offers additional settings for customization.
You can install it directly from the Figma Plugin store, configure your preferences, and significantly simplify the export process, making your workflow more efficient.
Why is my PDF export losing quality?
Loss of quality often stems from incorrect export settings. Ensure you’re exporting vectors properly and not rasterizing elements unintentionally.
Check DPI settings and export options within Figma. Maintaining the right settings ensures your PDF exports retain the high-quality design elements from Figma.
Can I export Figma prototypes to PDF?
Yes, you can export Figma prototypes to PDF. Select your prototype elements and navigate to the Export settings. Choose PDF as your format.
Although the interactive elements won’t function in a PDF, the layout and design will be preserved, providing a static but comprehensive overview.
How do I include hyperlinks in my PDF export?
Including hyperlinks in a PDF from Figma requires some manual steps post-export. After exporting to PDF, use PDF editing software to embed hyperlinks within your document.
Although Figma doesn’t natively support hyperlink exports, this method ensures your interactive design remains functional.
Conclusion
Mastering how to export Figma to PDF is a vital skill for any designer. Throughout this article, we have covered the steps and best practices to ensure your designs translate seamlessly from Figma to a polished PDF document.
By following the outlined procedures, you can export multiple frames, maintain vector quality, and prepare your files for print-ready outputs. We also explored plugins that can streamline the export process and addressed common issues like quality loss and embedding hyperlinks.
The ability to export specific layers or components and ensure high-quality resolution settings means your designs will always look their best, whether you’re sharing them with clients or integrating them into larger documents.
Tackling this process effectively ensures your digital projects retain their integrity and professionalism. You now have a clear roadmap to efficiently convert your Figma designs into crisp, high-quality PDFs, enhancing your workflow and delivering superior results.
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