First Figma design - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This feature helps you create your first design in Figma. It solves the problem of starting a new project by guiding you through making a simple layout with shapes and text.

When you want to create a dashboard mockup for a business report

When you need to design a simple chart layout before building it in Power BI

When you want to share a visual idea of a report page with your team

When you want to practice basic design skills for BI presentations

When you need to create a wireframe for a data visualization project

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Figma home screen on 'New File' button

A blank design canvas opens ready for your first design

💡 You can also press Ctrl+N (Cmd+N on Mac) to create a new file quickly

Step 2: Select

- Toolbar on the left, click the 'Frame' tool (looks like a square)

You can draw a frame on the canvas which acts like a page or screen

💡 Frames help organize your design and set boundaries for your layout

Step 3: Click and drag

- Canvas area

A rectangular frame appears on the canvas with adjustable size

💡 You can resize the frame later by dragging its edges

Step 4: Select

- Toolbar, click the 'Rectangle' shape tool

You can add shapes inside your frame to represent charts or buttons

💡 Use shapes to build simple placeholders for your dashboard elements

Step 5: Click and drag

- Inside the frame on the canvas

A rectangle shape appears inside the frame

💡 Resize and move the shape to position it where you want

Step 6: Select

- Toolbar, click the 'Text' tool (T icon)

You can add text labels to your design

💡 Text helps explain what each part of your design means

Step 7: Click inside the frame

- Canvas area

A text box appears where you can type

💡 Type a title or label for your dashboard or chart

Before vs After

Before

Figma home screen with no files open

After

Blank canvas with a frame, a rectangle shape, and a text label arranged as a simple dashboard layout

Settings Reference

Frame size

📍 Right sidebar under 'Design' tab when frame is selected

Defines the size of your design page or screen

Default: Blank frame with no size until set

Fill color

📍 Right sidebar under 'Design' tab when shape or frame is selected

Sets the background color of shapes or frames

Default: Transparent for frames, solid color for shapes

Text font and size

📍 Right sidebar under 'Text' section when text is selected

Controls how your text looks in the design

Default: Roboto, 12pt

Common Mistakes

Not selecting the frame before adding shapes or text

Shapes and text may appear outside the intended design area and cause confusion

Always click inside the frame or select the frame before adding elements to keep them organized

Using very small text size that is hard to read

Text becomes unreadable and the design loses clarity

Use at least 12pt font size for labels and titles for better visibility

Summary

Create your first design by opening a new file and adding a frame as your page

Use shapes and text tools to build a simple layout representing your BI dashboard

Remember to organize elements inside frames and use readable text sizes