Export settings and scales in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Export settings and scales in Figma let you save your designs as images or files with the right size and quality. This helps you share or use your visuals exactly how you want them.

When you need to save a dashboard design as a PNG for a presentation.

When you want to export icons at different sizes for a website.

When you need to share a high-quality PDF report with your team.

When you want to export assets for different screen resolutions.

When you want to control file format and size for faster loading.

Steps

Step 1: Select the frame or object

- Canvas

The selected item is highlighted with a blue outline

Step 2: Click the Export section

- Right sidebar under Design tab

Export options panel expands showing format and scale settings

Step 3: Click the '+' button

- Export section in the right sidebar

A new export setting row appears with default format PNG and scale 1x

Step 4: Select the file format

- Format dropdown in the export settings

The format changes to your choice (PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF)

💡 Choose PNG for images with transparency, JPG for photos, SVG for vector graphics, PDF for documents

Step 5: Set the scale value

- Scale input box in the export settings

The export size changes according to the scale (e.g., 2x doubles the size)

💡 Use 1x for original size, 2x or 3x for high-resolution screens

Step 6: Click the Export button

- Export section in the right sidebar

The file downloads to your computer with the chosen format and scale

Before vs After

Before

Selected frame with no export settings, no file ready to download

After

Export settings added with PNG format and 2x scale, file downloaded as '[e-mail]'

Settings Reference

Format

📍 Export section in the right sidebar

Choose the file type for the exported image or document

Default: PNG

Scale

📍 Export section in the right sidebar

Set the size multiplier for the exported file

Default: 1x

Suffix

📍 Export section in the right sidebar

Add a custom text suffix to the exported file name

Default: None

Common Mistakes

Exporting without setting the correct scale

The exported image may be too small or too large for its intended use

Always check and set the scale value to match the target screen or usage

Choosing JPG format for images needing transparency

JPG does not support transparent backgrounds, causing unwanted backgrounds

Use PNG format for images that require transparency

Summary

Export settings let you save designs in different file types and sizes.

Set the format and scale carefully to match your needs.

Use the Export panel in the right sidebar to control these options.