When you want to export a Figma design file to HTML, you will need to use a Figma plugin. Install the HTMLGenerator, pxCode, or Anima plugins from the Figma community to help you.
My name is Yana, and I have been creating designs using Figma for the past year. Even though Figma is an amazing design tool, it is not a website constructor. To implement your designs and create prototypes, you will need to utilize third-party plugins to export the code.
In this article, I will show you how to export your design file in Figma into HTML code by using three different plugins.
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Key Takeaways
- Figma allows you to save the CSS properties of any design element by default. You can find the code in the toolbar on the right side of the screen under the Inspect tab.
- When exporting Figma designs to HTML, keep in mind that you might need to save the images separately and then manually add them to your code.
- Once you export the HTML code, try the free cloud service CodePen.io to test your code and verify if it is displaying correctly.
3 Plugins for Exporting Figma Design to HTML
While Figma allows you to see and copy CSS code for design elements, it doesn’t offer a direct way to export designs to HTML. Thankfully, there are some plugins that help us do it. Also, you can learn more about using plugins in Figma here.
1. HtmlGenerator Plugin
The HtmlGenerator plugin is free and easy to use that I believe deserves more attention. It allows you to generate a code for your design element or frame with just a few clicks. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1. Install the HTMLGenerator plugin by searching for it in the Resources tab from the menu at the top of the screen. Select the element you want to export and hit the Run button to start.
Step 2. A new window will open that displays the HTML and CSS codes. You can copy the code by pressing the Copy HTML button. You can also save it as a zip file which includes HTML, CSS, and SCSS files and images on your computer.
Keep in mind that if your design has images, they won’t be exported as HTML code, so you will need to save them separately and then manually add them to your code.
2. pxCode Plugin
The Pxcode plugin allows you to save your design as HTML, CSS, or React code. It’s free to edit and preview the code, but you will need to buy a premium plan if you want to save the code or use it within the team.
It also has some limitations. For example, you can only select and export a frame, which means it won’t work when you need to export a component.
Step 1. Search for the pxCode plugin in the Resources tab of the menu at the top of the screen and install it. Once you find it, click Run.
Step 2. The plugin will ask you to choose a frame to export. Once you have selected the frame, you will see the active Export selected frame button. You can also export the code of all the frames at the same time.
Step 3. In the next window, you will see that your project is ready to be exported. You need to choose the Sync to pxCode project option to open it in a browser or Export as a.pxcode file onto your computer. Choose the option based on your preferences, but I prefer to add a project at pxCode so you can preview the code.
Step 4. Once the project is ready, click the Open Project button to see your project. From there, pxCode will ask you to create a new account on their platform, which you can do by using your Google account.
Step 5. Once you create an account, you will see the preview of your design. Then, you need to press the Create button in the bottom right corner.
Step 6. Next, you will see the working space. Press on the Export button in the top right corner to export your code.
The code will be available in HTML, React, and Vue formats. Choose HTML and then copy the code.
You can check if your code displays correctly by using the free cloud service CodePen.io.
3. Anima Plugin
Another popular plugin to export a design into HTML code is Anima. It helps you export Figma files to HTML, CSS, React, or Vue code and also create code-build prototypes.
It has a user-friendly interface, but it’s important to note that it is not available to use for free. To utilize Figma and export HTML code, you will need to purchase its premium plan. If you are ready to buy a premium version, here are the steps to follow to export in HTML code.
Step 1. Open your design project and install the Anima plugin from the Resources tab in the menu at the top of the screen.
Step 2. Next, run the plugin. It will ask you to log in to the Anima website and create a new account or sign up with your Google account. Once you’re logged in, go back to Figma and select the design file you want to export the code.
Step 3. Once you’ve chosen the project, you will be asked to select whether you want your file to be in HTML, React, or Vue framework. Pick the format and click on the Go to Anima button.
Step 4. When you enter the Anima workspace, hit the Export Code button at the top right corner and choose Download the ZIP file with your code and implement it in your project.
That’s it! Now you know how to export design files from Figma to HTML. Each plugin I mentioned above has its own unique features and limitations. Consider your specific needs when choosing a plugin to use.
Final Thoughts
Exporting a design as an HTML file is helpful when creating prototypes or sharing code with developers. It enables you to embed the HTML code into existing projects.
In addition to the mentioned plugins, alternative tools such as the “Figma to HTML and CSS” plugin, TeleportHQ, and Locofy.ai online software can also be utilized for this purpose.
Have you ever tried to export a Figma design to HTML? Share your experience in the comments section below.
