Animations in Figma

Animations in Figma are defined as the transitional movements in elements or components when played in screen share mode. The prototype feature in Figma enables us to create transitions and animations between elements after delay, on hover, drag, click, etc. In this article, we will be learning how by the use of a prototype, we can create animations in Figma, such as the color change animation, or the increase in size of the element's animations.

How to Apply (Steps)?

1. Change in Color Animation

Step 1: Select a frame of choice, and prefer mobile screen size.

Step 2: Create an ellipse at the top right position, and under that add two rectangles each of different heights. The design must look somewhat like following one. Add colors and border strokes accordingly.

Step 3: Replicate the design and form another frame of the same design type and change the colors according to your choice.

Step 4: Go to Prototype section and using the arrow, connect the first design to the second one and fill in the options in the box. Choose the option of on Hover animation, and select a time duration upto which you want the type of animation, say ease in to work.

Step 5: Here's the final animation. To see this, go to the presentation view of the design and click on the play button in the top right column.

2. Change in Size Animation

Step 1: Select a frame of choice, prefer mobile size screen.

Step 2: Create an ellipse in the top right section and add it within a rectangle. Add colors of choice. The design should look somewhat like this:

Step 3: Replicate the design, and cut and paste the same frame beside and change the colors if required. But it is important to elongate the height of the rectangle in the second frame.

Step 4: Open Prototype tab and connect the plus symbol to the second frame through an arrow. Choose the options of animations, such as on hover and after a delay of 600 milliseconds, and select smart animate.

Step 5: Here's the final animation. To see this, go to the presentation view of the design and click on the play button in the top right column.

3. Parallax Effect

Step 1: Select a frame of choice, prefer a mobile screen size.

Step 2: Add a mountain background in the frame and set a light bluish background color to the remaining part.

Step 3: Replicate the frame and paste it beside with a picture of birds side by side. Also add a text "Scenery" to it.

Step 4: Go to Prototype section and now select the options of Animations. Here select the option of slide in and slide out within a time frame of 300 milliseconds and ease in and out. Choose this after a delay of 300 milliseconds.

Step 5: Here's the final design. To see this, go to the presentation view of the design and click on the play button in the top right column.

Properties of Animations in Figma

There are three essential properties one needs to know before studying how to animate elements in Figma.

1. Timing: Timing needs to be specified in any animation, as to how long will it take to start the animation, or how long will it go on till it ends. Timing is important, else the animation would become infinite.
2. Curve: The properties of animation, such as how will it appear on the screen is defined by curve. For eg. Ease-in, ease-out, slide-in and slide-out are a few examples of curves of animation. In slide in and slide out animation, the element is supposed to slide inside the window after the specified time period. And in ease-in the element slows down initially and the converse occurs in ease-out.
3. Change in Parameters: When the size, shape or structure of the element changes, it is referred to as the change in parameter animation. For eg. After a delay, the shape of a container enlarges.
4. Smart Animate: Figma provides us with the feature of "Smart Animate", which allows figma to decide the most suitable form of animation for the specified element. For eg. If a button is chosen and if we choose smart animate, then Figma decides the kind of animation on hovering it, be it dissolve animation, or bounce animation, according to the design that suits best for it.

Importance of Animations in Figma

1. Animations in Figma provide more UI value to the existing design. They make the design more attractive & make it seem functional through prototype properties.
2. Animations make the design more user interactive. And it should be noted that animations must not be too extra, or visual. It should always be an add on to the existing design, that enhances it's features and makes the design look more enhanced and interactive.
3. Animations must not be too fancy. Good animations are simple, subtle and eye-appealing to the user. Simple hover effects are good animations, but creating a bounce or wiggle to the button is an unnecessary animation that needs to be avoided.

Conclusion

Animations are thus a great add on to the existing designs that make the design more beautiful. They increase the interactivity of the design with the user and make it look eye appealing. Following the steps mentioned above, one can create an animation of choice that makes the design more engaging and pleasing.