How to Use Inspect in Figma: Quick Guide for Beginners

In Figma, use the Inspect panel to view CSS code, measurements, and properties of selected design elements. Open it by selecting an object and clicking the Inspect tab on the right sidebar to get developer-friendly details.

Syntax

The Inspect panel in Figma is accessed by selecting any design element and then clicking the Inspect tab on the right sidebar. It shows properties like CSS code, dimensions, colors, fonts, and spacing.

Key parts:

• Select Element: Click on any shape, text, or component.
• Inspect Tab: Found on the right sidebar next to Design and Prototype tabs.
• Code & Properties: Displays CSS snippets and measurements for the selected element.

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Select any element in your Figma file -> Click the 'Inspect' tab on the right sidebar -> View CSS and properties

Example

This example shows how to inspect a button element to get its CSS code and size.

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1. Open your Figma design file.
2. Click on a button shape or text.
3. On the right sidebar, click the 'Inspect' tab.
4. Review the CSS code snippet and measurements shown.

Example CSS output might include:

.button {
  width: 120px;
  height: 40px;
  background-color: #007AFF;
  border-radius: 8px;
  font-size: 16px;
  color: white;
}

Output

.button {
  width: 120px;
  height: 40px;
  background-color: #007AFF;
  border-radius: 8px;
  font-size: 16px;
  color: white;
}

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using Inspect in Figma include:

• Not selecting the exact element you want to inspect, which shows wrong or no code.
• Ignoring nested components or groups, which can hide some styles.
• Expecting full CSS for complex effects; Inspect shows basic styles only.
• Not refreshing the Inspect panel after design changes.

Always select the precise layer and refresh the panel to get accurate info.

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Wrong way:
- Select the group instead of the button inside it.
- Inspect panel shows no button styles.

Right way:
- Expand the group.
- Select the button layer directly.
- Inspect panel shows correct CSS and properties.

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Select Element	Click any shape, text, or component in your design.
Open Inspect Tab	Click the 'Inspect' tab on the right sidebar.
View CSS & Properties	See CSS code, colors, fonts, sizes, and spacing.
Copy Code	Click the copy icon to copy CSS snippets for development.
Refresh Panel	Click another element or reselect to update info.

Key Takeaways

Use the Inspect tab in Figma's right sidebar after selecting an element to see CSS and design details.

Always select the exact layer to get accurate code and measurements.

Inspect shows basic CSS useful for developers but not full complex styles.

Copy CSS snippets directly from Inspect to speed up development handoff.

Refresh the Inspect panel by reselecting elements after design changes.