Direction (horizontal, vertical) in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Direction controls how items are arranged in a row or column. It helps organize dashboard elements either side-by-side or stacked up. This makes your report easier to read and understand.

When you want to place charts side-by-side to compare data horizontally.

When you need to stack filters or slicers vertically for easy scanning.

When arranging KPI cards in a row to save vertical space.

When creating a vertical list of categories or legends.

When designing responsive layouts that switch direction based on screen size.

Steps

Step 1: Select the frame or group containing your dashboard elements

- Layers panel or canvas

The frame or group is highlighted and ready for editing

Step 2: Click the 'Auto layout' button in the right sidebar

- Design panel > Auto layout section

The selected frame becomes an auto layout container with default direction

Step 3: Find the 'Direction' option in the Auto layout settings

- Design panel > Auto layout section

Direction controls appear showing horizontal and vertical icons

Step 4: Click the horizontal icon to arrange items side-by-side

- Direction option in Auto layout settings

Items inside the frame align in a row from left to right

Step 5: Click the vertical icon to stack items top to bottom

- Direction option in Auto layout settings

Items inside the frame align in a column from top to bottom

Step 6: Adjust spacing between items using the 'Spacing between items' input

- Auto layout section in Design panel

Space between each item changes visually on the canvas

💡 Use consistent spacing to keep your dashboard neat and balanced

Before vs After

Before

A frame with three charts stacked vertically with default spacing of 10 pixels

After

The same frame with charts arranged horizontally side-by-side with 20 pixels spacing

Settings Reference

Direction

📍 Design panel > Auto layout section

Controls whether items are arranged side-by-side or stacked

Default: Horizontal

Spacing between items

📍 Design panel > Auto layout section

Sets the space between each item in the layout

Default: 10

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to select the frame before applying auto layout direction

Direction controls only appear for frames or groups with auto layout enabled

Always select the container frame first, then enable auto layout and set direction

Setting direction but not adjusting spacing, causing items to appear too close

Default spacing may not suit your design, making elements look cluttered

Adjust spacing between items to create clear separation and improve readability

Summary

Direction controls how items are arranged horizontally or vertically in a frame.

Use horizontal direction to place items side-by-side and vertical to stack them.

Remember to select the frame and enable auto layout before changing direction.