How to Add Interaction in Figma: Simple Steps for Beginners

To add interaction in Figma, select a frame or object, then open the Prototype tab and drag the node to the target frame. Set the interaction type like On Click and choose an animation to create clickable prototypes.

Syntax

In Figma, interactions are created by linking objects or frames using the Prototype tab. The main parts are:

• Source: The object or frame you want to make interactive.
• Interaction Trigger: The event that starts the interaction, e.g., On Click, While Hovering.
• Action: What happens after the trigger, usually Navigate To another frame.
• Animation: How the transition looks, e.g., Instant, Smart Animate.

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Select object/frame -> Prototype tab -> Drag node to target frame -> Set Trigger (e.g., On Click) -> Set Action (e.g., Navigate To) -> Choose Animation

Example

This example shows how to create a simple button that navigates to another frame when clicked.

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1. Create two frames: Frame A (with a button) and Frame B (destination).
2. Select the button in Frame A.
3. Go to the Prototype tab.
4. Drag the circular node from the button to Frame B.
5. Set the interaction trigger to <code>On Click</code>.
6. Set the action to <code>Navigate To</code> Frame B.
7. Choose animation <code>Instant</code>.
8. Click the Play button to preview the prototype and test the interaction.

Output

When you click the button in Frame A during preview, Figma navigates instantly to Frame B.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting the Prototype tab: Interactions only work when set in the Prototype tab, not the Design tab.
• Forgetting to drag the node: You must drag the circular node from the source object to the target frame to create a link.
• Wrong trigger or action: Choosing a trigger like While Hovering but expecting a click can confuse the prototype behavior.
• Overlapping frames: If frames overlap in the canvas, navigation might not work as expected.

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Wrong way:
Select object -> Design tab -> Try to add interaction (no effect)

Right way:
Select object -> Prototype tab -> Drag node to target -> Set trigger and action

Quick Reference

Step	Description
Select object/frame	Choose the element to make interactive
Open Prototype tab	Switch from Design to Prototype mode
Drag node	Connect source to target frame or object
Set Trigger	Choose event like On Click or While Hovering
Set Action	Define what happens, e.g., Navigate To frame
Choose Animation	Select transition style like Instant or Smart Animate
Preview	Click Play to test the interaction

Key Takeaways

Use the Prototype tab to add interactions by linking objects to frames.

Drag the circular node from the source to the target to create the interaction.

Set the trigger and action clearly to control how the interaction works.

Preview your prototype to test and refine interactions.

Avoid mixing Design and Prototype steps to prevent confusion.