Figma has gained immense popularity as a tool for designing user interfaces and experiences. Renowned for its collaborative capabilities, it provides a platform for designers to collaborate in real-time. And the cherry on top? Figma can be accessed directly from your iPad. Follow the steps below to begin using Figma:
Step 1: Install Figma Mirror App
The first step is to install the Figma Mirror app on your iPad. To do this, navigate to the App Store and search for “Figma Mirror”. Simply click on the “Get” button to start the installation process.
Step 2: Open Figma in a Browser
Unfortunately, iPadOS isn’t fully compatible with Figma’s desktop tool. However, you can still access Figma via your browser. Open your preferred browser (Safari or Chrome) and visit the Figma website. Sign in to your account or create a new one if you haven’t already.
Step 3: Start a New Project or Open an Existing One
Once you’re logged in, you can start a new project by clicking on the “+ New” button. If you want to work on an existing project, simply click on the project’s title from your “Recent files” or from the “Project” page.
Step 4: Utilize Figma Mirror
For real-time updates and previews of your designs, the Figma Mirror app is your best friend. To connect the Figma Mirror to your workspace, make sure both your iPad and your workstation are on the same network. Then, on your iPad, open the Figma Mirror app and sign in.
Once connected, any changes you make on the Figma browser version will automatically update and display on the Figma Mirror app. This way, you can seamlessly design and preview simultaneously.
Step 5: Design with the Figma Interface
Though the Figma interface on iPad is not as robust as on desktop, it still allows you to accomplish basic tasks. You can use the toolbar to access tools like Move, Scale, Frame, and Text. For instance, to create a shape:
Select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar > Click and drag within the frame to create a rectangle.
Conclusion
Despite some limitations, using Figma on an iPad is quite feasible, especially for previewing designs and making minor edits. The key takeaway here is that with the combination of Figma Mirror and a browser-based workspace, you can unleash the power of Figma on your iPad. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s an incredibly convenient and effective way to design on the go.
