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Device-specific frames (mobile, desktop, tablet) in Figma - Dashboard Guide

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Dashboard Mode - Device-specific frames (mobile, desktop, tablet)
Dashboard Goal

Create a dashboard design that adapts to different devices: mobile, tablet, and desktop. This helps users see data clearly no matter what device they use.

Sample Data
DeviceScreen Width (px)Screen Height (px)Typical Use
Mobile375667On the go, quick checks
Tablet7681024Portable, more space
Desktop1440900Full workspace, detailed view
Dashboard Components
  • KPI Card: Shows total sales. Formula: Total Sales = SUM(Sales). Displays a big number for quick insight.
  • Bar Chart: Sales by Region. Uses sample sales data grouped by region.
  • Line Chart: Sales over Time. Shows trend of sales across months.
  • Data Table: Detailed sales data with columns: Date, Region, Sales.
  • Device Frames: Three frames sized for Mobile (375x667 px), Tablet (768x1024 px), Desktop (1440x900 px) to preview dashboard layout on each device.
Dashboard Layout
+----------------------+----------------------+--------------------------+
|      Desktop Frame    |      Tablet Frame    |       Mobile Frame       |
|  (1440x900 px)       |  (768x1024 px)       |  (375x667 px)            |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| | KPI Card         | | | KPI Card       |  | | KPI Card            |  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| | Bar Chart        | | | Bar Chart      |  | | Bar Chart           |  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| | Line Chart       | | | Line Chart     |  | | Line Chart          |  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
| | Data Table       | | | Data Table     |  | | Data Table          |  |
| +------------------+ | +----------------+  | +---------------------+  |
+----------------------+----------------------+--------------------------+
Interactivity

Filters and slicers apply across all device frames. For example, selecting a region updates the Bar Chart, Line Chart, KPI Card, and Data Table in all frames simultaneously. This shows how the dashboard adapts and remains consistent on mobile, tablet, and desktop views.

Self Check

Add a filter for Region = 'East'. Which components update in the Mobile frame? Answer: The KPI Card, Bar Chart, Line Chart, and Data Table all update to show data only for the East region.

Key Result
A responsive dashboard design previewed in device-specific frames for mobile, tablet, and desktop showing sales KPIs and charts.

Practice

(1/5)
1.

What is the main purpose of using device-specific frames in Figma?

easy
A. To design layouts optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop screens
B. To add animations to your design
C. To create 3D models within your design
D. To export designs only as PDFs

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand device-specific frames

    Device-specific frames are preset sizes in Figma for mobile, tablet, and desktop screens.

  2. Step 2: Identify their purpose

    They help designers create layouts that fit each device's screen size properly.

  3. Final Answer:

    To design layouts optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop screens -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Device-specific frames = optimized layouts [OK]
Hint: Remember: device frames match screen sizes for better design [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing frames with animation tools
  • Thinking frames create 3D models
  • Assuming frames only export PDFs
2.

Which of the following is the correct way to add a mobile device frame in Figma?

1. Click Frame tool
2. Select Mobile preset
3. Draw frame on canvas
easy
A. Use Rectangle tool and resize manually to mobile size
B. Click Text tool, type 'Mobile', then draw frame
C. Import a mobile image and trace it
D. Click Frame tool, select Mobile preset, then draw frame on canvas

Solution

  1. Step 1: Use Frame tool for device frames

    Figma's Frame tool includes presets for devices like Mobile, Tablet, Desktop.

  2. Step 2: Select Mobile preset and draw

    Selecting the Mobile preset sets the correct size automatically when you draw the frame.

  3. Final Answer:

    Click Frame tool, select Mobile preset, then draw frame on canvas -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Frame tool + Mobile preset = correct method [OK]
Hint: Use Frame tool presets for exact device sizes [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Using Text tool instead of Frame tool
  • Manually resizing rectangles instead of presets
  • Importing images instead of using frames
3.

Given a desktop frame of width 1440px and a button constrained to the left and right edges, what happens if you resize the frame to 1200px width?

medium
A. The button width shrinks to fit the new frame width
B. The button stays the same size and overflows the frame
C. The button disappears from the frame
D. The button moves to the center but keeps original width

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand constraints on button

    Constraining left and right edges means the button resizes horizontally with the frame.

  2. Step 2: Effect of resizing frame width

    When the frame width shrinks from 1440px to 1200px, the button width also shrinks to fit inside.

  3. Final Answer:

    The button width shrinks to fit the new frame width -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Left-right constraints = button resizes [OK]
Hint: Left-right constraints resize width with frame [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming button size stays fixed
  • Thinking button disappears
  • Believing button centers but keeps size
4.

You created a tablet frame and placed an image inside it. The image is set to fixed size but you want it to resize proportionally when the frame changes size. What is the error and how to fix it?

medium
A. You must group the image with the frame to resize together
B. The image's constraints are set to 'Fixed'; change constraints to 'Scale' to resize proportionally
C. The image is raster; convert to vector to resize
D. The frame size is locked; unlock it to resize the image

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the problem with fixed size

    Fixed size means the image does not change size when the frame resizes.

  2. Step 2: Change constraints to allow scaling

    Setting constraints to 'Scale' makes the image resize proportionally with the frame.

  3. Final Answer:

    The image's constraints are set to 'Fixed'; change constraints to 'Scale' to resize proportionally -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Fixed size blocks resizing; use Scale constraints [OK]
Hint: Use 'Scale' constraints for proportional resizing [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Trying to unlock frame instead of changing constraints
  • Confusing raster/vector with resizing behavior
  • Grouping instead of adjusting constraints
5.

You want to design a responsive dashboard that works on mobile, tablet, and desktop using device-specific frames. Which approach best ensures your design adapts smoothly across devices?

hard
A. Use one large frame and crop it differently for each device
B. Design only for desktop and scale down manually for other devices
C. Create separate frames for each device preset and use constraints to adjust elements within each frame
D. Design only for mobile and stretch elements for larger screens

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand device-specific frames for responsiveness

    Using separate frames for mobile, tablet, and desktop lets you design layouts tailored to each screen size.

  2. Step 2: Use constraints inside each frame

    Constraints help elements resize or reposition smoothly when frame size changes, ensuring adaptability.

  3. Final Answer:

    Create separate frames for each device preset and use constraints to adjust elements within each frame -> Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Separate frames + constraints = smooth responsive design [OK]
Hint: Use separate frames plus constraints for best responsiveness [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Designing only for desktop or mobile and scaling manually
  • Using one frame and cropping instead of designing per device
  • Ignoring constraints for element resizing