How to Prototype a Basic Page Flow in Figma
A beginner, interface-by-interface guide to prototype a basic page flow in figma, including what each design term means, where to click and how to verify the exported/resulting asset.
By the end: You will complete prototype a basic page flow in figma and keep an editable source plus a checked output.
You will complete prototype a basic page flow in figma and keep an editable source plus a checked output.
Key terms before you start
These definitions make the steps easier to follow and help distinguish controls, files and concepts that can look similar at first.
What you need before starting
- Access to Figma
- A source/project you are allowed to edit
- A clear final destination/size/use for the result
Step-by-step tutorial
Every step is shown below. Work through them in order and use each checkpoint to confirm the result before moving on.
Open Figma and use a safe working copy
Open the real project in Figma. Duplicate the file/document first if the tutorial could alter important source work.
The editable source is different from the final exported asset; preserve recoverability.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Identify the final destination
Write where the result will be used: website width, social platform, handoff, print, prototype, etc.
Dimensions, color, format and responsive behavior depend on destination.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Create all source/destination frames
Make Home, Services and Contact frames first.
Prototype interactions connect real frames; they do not replace screen design.
Use Auto Layout/flexible components or revise layout constraints rather than shrinking type until it barely fits.
Name frames clearly
Use names visible in prototype/presentation.
Ambiguous Frame 12 names make connections hard to debug.
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Select the interactive layer
Click the button/link/card that should navigate.
Use a component instance if that is how final UI is built.
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Open Prototype tab
Use the right-sidebar Prototype controls.
This switches from visual design properties to interactions.
Use Auto Layout/flexible components or revise layout constraints rather than shrinking type until it barely fits.
Create an On click interaction
Add interaction: On click → Navigate to → choose destination frame.
Use actual navigation behavior rather than arbitrary animation first.
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Set animation only if it represents real transition
Choose Instant/Dissolve/Smart Animate appropriately.
Animation should not hide missing information architecture.
Repeat for primary path
Connect Home → Services → Contact and relevant back/navigation links.
A prototype should allow the full task path.
Set starting flow point
Mark the intended first frame/flow start.
Present mode needs a starting context.
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Present the prototype
Click Present/play and use the interface like a user.
Canvas connectors are not enough; test final interaction.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Test unexpected path/back behavior
Click alternate nav and browser/prototype back behavior as appropriate.
Real users do not always follow one ideal path.
Share correct prototype link if collaborating
Use Figma sharing permissions appropriate to client/team.
Do not accidentally expose an editable file when view-only prototype is intended.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Open the exported/result outside the editor
Inspect the actual PNG/JPEG/SVG/prototype/output rather than assuming it matches the canvas.
Exports can change dimensions, transparency, font rendering or compression.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Store source and delivery files predictably
Use clear names/versioning and keep the source separate from public delivery assets.
Future revisions should start from editable source.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Always know whether you are editing source structure or generating a delivery copy.
Concrete examples
Troubleshooting
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Use Auto Layout/flexible components or revise layout constraints rather than shrinking type until it barely fits.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Files can be found/reused.
Continue with these tutorials
Documentation and references
Use these primary and supporting sources to verify current controls, browser behavior and product-specific details.