How to Use a Figma Plugin Tutorial

Figma is currently the most comprehensive and widely used tool for designing digital projects.. Figma offers a lot of freedom and numerous features. However, you might still want to complete a specific task more quickly or easily.

‍

This is where plugins come in. A plugin is an auxiliary program that can be used to assist in completing a given task.

‍

‍

Figma plugins have mostly been created by the user community. Indeed, anyone can create a plugin to perform an action and then make it available to everyone. What's more, using plugins is free most of the time.

If you're interested, one of our articles tells you everything you need to know about Figma plugins.

For now, here's a tutorial on how to use a Figma plugin from A to Z.

‍

‍

‍

I. Selecting a Figma Plugin

‍

Start by logging in to the Figma website or your Figma desktop application. If you haven't already, you can download Figma using this link.

Now that you're in Figma and logged in, you can use a plugin.

- Click on the Resources icon in the top left of the toolbar. Then click on the Plugins tab to be in the right section of the interface.

‍

‍

- Now, search for the plugin suitable for the task you want to perform. To do this, use the search bar. Each plugin has a description and sometimes even reviews. This allows you to directly make the most relevant choice.

‍

‍

‍

‍

II. Installing a Figma Plugin

‍

In most cases, there's no need to download the plugin. If the plugin found needs to be downloaded, this will only happen for the 1^st use.

Tip: The last used plugins remain in memory and are displayed below the plugin search bar.

‍

Tip: If you can't find a suitable plugin, you can check out our top 10 essential plugins to get started with Figma, where you'll certainly find it!

‍

‍

‍

III. Using a Figma Plugin

‍

- Once you've found the ideal plugin, you can launch it directly from the Figma interface by clicking the "Run" button.

- Each plugin has a specific method of use. In most cases, the launched plugin opens as a modal. As a reminder, a modal is a dedicated window, a tab placed in front of the workspace.

‍

-The launched plugin will explain how to use it correctly. You can thus easily benefit from its services and apply them to your work.

‍

‍

Tip: Keyboard shortcut to directly reuse the last used plugin: Opt + Cmd/Ctrl + P.

- In some cases, the plugin allows you to customize Figma elements to suit your needs and preferences. Some plugins are also customizable themselves. In these situations, take the time to explore the available options right from the start to unlock its full potential!
 

Tip: It is sometimes necessary to select an element in your design before launching the plugin. For example, select a text box before launching a plugin that changes its font.

‍

‍

‍

‍

IV. Best practices and tips related to using Figma plugins

‍

1. Continuously monitor the variety and updates of each Figma plugin

‍

Many plugins are regularly improved and updated. Some are replaced by more comprehensive or powerful alternatives. Stay vigilant and continuously learn to use the best tools in all circumstances !

Additionally, thoroughly explore the plugins you use: many have hidden features or very interesting customization options!

‍

2. Consult the Figma plugin user community

‍

When you have a question or are looking for specific information, remember to seek answers from the community in forums or on dedicated websites. You'll find plenty of quality content to enhance your plugin usage.

‍

‍

‍

‍

V. Frequently Asked Questions

‍

1. Why use a Figma plugin?‍

A plugin allows a task to be performed more completely or efficiently than with the initial tool. Therefore, using a plugin on Figma allows for even more diverse and optimized use.
 

2. What can you do with a Figma plugin?‍

There are a great many Figma plugins and just as many actions that can be performed with them. Unsplash, for example, allows you to load images directly into Figma without having to open a web page.
‍

3. How much does a Figma plugin cost?

The vast majority of Figma plugins are available for free. Some plugins also have a more advanced version that is paid.
‍

4. What is the best Figma plugin?

Each different task or action you want to perform in Figma comes with its own constraints. Therefore, each plugin can be the most suitable for performing a given task. Our top 10 essential Figma plugins gives you an overview.

‍

‍

You now know how to use a Figma plugin! To delve deeper into the topic, we invite you to consult our article that tells you everything you need to know about Figma plugins.