Absolute positioning within Auto Layout in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Absolute positioning in Auto Layout lets you place an object exactly where you want inside a frame that arranges items automatically. This helps when you want one item to stay fixed while others move around.

When you want a button to stay in the top-right corner of a panel while other items stack below.

When you need a badge or icon to overlap part of a list item inside an auto-arranged list.

When you want a label to float over an image inside a frame that automatically resizes.

When you want to keep a close icon fixed in a corner while the rest of the content flows.

When you want to add a decorative shape that does not affect the spacing of other items.

Steps

Step 1: Select the frame with Auto Layout

- Layers panel or canvas

The frame is highlighted and its Auto Layout properties show in the right sidebar

Step 2: Select the object inside the Auto Layout frame you want to position absolutely

- Layers panel or canvas

The object is highlighted and its properties show in the right sidebar

Step 3: Click the 'Absolute position' checkbox

- Design panel on the right sidebar under the Auto Layout section

The object detaches from the Auto Layout flow and can be moved freely inside the frame

💡 You can now drag the object anywhere inside the frame without affecting other items

Step 4: Drag the object to the desired position inside the frame

- Canvas

The object moves to the exact spot you place it, overlapping or separate from other items

Step 5: Adjust the X and Y position values manually if needed

- Design panel under Position fields

The object moves precisely to the coordinates you enter

Before vs After

Before

The object is part of the Auto Layout flow and moves automatically with other items, aligned vertically with 10px spacing

After

The object is positioned freely at the top-right corner of the frame, overlapping other items without affecting their layout

Settings Reference

Absolute position

📍 Design panel under Auto Layout section

Toggle whether the selected object stays in the Auto Layout flow or is positioned freely

Default: Unchecked

X and Y position

📍 Design panel under Position fields

Set the exact horizontal and vertical position of the object inside the frame when absolute positioning is enabled

Default: Auto-calculated by Auto Layout

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to check 'Absolute position' before moving the object

The object stays in the Auto Layout flow and cannot be freely moved

Always enable 'Absolute position' to move the object independently inside the Auto Layout frame

Using absolute positioning for many objects inside Auto Layout

It defeats the purpose of Auto Layout and can cause messy overlapping

Use absolute positioning sparingly for special cases only

Summary

Absolute positioning lets you place an object freely inside an Auto Layout frame.

Enable 'Absolute position' in the Design panel to detach the object from the layout flow.

Use this feature to fix items like badges or buttons without affecting other elements.