Designers always strive to work as efficiently and productively as possible. One way to do this is by customizing the right panel in Figma to match your design needs and workflow. The right panel is where all the properties of a selected element can be edited, and it can be customized to display only the properties and plugins that are relevant to your tasks. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of customizing the right panel in Figma and provide a step-by-step guide to help you maximize your productivity by creating a customized panel layout that suits your needs.
Understanding the Right Panel in Figma
For designers using Figma, the right panel is an essential part of the interface. This panel is where all the properties of a selected element can be edited. Here are some key things to know about the right panel:
- The right panel can be toggled open or closed by clicking on the right panel icon in the toolbar.
- The right panel can display properties for multiple selected elements at once.
- The right panel can also show plugins and libraries for quick access.
- The right panel can be customized to display only the properties and plugins that are relevant to your workflow.
By default, the right panel in Figma displays a lot of properties, including fill color, stroke weight, and font size. However, not all of these properties are relevant to every design project, so customizing the right panel can be a great way to streamline your workflow and make Figma easier to use.
Why Customizing the Right Panel is Important
Customizing the right panel in Figma can have a significant impact on your productivity and efficiency while designing. Here are some reasons why:
Speed Up Your Design Workflow
By customizing the right panel to display frequently used properties and plugins, you can access them quickly and easily, saving you time and effort in your design process.
Reduce Clutter
By removing unnecessary properties and plugins from the right panel, you can reduce visual clutter and simplify your workspace. This makes it easier to focus on the elements that are most important for your current project or task.
Stay organized and focused.
Customizing the right panel ensures that you only see what is relevant to your current project or task, helping you stay organized and focused. This can also help team members work more efficiently and improve collaboration.
Improve Productivity
Customizing the right panel can lead to more efficient workflows and a reduction in the time and effort required to complete common tasks, ultimately leading to improved overall productivity.
Streamline your interface.
Customizing the right panel can create a consistent and streamlined interface, making it easier to switch between tasks, projects, and different phases of a project. It can also help you create a more personalized and enjoyable workspace.
Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing the Right Panel in Figma
Here are the simple steps to customize the right panel in Figma:
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the panel.
- From the drop-down menu, select "Customize Panel'.
- In the Panel Editor, drag and drop the properties and plugins you want to display in the right panel.
- To remove properties and plugins from the panel, simply drag them out of the panel editor.
- After customizing the panel, click 'done' to save your changes and exit the editor.
With these easy steps, you can customize the right panel in Figma to match your workflow and design needs.
Advanced Customization Techniques to Improve Workflow
Customizing the right panel in Figma is just the start of optimizing your workflow. Here are some advanced techniques to take your productivity to the next level:
Creating Custom Plugin Sets
If you have a lot of plugins and find it hard to keep track of them, consider creating custom plugin sets. This allows you to organize your plugins by functionality, making it easier to find the ones you need. To create a custom plugin set, open the Plugins Panel and select the plugins you want to include. Then, right-click and select "Create Plugin Set". Give your new plugin set a name, and it will appear as a separate tab in the Plugins Panel.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Toggling the right panel with a mouse can be time-consuming. Using keyboard shortcuts can help speed up your workflow. To toggle the right panel on and off, press "Ctrl + /" (Windows) or "Cmd + /" (Mac). You can also use other keyboard shortcuts to access specific plugins or properties. To see a full list of Figma keyboard shortcuts, click on the "Help" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts."
Automating repetitive tasks
Plugins can be used to automate repetitive tasks such as resizing, exporting, or filling shapes with content. By automating these tasks, you can free up more time for creative work. Look for plugins that can help simplify your workflow and consider adding them to your custom plugin set.
Customizing the Right Panel for Specific Projects or Tasks
Customizing the right panel for specific projects or tasks can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, if you are working on a web design project, you may want to display only the properties and plugins that relate to web design. To switch to a different custom panel layout, click on the gear icon and select the layout you want from the drop-down menu.
Creating Multiple Panel Layouts
If you frequently switch between tasks or projects, consider creating multiple panel layouts. This allows you to switch between layouts with just a few clicks. To create a new panel layout, click on the gear icon and select "Duplicate Panel." Then, customize the new panel layout to suit your needs.
By using these advanced customization techniques, you can take your Figma workflow to the next level. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
Organizing the Right Panel for Your Design Needs
Customizing the right panel in Figma can help you optimize your workflow by prioritizing the elements and properties you use most frequently. Organizing the right panel layout based on your design needs is an important aspect of making your workspace more efficient and productive.
Grouping Elements
Grouping similar elements together can help you navigate through your workspace with ease. For instance, if you work primarily with text elements, you can group them together and keep them toward the top of the right panel. Similarly, if you work with shapes frequently, you can keep their properties handy as well.
Creating custom layouts
If you tend to work on similar types of projects regularly, creating custom panel layouts can be an excellent time saver. For example, if you design logos often, you can create a custom panel for that and save the relevant properties for quick access.
Using Folders
Using folders is a convenient way to organize your plugins. You can create folders for frequently used plugins and group them together based on their usage. This technique can help you save time by ensuring quick access to all the relevant plugins.
Customizing the design
You can adjust the aesthetics of your right panel to match your workspace or design style. Customizing the appearance of your workspace can help you work more efficiently by creating a workspace that feels familiar and personalized.
By organizing your right panel based on your design needs, you can streamline your workflow and make sure all relevant elements and plugins are at your fingertips. This helps you work faster and more confidently. Use these tips to create a customized workspace that supports your individual workflow and design needs.
Maximizing Productivity With Customized Right Panels
Customizing the right panel in Figma can have a significant impact on your productivity. Here are some tips for maximizing your workflow:
- Use keyboard shortcuts and custom panel layouts to make switching between tasks and projects more seamless.
- Reduce visual clutter by removing unnecessary properties and plugins to help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Create custom plugin sets and automate repetitive tasks to free up more time for creativity.
- Customize the Right Panel to Match Your Workflow and Design Needs to Create a More Efficient and Enjoyable Workspace.
By following these tips and customizing your right panel in Figma, you can optimize your workflow and complete tasks faster and more efficiently.
Best Practices for Customizing the Figma Right Panel
- Customize the Right Panel to Match Your Workflow and Design Needs, Not Someone Else's.
- Avoid clutter and only display what is necessary for your current project or task.
- Organize your plugins and properties in a way that makes sense to you and your workflow.
- Regularly review and update your custom panel layout to ensure it is still relevant and useful.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts and customizations until you find what works best for you.
By following these best practices, you can create a customized right panel in Figma that will help you work more efficiently, stay organized, and improve your overall productivity. Remember to regularly review and update your custom panel layout to ensure it is still meeting your needs and helping you achieve your design goals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With the Figma Right Panel
Problem: Right Panel Not Displaying Properly
If the right panel is not displayed properly, try toggling it open and closed using the right panel icon in the toolbar. If the problem persists, try restarting Figma.
Problem: Customizations Are Not Being Saved
If customizations to the right panel are not being saved, make sure to click 'done' after making changes in the panel editor. If the problem persists, try restarting Figma.
Problem: Properties or Plugins Are Not Appearing in the Right Panel
If certain properties or plugins are not appearing in the right panel, make sure they are selected in the panel editor. Simply drag and drop them into the panel editor to add them back in.
Problem: Issues with Plugins
If you are experiencing issues with plugins, try disabling and re-enabling them in the Plugins Panel. If the problem persists, check that the plugin is up-to-date and compatible with the current version of Figma.
Additional Support
If you are still experiencing issues with the Figma Right Panel, reach out to the Figma community or customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
Customizing the right panel in Figma is an essential part of improving your workflow and maximizing productivity. By creating custom panel layouts, organizing plugins and properties, and using keyboard shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and complete tasks faster. It's essential to regularly review and update your customizations to ensure they are still relevant and useful to your current project or task. Experiment with different layouts and techniques until you find what works best for you and your design needs. With a customized right panel, you can create a more efficient, personalized, and enjoyable workspace in Figma.
fabian-cortez
Poland Web Designer (Wispaz Technologies) is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to creating innovative applications that address the needs of corporate businesses and individuals.