Adding Auto Layout to frames in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Auto Layout in Figma?

Auto Layout is a feature in Figma that lets you create frames that automatically adjust their size and position based on their content, like a flexible container.

beginner

How do you add Auto Layout to a frame in Figma?

Select the frame or group, then click the 'Auto Layout' button in the right sidebar or press Shift + A to apply Auto Layout.

beginner

What happens to child elements inside a frame when Auto Layout is applied?

Child elements automatically arrange themselves vertically or horizontally with consistent spacing and padding, adjusting as you add or remove items.

intermediate

How can you control spacing between items in an Auto Layout frame?

Use the 'Spacing between items' setting in the Auto Layout panel to set consistent gaps between child elements.

intermediate

What is the difference between 'Hug contents' and 'Fill container' in Auto Layout sizing?

'Hug contents' makes the frame size fit tightly around its children, while 'Fill container' makes the child expand to fill the available space in the parent frame.

Which shortcut adds Auto Layout to a selected frame in Figma?

A Ctrl + L

B Shift + A

C Alt + F

D Ctrl + Shift + A

Shift + A is the shortcut to add Auto Layout to a selected frame or group in Figma.

What does Auto Layout do to child elements inside a frame?

A Positions them randomly

B Locks their position

C Arranges them vertically or horizontally with spacing

D Deletes them

Auto Layout arranges child elements in a vertical or horizontal stack with consistent spacing.

In Auto Layout, what does 'Hug contents' sizing mean?

A Frame size fits tightly around children

B Frame ignores child size

C Frame fills entire screen

D Frame size is fixed

'Hug contents' means the frame adjusts its size to fit its child elements closely.

How can you adjust the space between items in an Auto Layout frame?

A Use the 'Spacing between items' setting

B Change the frame color

C Resize each child manually

D Add padding to the frame

The 'Spacing between items' setting controls the gap between child elements in Auto Layout.

What happens if you add a new element inside an Auto Layout frame?

A The frame ignores it

B The new element overlaps others

C The frame deletes the new element

D The frame automatically adjusts to fit the new element

Auto Layout frames automatically resize and rearrange to include new child elements.

Explain how to add Auto Layout to a frame and what benefits it provides.

Think about how Auto Layout helps keep designs flexible and organized.

Describe the difference between 'Hug contents' and 'Fill container' sizing options in Auto Layout.

Consider how frames and their children behave when resizing.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of adding Auto Layout to frames in Figma?

easy

A. To change the color of all items inside a frame

B. To automatically arrange and space items inside a frame

C. To convert frames into images

D. To lock the position of items inside a frame

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Auto Layout function

   Auto Layout arranges items automatically inside frames, managing spacing and alignment.

2. Step 2: Compare options

   Only To automatically arrange and space items inside a frame describes automatic arrangement and spacing, which matches Auto Layout's purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To automatically arrange and space items inside a frame -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Auto Layout = automatic arrangement [OK]

Hint: Auto Layout means automatic arrangement inside frames [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Auto Layout with color or image changes
• Thinking Auto Layout locks items instead of arranging them

2. Which of the following is the correct way to add Auto Layout to a frame in Figma?

easy

A. Right-click the frame and select 'Add Auto Layout'

B. Double-click the frame and press Ctrl+C

C. Select the frame and press Delete

D. Drag the frame outside the canvas

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to add Auto Layout

   In Figma, you add Auto Layout by right-clicking a frame and choosing 'Add Auto Layout'.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Copying, deleting, or dragging frames does not add Auto Layout.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click the frame and select 'Add Auto Layout' -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Add Auto Layout = right-click + select option [OK]

Hint: Right-click frame, choose 'Add Auto Layout' to apply [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to add Auto Layout by copying or deleting
• Assuming double-click adds Auto Layout

3. Given a frame with three buttons arranged horizontally without Auto Layout, what happens after you add Auto Layout with horizontal direction and 10px spacing?

medium

A. Buttons stay in place but spacing changes to 10px automatically

B. Buttons stack vertically with 10px spacing

C. Buttons overlap each other

D. Buttons disappear from the frame

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Auto Layout horizontal direction

   Adding Auto Layout with horizontal direction arranges items side by side with specified spacing.

2. Step 2: Apply 10px spacing effect

   The buttons remain horizontal but spacing between them becomes 10px automatically.

3. Final Answer:

   Buttons stay in place but spacing changes to 10px automatically -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Horizontal Auto Layout = horizontal arrangement + spacing [OK]

Hint: Horizontal Auto Layout arranges items side by side with spacing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking buttons stack vertically instead of horizontally
• Assuming buttons overlap or disappear

4. You added Auto Layout to a frame but the items inside do not space evenly. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The items are grouped, not inside the frame

B. The frame is locked

C. Auto Layout was added twice

D. The spacing value is set to zero or too small

Solution

1. Step 1: Check spacing settings in Auto Layout

   If spacing is zero or very small, items will appear too close or unevenly spaced.

2. Step 2: Consider other options

   Locking frames or grouping items does not affect Auto Layout spacing directly; adding Auto Layout twice is not possible.

3. Final Answer:

   The spacing value is set to zero or too small -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Spacing controls item gaps in Auto Layout [OK]

Hint: Check spacing value if items are too close [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing frame lock with spacing issues
• Thinking grouping breaks Auto Layout spacing
• Assuming Auto Layout can be added twice

5. You want a vertical list of menu items inside a frame that automatically adjusts spacing and resizes when items are added or removed. Which Auto Layout settings should you use?

hard

A. Horizontal direction with fixed spacing and frame resizing set to 'Fixed size'

B. Vertical direction with zero spacing and frame resizing set to 'Fixed size'

C. Vertical direction with fixed spacing and frame resizing set to 'Hug contents'

D. Horizontal direction with zero spacing and frame resizing set to 'Hug contents'

Solution

1. Step 1: Choose vertical direction for list

   A vertical list requires Auto Layout direction set to vertical to stack items top to bottom.

2. Step 2: Set spacing and resizing

   Fixed spacing keeps consistent gaps; 'Hug contents' resizing lets frame adjust size as items change.

3. Final Answer:

   Vertical direction with fixed spacing and frame resizing set to 'Hug contents' -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Vertical + fixed spacing + hug contents = dynamic vertical list [OK]

Hint: Use vertical + fixed spacing + hug contents for dynamic lists [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing horizontal direction for vertical lists
• Using zero spacing causing items to touch
• Setting frame resizing to fixed size prevents auto resizing