Prototype mode overview in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Prototype mode in Figma lets you create interactive designs by linking frames and adding actions. It helps you show how your app or website will work without writing code.

When you want to show how users move between screens in a mobile app design

When you need to demonstrate button clicks that open new pages in a website mockup

When you want to test navigation flow before development starts

When you want to share an interactive demo with your team or clients

When you want to simulate animations or transitions between screens

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Prototype tab in the right sidebar

The panel switches to show prototype settings and interaction options

Step 2: Select a frame or object on the canvas

- Main design area

The selected element is highlighted and ready for linking

Step 3: Drag the circular node from the selected element to the target frame

- Canvas near the selected element

A connection arrow appears showing the link between frames

Step 4: Choose an interaction type from the Interaction details panel

- Prototype tab

The interaction is set, for example, On Click or While Hovering

Step 5: Select an animation or transition effect

- Animation dropdown in the Prototype tab

The transition effect is applied to the link

Step 6: Click the Present button (play icon) in the top-right corner

- Figma toolbar

The prototype opens in presentation mode, showing interactive navigation

Before vs After

Before

Frames on canvas are static with no links or interactions

After

Frames are connected with interaction links and transitions, ready for interactive preview

Settings Reference

Interaction Trigger

📍 Prototype tab > Interaction details

Defines what user action starts the interaction

Default: On Click

Animation Type

📍 Prototype tab > Animation dropdown

Controls how the transition between frames looks

Default: Instant

Destination Frame

📍 Prototype tab > Link connection

Specifies which frame to navigate to when interaction occurs

Default: None

Common Mistakes

Not switching to Prototype tab before creating links

You cannot create or edit interactions without the Prototype tab active

Always click the Prototype tab first to access interaction tools

Linking to the wrong frame by dragging to an unintended target

The prototype will navigate incorrectly, confusing users

Carefully check the target frame before releasing the drag to ensure correct linking

Forgetting to click Present to test the prototype

You won't see the interactive behavior without presentation mode

Always use the Present button to preview and test your prototype

Summary

Prototype mode lets you create interactive links between frames without coding

Use it to simulate user flows and navigation in your designs

Remember to set interaction triggers and animations for smooth transitions

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of Prototype mode in Figma?

easy

A. To write code for your design

B. To edit vector shapes

C. To export images only

D. To create clickable, interactive versions of your designs

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Prototype mode function

   Prototype mode allows you to link screens and add interactions to simulate user experience.

2. Step 2: Compare options with Prototype mode purpose

   Only To create clickable, interactive versions of your designs describes creating clickable, interactive designs without coding.

3. Final Answer:

   To create clickable, interactive versions of your designs -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Prototype mode = Interactive design [OK]

Hint: Prototype mode = clickable design preview [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Prototype mode with coding environment
• Thinking Prototype mode is for exporting images
• Assuming Prototype mode edits shapes

2. Which of the following is the correct way to start linking frames in Figma's Prototype mode?

easy

A. Select a frame, then drag the circular node to another frame

B. Right-click a frame and choose 'Export'

C. Double-click a frame to open code editor

D. Use the Text tool to write interaction commands

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall how to create links in Prototype mode

   In Prototype mode, you select a frame and drag the circular node (handle) to the target frame to create a link.

2. Step 2: Evaluate each option

   Only Select a frame, then drag the circular node to another frame correctly describes this linking method; others describe unrelated actions.

3. Final Answer:

   Select a frame, then drag the circular node to another frame -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Link frames by dragging node = Select a frame, then drag the circular node to another frame [OK]

Hint: Drag the circle from one frame to another to link [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to export instead of linking
• Looking for code editor in Prototype mode
• Using text tool for interactions

3. Given a prototype with three frames linked in sequence: Frame A -> Frame B -> Frame C. If you preview and click the hotspot on Frame A, which frame will appear next?

medium

A. Frame C

B. Frame B

C. Frame A

D. No frame will appear

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the link sequence

   Frame A links to Frame B, so clicking on Frame A's hotspot navigates to Frame B.

2. Step 2: Determine the next frame after clicking

   Since Frame A links directly to Frame B, Frame B appears next, not Frame C or Frame A again.

3. Final Answer:

   Frame B -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Click Frame A hotspot -> Frame B [OK]

Hint: Follow the direct link from clicked frame [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Skipping intermediate frame and jumping to Frame C
• Expecting no navigation on click
• Confusing current frame with next frame

4. You created a prototype but clicking a button does not navigate to the next frame. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. You need to export the prototype first

B. The button is not visible in Design mode

C. You forgot to link the button to the target frame in Prototype mode

D. The frames are not grouped

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify why navigation fails

   Navigation requires linking the button (or hotspot) to the target frame in Prototype mode.

2. Step 2: Check each option for cause

   Only You forgot to link the button to the target frame in Prototype mode explains missing link, which stops navigation. Visibility, export, or grouping do not prevent linking.

3. Final Answer:

   You forgot to link the button to the target frame in Prototype mode -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Missing link = no navigation [OK]

Hint: Always link buttons to frames in Prototype mode [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking export is needed before navigation
• Assuming button visibility affects linking
• Believing grouping frames affects navigation

5. You want to test a user flow where clicking a button on Frame A opens a menu overlay on top of Frame A without switching frames. Which Prototype mode interaction should you use?

hard

A. Open overlay

B. Back

C. Swap with

D. Navigate to

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand interaction types in Prototype mode

   "Navigate to" switches frames, "Open overlay" shows a frame on top without switching, "Swap with" replaces frames, "Back" returns to previous frame.

2. Step 2: Match interaction to desired effect

   To open a menu overlay on top of Frame A, use "Open overlay" so the menu appears above without leaving Frame A.

3. Final Answer:

   Open overlay -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Menu on top without switching = Open overlay [OK]

Hint: Use 'Open overlay' to show menus without changing frames [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'Navigate to' which changes frames
• Confusing 'Swap with' with overlay
• Thinking 'Back' opens overlays