Did you just ask yourself “Can I export GIF from Figma”? Maybe you wanted to export a smooth Smart Animate animation from Figma to GIF? As a designer we’ve probably all been there. GIF isn’t the format of the future, yet the marketing folks can’t without it. So let’s get to the bottom of it. This post will walk you through different methods of how to export GIF from Figma. We will also take a look at what pros and cons each method has and what makes sense for your given scenario. After all there’s so many different reason you might want to export a Figma animation as a GIF.
Here’s a few use-cases why you’d want to export your Figma as GIF:
- Animated marketing material for banners
- A prototype for a developer handoff to show-case how hover effects work
- Animated animation to integrate into a website (even though Lottie might be the way to go here!).
- … Or maybe you’re a fancy and funny GIF creator
Anyhow, without more chitter chatter lets dig into it.
Method 1: Use the Figma GIF Export Plugin
The simplest way to export animated GIFs from Figma is with the GIF Export plugin. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Log into your Figma account and go to the “Community” section.
Step 2: Search for “GIF Export” and install the plugin.
Step 3: Open the design you want to save as a GIF and launch the Export GIF Plugin
Step 4: Click the “Export GIF” button and select the layers on your Figma canvas to act as frames of your GIF.
Method 2: Screen recording for Web
You can make a screen recording of your animations in Figma and convert this into a GIF using any free online tool. Here’s an example how you could do that:
Step 1: Open your Figma design and play the Figma prototype
Step 2: Start the MacOS QuickTime app
Step 3: Start a recording in QuickTime just for the particular section of the screen where your Figma prototype is playing. Go to “File” > “New Screen Recording”.
Step 4: Export the Figma recording as an MOV file
Step 5: Convert the MOV file using an online service like EZGif to convert MOV files to GIFs.
Method 3: Screen Recording for Mobile Prototypes
If you’re working on a mobile design chances are you want to export a prototype as GIF. Here’s a quick workaround to record your animations on a mobile device and save them as a GIF. This requires you to have the Figma mobile mirror app installed on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Open https://figma.com/mirror on your phone
- Screen record the Figma app on your device, capturing the design you wish to convert into a GIF
- On iPhone, for example, go to “Settings,” select “Control Center,” enable “Screen Recording,” and then record your design
- Use an app like Shortcuts on iPhone to convert your screen recording into a GIF
This method is particularly useful for showcasing Figma prototypes with advanced animations like sliding tabs, swiping options, and drop-down menus.
FAQs
Q: Is there a direct Figma GIF Exporter?
Simple answer: No there isn’t. But there are plenty of workarounds through plugins, screen recording and so on.
Q: Can you export MP4 from Figma?
No, Figma doesn’t allow you to export animations as MP4 files. You can record your screen and then convert a MOV file to MP4 as a workaround.
Q: Are there any limitations in terms of file size when exporting GIFs from Figma?
Yes, there can be. Depending on the method you’re using to export the GIF, there might be limitations on the file size. For instance, some online tools for converting videos to GIFs have maximum file size restrictions. If you’re using a Figma plugin, check the specific details of that plugin for any limitations.
Q: Can I control the speed of the animation when exporting a GIF from Figma?
Yes and no. Within Figma, you can control the speed of your prototype animations using the Smart Animate feature. However, when you export these as GIFs, the speed of the animation will be captured as it is played in Figma. If you want to change the speed of the GIF after exporting, you’ll need to use a separate tool or software that allows you to adjust the speed of GIF animations.
Q: What is the expected file size of the GIF after exporting from Figma?
The file size of the exported GIF will depend on several factors, including the length of the animation, the dimensions of the frames, the number of colors, and the complexity of the images. In general, GIFs can be larger in file size compared to other video formats due to their frame-by-frame animation method. If file size is a concern, consider optimizing your GIF with tools that can reduce the number of colors, apply dithering, or adjust the dimensions.
Q: Can I export animations created with Figma’s Smart Animate feature as GIFs?
Figma doesn’t natively support exporting Smart Animate animations as GIFs. However, you can use workarounds like screen recording the animation as it plays in Figma and then converting that recording to a GIF. It’s important to note that the resulting GIF will capture the animation as it appears on screen, including the speed and timing of the Smart Animate transitions.
Q: Do all Figma plugins support exporting Smart Animate animations as GIFs?
Not necessarily. Some Figma plugins may not fully support animations created with the Smart Animate feature. If you’re using a plugin, make sure to check the documentation or ask the plugin developer to confirm what types of animations it supports.
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