​Auto Layout in Figma: to use or not to use?​

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the debate around auto layout in Figma.

On one side, you’ve got designers who say skipping auto layout makes their work faster—they don’t have to get bogged down in the details, and it speeds up their process. On the other hand, some argue that auto layout is essential for efficiency, helping to maintain consistent spacing, reposition elements easily, and ensure everything is pixel-perfect.

Personally, I’ve found myself somewhere in the middle, and I wanted to share my thoughts on when it makes sense to use auto layout and when it might be better to skip it.

It really depends on a few key factors:
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Size and Type of Project

Is it a small landing page or a comprehensive web app UI/UX? For complex projects like a web app, I can’t imagine working without auto layout. These screens can get intricate, and auto layout becomes crucial for both speed and maintenance.

But for a smaller project or a quick landing page, using auto layout might be overkill. You don’t need to put everything into auto layout—just use it where it makes sense. For example, you might use it for the main container to easily move sections around, but leave the internal content free so you can design faster.
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Phase of the Project

When I’m in the concept phase, I skip auto layout entirely. Speed and iteration are more important at this stage than precision.

Once the concept is finalized and I’ve picked the best version, that’s when I go back and make it pixel-perfect, applying auto layout where necessary.
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Client Requirements

If your client cares about the technical aspects, check whether they require pixel-perfect designs with auto layout, or if they prioritize speed and multiple iterations.

The key is to provide the most value to the client. If spending extra time on auto layout doesn’t add value, then it’s probably not worth it.
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Collaboration Needs

Are you working with other designers or handing the project off to a team?

If there’s a development team that could benefit from your designs being in auto layout, it might be worth the extra effort.
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Your Personal Workflow

Some designers, myself included, work faster with auto layout. I have a lot of starting layout templates already pre-designed, like those in DesignKit, which makes it easier to start with an auto layout structure in place and then build from there.

But if you find that auto layout slows you down, it’s okay to skip it, especially in the early stages.

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Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your project. I’ve found that striking a balance is key, and what’s right for one project might not be right for another.

I hope these thoughts help you make your own decision. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what makes your workflow smoother and more enjoyable.

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