A complete guide to Figma Auto layout with real examples and tips

Auto layout is a Figma key feature, and it’s easy to learn

Aside from components and component properties, the Figma auto layout feature is an important feature of Figma that helps us create more precise designs and work more efficiently.

I’ve seen many product designers struggle with it, and I believe this feature is necessary, and every designer needs to know it well. Therefore, I wrote this article to explain in the simplest way how it works so anyone can understand it and use it in the design process.

We’ll review how each feature option works and how you can use it in different components.

What is auto layout in Figma?

Auto layout is a feature in Figma that allows you to automatically resize and reposition objects on their canvas.

What are the benefits of using the auto layout in Figma?

Auto layout in Figma is a useful tool to help you quickly position and resize objects on your canvas.

Using the Auto layout, you don’t have to manually adjust each object’s size. It’ll do it automatically according to your specifications. It saves you time and effort when working with UI kits, responsive and complex designs.

How do you use auto layout in Figma?

Here let’s see how to use the feature and how it works.

How to add the auto layout?

To add auto-layout in Figma, select the objects you want to auto layout. Then, click “+” near the auto layout label on the right menu (properties menu).

You can also use the Figma shortcut shift+A (Mac and Windows).

Horizontal direction and vertical direction

You can arrange the elements inside the frame vertically or horizontally by clicking these buttons.