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Figmabi_tool~5 mins

Padding control in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

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Introduction
Padding control lets you add space inside a frame or component around its content. This helps keep your dashboard elements neat and easy to read by preventing content from touching edges.
When you want to add space between text and the border of a button in your dashboard.
When your chart labels are too close to the edges and look crowded.
When you want consistent spacing inside cards that show KPIs or metrics.
When you need to adjust space inside a panel without changing its overall size.
When you want to improve the look of a filter panel by adding breathing room around controls.
Steps
Step 1: Select the frame or component
- Canvas or Layers panel
The selected frame or component is highlighted with a blue outline
Step 2: Open the Design panel
- Right sidebar
Design properties for the selected object appear
Step 3: Locate the Padding section
- Design panel under Layout or Auto Layout settings
Padding input boxes for top, right, bottom, and left appear
Step 4: Enter values for padding
- Padding input boxes
Space inside the frame adjusts, pushing content away from edges
💡 Use the link icon to set equal padding on all sides quickly
Step 5: Observe changes on canvas
- Canvas
Content inside the frame moves inward, creating space from the frame edges
Before vs After
Before
A button with text touching the edges, making it look cramped
After
The button text has space around it inside the button, making it easier to read and visually balanced
Settings Reference
Padding values
📍 Design panel > Layout > Padding
Controls the amount of space inside the frame around its content
Default: 0 px
Auto Layout
📍 Design panel > Layout
Enables padding control by arranging child elements with spacing
Default: None
Common Mistakes
Trying to add padding on a frame without Auto Layout enabled
Padding controls only work when Auto Layout is active on the frame
Enable Auto Layout on the frame first, then adjust padding values
Setting uneven padding without realizing content shifts unexpectedly
Unequal padding can cause content to look off-center or misaligned
Use the link icon to keep padding equal or adjust carefully while watching the canvas
Summary
Padding control adds space inside frames or components around their content.
It requires Auto Layout to be enabled on the frame.
Use padding to improve readability and visual balance in your dashboard designs.