Prototype mode overview in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Prototype mode in Figma?

Prototype mode in Figma lets you create interactive flows by linking frames and adding interactions, simulating how a user would navigate your design.

beginner

How do you create a link between two frames in Prototype mode?

You drag the circular node from one frame or object to another frame to create a connection that defines navigation or interaction.

intermediate

What types of interactions can you add in Prototype mode?

You can add interactions like On Click, On Hover, After Delay, and more to control how users move through your design.

beginner

Why is Prototype mode useful for non-technical users?

It allows non-technical users to test and share interactive designs without writing code, making feedback and collaboration easier.

intermediate

What is the difference between Prototype mode and Design mode in Figma?

Design mode is for creating and editing visual elements, while Prototype mode is for linking those elements to simulate user flow and interactions.

In Figma Prototype mode, how do you start linking frames?

A Use the Text tool to create links

B Right-click and select 'Link Frames'

C Drag the circular node from one frame to another

D Export frames as images

You create links by dragging the circular node from one frame or object to another frame.

Which interaction type can you NOT add in Figma Prototype mode?

A On Voice Command

B On Hover

C After Delay

D On Click

Figma Prototype mode does not support voice command interactions.

What is the main purpose of Prototype mode in Figma?

A To create static images

B To export design specs

C To write code for apps

D To simulate user navigation and interactions

Prototype mode simulates user navigation and interactions between frames.

Which mode in Figma is used to create and edit visual elements?

A Design mode

B Prototype mode

C Presentation mode

D Export mode

Design mode is for creating and editing visual elements.

Why is Prototype mode helpful for team collaboration?

A It requires coding skills

B It allows sharing interactive designs without code

C It locks the design from changes

D It exports designs as PDFs

Prototype mode lets teams share interactive designs easily without needing code.

Explain how Prototype mode in Figma helps simulate user experience.

Think about how clicking or hovering moves users through screens.

Describe the difference between Design mode and Prototype mode in Figma.

One is for building, the other for connecting and testing.

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