Common Mistakes to Avoid When Converting Figma to Code
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Converting Figma to Code
Converting Figma designs to code is an essential step in web and app development, bridging the gap between designers and developers. Dualite, a powerful plugin for Figma, facilitates this process by converting designs into clean, production-ready code. However, to maximize its effectiveness and avoid common pitfalls, it's important to follow best practices. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when converting Figma to code using Dualite.
1. Poor Naming
Why It Matters: Poorly named frames, layers, and design elements can result in unreadable and non-semantic code. When Dualite converts your design to code, it uses these names to generate class names and IDs in the code. Descriptive and consistent naming conventions help ensure the generated code is readable and maintainable.
Best Practice:
- Use clear, descriptive names for frames and layers.
- Stick to a consistent naming convention (such as header, footer, main-button).
- Avoid generic names like Frame 1, Group 2, which do not provide context.
Example: Instead of naming a layer Rectangle 45, name it primary-button to indicate its purpose and function.
2. Using Hidden Elements
Why It Matters: Hidden elements can clutter your design and complicate the conversion process, leading to unnecessary code bloat and longer conversion times. Dualite includes all elements in the final code, even those that are hidden.
Best Practice:
- Remove elements that are not necessary for the final design.
- Regularly clean up your design file by deleting unused elements.
- Before converting your design, go through each frame and ensure that only the essential elements are visible and active.
3. Over Complicated Design
Why It Matters: Overcomplicating your design with unnecessary elements can make the conversion process more difficult and the resulting code harder to manage. Simple and clean designs not only convert more efficiently but also result in more maintainable code.
Best Practice:
- Keep your design as simple as possible.
- Focus on the core elements that are essential for your design.
- Remove any decorative elements that do not serve a functional purpose.
Example: Instead of using multiple nested layers to create a simple button, use a single frame with clear styling properties.
4. Using Rectangles as Wrapper
Why It Matters: Using shapes like rectangles as wrapper or container instead of frames can lead to confusion and inconsistent code. Frames in Figma are designed to act as containers and are better suited for layout purposes.
Best Practice:
- Always use frames for layout purposes instead of shapes.
- Understand the difference between shapes and frames and use them appropriately.
- Use frames to group related elements and define sections of your design.
Example: When designing a card component, use a frame to contain all elements (title, image, button) rather than grouping them within a rectangle shape.
5. Unorganised File
Why It Matters: A cluttered design file with disorganized layers and pages can slow down the conversion process and make it difficult to manage the generated code. Organizing layers includes good meaningful naming, accurate hierarchical order, removing unnecessary elements and more. Organized layers and pages ensure a smooth, efficient workflow with fast conversion process
Best Practice:
- Use descriptive names for layers and group related elements.
- Create separate pages for different sections of your design (such as homepage, dashboard, settings).
- Regularly clean up your Figma file by removing unused layers and pages.
Conclusion
Converting Figma designs to code using Dualite can significantly streamline your development process, but adhering to best practices is essential to avoid common mistakes. By employing clear naming conventions, avoiding hidden elements, simplifying designs, using frames appropriately, and organizing files, you can ensure a smooth and efficient conversion process. These practices not only enhance the quality of the generated code but also facilitate easier maintenance and scalability of your projects.
Author
Rohan Singhvi
CEO of Dualite
FAQ's
How does overcomplicating a design affect the code conversion process?
Overcomplicated designs can result in complex code that is difficult to maintain and optimize. Simplifying designs by removing unnecessary elements helps streamline the conversion process, leading to cleaner and more efficient code
What are the consequences of a cluttered design panel in Figma?
A cluttered design panel can make it difficult for developers to navigate and understand the design, leading to errors during conversion. Organizing layers, pages, and components in a logical manner helps developers easily locate and interpret elements, resulting in a smoother and more accurate transition from design to code.
Designers can optimize their Figma designs for code conversion by maintaining a consistent design system, using components and styles, and organizing layers logically
Clear communication ensures that both designers and developers are aligned on project goals and design intent. Effective communication helps clarify any ambiguities in the design, reducing errors during conversion and ensuring that the final product accurately reflects the original design vision
Properly naming frames, layers, and designs in Figma is crucial for creating readable and semantic code. Clear naming conventions help developers understand the structure and hierarchy of the design, reducing errors during the conversion process
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