Figma is an exceptional UI/UX design tool with exceptional versatility and flexibility. Among its many features, it allows users to design and prototype dropdown menus, a crucial element in web and application design. In this post, we will guide you through the steps of creating a prototype dropdown in Figma.
Step 1: Setting Up the Frame
The first step in creating a dropdown menu is setting up the frame. After opening Figma, click on the Frame Tool on the left side of the screen, or use the shortcut F to activate it. Draw a frame in your preferred size.
Step 2: Creating the Dropdown Button
On your frame, create a rectangular shape that will act as the dropdown button. Use the Shape Tools on the left side of the interface or use the R shortcut. After creating the rectangle, you can add text to this button by selecting the Text Tool (T), and clicking on the button to type.
Step 3: Creating the Dropdown List
Below the dropdown button, create another rectangle that will serve as the dropdown list. Inside this rectangle, create multiple smaller rectangles that will represent the individual dropdown items. Add text to each of these items using the Text Tool.
Step 4: Making the Dropdown Interactive
Now it’s time to make the dropdown interactive. To do this, we need to make use of Figma’s Prototype mode. Click on the Prototype tab at the top of the interface to switch to this mode.
First, select the dropdown button. You’ll notice a small circle appear on the right side of the button. Click and drag this circle to the dropdown list, creating a connection between the button and the list.
With the connection created, an interaction details panel will appear. Set the Trigger to On Click. Set the Action to Open Overlay, and then set the Transition to Instant. This will make the dropdown list appear when the button is clicked.
Step 5: Hiding and Showing the Dropdown List
To hide the dropdown list when the dropdown button isn’t clicked, you’ll need to set its initial state to invisible. To do this, switch back to the Design tab. Select the dropdown list and in the right-hand panel, find the Design section. In this section, set the Opacity to 0%.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully created a dropdown in Figma. Now, when you view it in Prototype mode and click on the dropdown button, the dropdown list will appear.
Conclusion
Figma’s flexible design tools and intuitive interface make it easy to create a variety of UI elements, including dropdown menus. With just a few clicks, you can create a dropdown menu that is fully interactive and fits seamlessly into your overall design. Happy designing!
