Figma, a widely-used design tool, offers a myriad of features to enhance the design process. One of these features is the ability to group layers, which can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing your workspace. This article will guide you through the process of grouping layers in Figma and highlight the differences between groups and frames.

What is the Basic Method to Group Layers?

Grouping layers in Figma is a straightforward process. Here’s how:

  1. Selecting Objects: Click and drag over the objects on your canvas to select multiple items.
  2. Grouping: Right-click on the selected items and choose ‘group selection’. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Command + G (for Mac) or Control + G (for PC).

What is the Difference Between Groups and Frames?

While both groups and frames can contain multiple objects, they serve different purposes:

  • Groups: These are collections of objects that move and behave as a single unit. When you group objects, they are organized under a single layer in the layers panel.
  • Frames: Frames are similar to groups but come with additional properties. For instance, frames can clip contents, meaning anything outside the frame boundary won’t be visible. However, this clipping can be turned off if needed.

How to Organize Layers in the Layers Panel?

The layers panel in Figma displays all the objects and assets in your document. To organize these layers:

  1. Hold Command (or Control for PC) and select multiple layers.
  2. Right-click and choose ‘group selection’ to create a group of layers.
  3. This new group can be expanded to view all the objects that were part of the original selection.

What is the Behavior of Frames with Clipped Contents?

Frames in Figma have a unique property: they can clip contents. This means that any object outside the frame’s boundary will be hidden. However, this behavior can be modified:

  1. Select the frame.
  2. Uncheck the ‘clip contents’ option. This will reveal any objects that sit outside the frame, even if they are organized inside the frame in the layers panel.

How to Group Objects Inside a Frame?

If you want to group objects that are already inside a frame:

  1. Drag the group of objects into the desired frame.
  2. If the frame is set to clip contents, objects outside its boundary will be hidden. To view these objects, uncheck the ‘clip contents’ option for the frame.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of grouping layers and using frames in Figma can significantly streamline your design process. Whether you’re organizing your workspace or trying to manage complex designs, these features offer flexibility and control.