How to create simple prototypes on Figma

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Create simple prototypes in Figma by switching to Prototype mode, connecting frames with interaction arrows, and setting trigger actions. Preview your prototype using the play button to test user flows and interactions.

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Prerequisites

Basic Figma account
Understanding of frames and layers
Familiarity with Figma's interface
Basic design elements ready

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set up your design frames

Create multiple frames representing different screens or states of your prototype. Use the Frame tool (F) from the toolbar or press F on your keyboard. Name each frame clearly in the Layers panel for easy identification during prototyping.

Keep frames organized and use consistent naming conventions like 'Home', 'Menu Open', 'Detail Page' for clarity.

Switch to Prototype mode

Click the Prototype tab in the right sidebar, located next to the Design tab. This will switch your interface to prototyping mode where you can create interactions between frames and elements.

Create interactions between elements

Select any interactive element (button, image, text) on your frame. A blue plus (+) connector will appear on the right side of the element. Click and drag this connector to the destination frame you want to link to.

Start with primary actions like navigation buttons before adding secondary interactions.

Configure interaction details

After connecting elements, the Interaction details panel appears. Set the Trigger (usually 'On Click'), choose the Action (typically 'Navigate to'), select your destination, and pick a Transition animation like 'Instant', 'Dissolve', or 'Slide in'.

Use subtle transitions like 'Smart Animate' for polished micro-interactions between similar screens.

Add hover and other interaction states

Select elements that need hover effects. Create the hover state by duplicating the element or changing its properties. In the Prototype panel, add a new interaction with Trigger: 'While hovering' and Action: 'Change to' your hover state.

Keep hover effects subtle - consider changing opacity, color, or adding a slight scale transformation.

Set up your starting point

Select the frame you want as your prototype's starting screen. In the Prototype panel, you'll see a Flow starting point section. Click Add flow starting point or the home icon that appears on your frame to mark it as the entry point.

You can have multiple flow starting points for testing different user journeys.

Preview and test your prototype

Click the Play button (▶) in the top-right corner of the Figma interface or press Shift + Space. This opens the prototype in presentation mode where you can click through your interactions and test the user flow.

Test on different device sizes by changing the device preset in the preview window.

Share your prototype

Click the Share button in the top-right corner. Toggle on Link to selected frame if you want to start from a specific screen, or use the flow starting point. Set permissions to 'Can view' and copy the link to share with stakeholders for feedback.

Enable 'Allow comments' in share settings to gather structured feedback directly on your prototype.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Interactions not working in preview mode

Check that you've properly connected elements with the blue connector and that the Trigger is set correctly. Ensure your destination frame exists and isn't deleted.

Prototype starts from wrong screen

Verify your Flow starting point is set on the correct frame. Look for the small home icon on your intended starting frame, or reset it in the Prototype panel.

Animations look choppy or don't work

Use Smart Animate between frames with similar layer names and structures. Ensure layers you want to animate have identical names across frames and avoid complex nested groups.

Can't connect certain elements

Make sure the element isn't locked or inside a locked group. Ungroup complex elements or unlock them in the Layers panel. Some text elements may need to be converted to frames first.

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