Typography is way more complex than it seems. You’d think something as basic as letters would be intuitive, but typography is an art form with endless possibilities. Tiny adjustments can make a huge difference, affecting legibility and overall aesthetic. By the end of this guide, you’ll see the world of fonts in a whole new light, and you’ll never look at websites, billboards, or logos the same way again.

What is Typography?

Typography is both the art and science of arranging text to make it readable and visually appealing. The basic building blocks of typography are characters, and how designers manipulate different parts of these characters creates various typefaces. When these typefaces are used in combination with a specific set of characters, we get fonts.

Why Fonts Matter?

Fonts are everywhere. They’re on websites, logos, product labels, and even the books you read. Choosing the right font is like picking the right tone of voice—vital for conveying the right message. A playful font might work for a toy store, but not for a law firm. And just as you wouldn’t talk to a judge the way you talk to a friend, you need to choose a font that matches the project’s energy.

Different Kinds of Fonts

Serif Fonts

Serif fonts have small decorative lines (called serifs) attached to the end of their strokes. These fonts have their roots in ancient calligraphy but were streamlined by Nicholas Jensen in 1470 to create what we now call the Roman typeface.

When to Use Serif Fonts: Serif fonts like Times New Roman scream tradition, stability, and sophistication. That’s why they are commonly used by banks, lawyers, and institutions that want to convey trustworthiness. If your goal is a timeless, elegant design, serif fonts are perfect.

When to Avoid Them: If you’re aiming for a modern, playful look, serif fonts aren’t the best choice. Their decorative nature can feel outdated for contemporary brands.

Sans Serif Fonts

Sans-serif fonts are fonts without the decorative serifs, hence “sans” (French for “without”). They actually predate serif fonts because simple, undecorated writing is easier to produce. Today, sans-serif fonts are considered more modern and minimal.

Why Sans Serif Fonts Are Great: They are versatile and can be used across a wide range of industries—everything from tech startups to e-commerce brands. Sans-serif fonts tend to be more legible, making them ideal for road signs, product packaging, and other areas where clarity is key.

Drawback: Sans-serif fonts can sometimes feel sterile or too homogeneous. Many brands have lost their distinctive visual identity by opting for overly minimalistic sans-serif fonts.

Display Typefaces

Display typefaces are meant for specific, eye-catching uses like logos, headlines, and titles. They can be serif, sans-serif, or even highly decorative. They’re designed to stand out, not blend in.

Use These When: You need something bold, artistic, and attention-grabbing, but avoid them for body text—they don’t work well for longer paragraphs.

Script and Handwritten Fonts

Script fonts are elegant and mimic old-fashioned calligraphy. Handwritten fonts, on the other hand, mimic the designer’s own handwriting and usually have a more casual feel.

Where to Use Script Fonts: Think wedding invitations, luxury brands, or high-end events where sophistication is key. But steer clear of them for long blocks of text—they can be hard to read.

Monospace Fonts

Every character in a monospace font takes up the same amount of horizontal space. These fonts are most commonly used in coding and technical contexts. Monospace fonts make it easier to read code, and their uniformity can bring a sense of order to highly structured environments.

How to Make Your Typography Look Great

Now that you know the basics of fonts, let’s dig into the practical elements that will help you design typography like a pro.

1. Size

Typography size is measured in points (pt), where 12 points equals 1 inch. In digital design, we often use pixels (px) or ems for measurement. Knowing these units helps you set consistent sizes across headings, body text, and buttons.

2. Weight

Weight refers to the thickness of the font. Bolder fonts grab attention and are typically used for headings, while thinner fonts are easier to read in smaller paragraphs. Many sans-serif fonts offer a wide range of weights, from ultra-thin to black, allowing for more design flexibility.

3. Baseline, Cap Line, and X-Height

• Baseline: The invisible line on which text sits.
• Cap Line: The top boundary for uppercase letters.
• X-Height: The height of lowercase letters, affecting readability and design proportions.

4. Line Height

Line height, or leading, is the vertical spacing between lines of text. A good rule of thumb: the smaller the font size, the more line height you need. Increasing line height makes paragraphs easier to read.

5. Letter Spacing and Kerning

·      Tracking (or letter spacing) refers to the uniform space between all letters in a block of text.

·      Kerning adjusts the spacing between individual characters for visual harmony, especially in logos or display text.

6. Contrast

Contrast between text and background is crucial for legibility. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 7:1 to make sure your text is readable for everyone, including those with visual impairments.

Building a Typography System

Once you’ve chosen your fonts and fine-tuned the details, it’s time to build a consistent typography system. This involves establishing a hierarchy and grid that makes your entire design cohesive and easy to navigate.

Typography Hierarchy

Organize your text into headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and labels. For web design, you’ll generally work with heading levels (H1 through H6). Set rules for size, weight, and line height for each heading and ensure they maintain consistency across the entire project.

Grids and Spacing

Designing with a grid system ensures that your typography is well-organized and clean. In web design, a 12-column grid is the most flexible and widely used, while in print, newspapers and magazines tend to follow two or three-column layouts.

Final Thoughts

Typography might seem daunting at first, but with a solid understanding of its fundamentals, you’ll be able to design with confidence. Remember to keep legibility at the forefront, choose fonts that reflect the mood and message of your design, and build a cohesive typography system that unifies your project. Whether you’re designing a website, creating a logo, or just experimenting with fonts, these tips will help you become a master of typography.

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Welcome to the UI/UX trends forecast for 2024! This year’s design trends are more exciting than ever, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. Some trends have been quietly evolving, while others are exploding across the web. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into these fresh, exciting trends and see how they’ll reshape the user experience landscape.

Bento Designs: From Simple to Animated Magic

Remember the old Windows 8 days? If you think back to those animated tiles, you’ll recall the concept of Bento designs. This trend has made a massive comeback-and this time, it’s on steroids! Apple, always the trendsetter, has taken the Bento design aesthetic and run with it, infusing animation and interaction into its grids.

The idea is simple: instead of static blocks of content, Bento designs now offer interactive grids where videos play, images glide, and hover interactions make everything feel dynamic. Some companies have gone even further, incorporating product demos directly into the Bento layout. Imagine hovering over a tile and immediately getting a live preview of a software interface! Relume, for example, has adopted this trend so thoroughly that its homepage is now one big animated Bento grid.

Want to try your hand at this trend? Resources like Bentor Grid offer inspiration, while Figma plugins can help convert Bento designs into interactive prototypes, making it easier than ever to experiment.

Dark Mode: The Eternal Favorite

Dark mode isn’t exactly a new trend, but its popularity continues to grow in 2024, becoming a UI essential. It’s more than just an aesthetic—it’s a usability choice that enhances readability and reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments. Besides, dark mode just looks cool. It’s sleek, modern, and offers a sophisticated contrast with vibrant colors and white text.

For designers, dark mode is about balance. It gives you the chance to play with bright, vivid accents and make elements pop. Whether you’re designing a mobile app or a full-fledged website, including a dark mode option isn’t just a feature—it’s a must-have. And hey, we all look better in the dark, right?

AR Workspaces: Designing for the Future

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are no longer reserved for gamers or sci-fi fans. 2024 sees AR workspaces becoming a major trend, especially after Apple’s big push into spatial design. VR headsets are now being used to create immersive workspaces where users interact with interfaces floating in front of them. Designers everywhere are creating AR/VR experiences that will change the way we work, design, and interact online.

If you’re eager to jump into AR, tools like Bezi make the process intuitive. It’s essentially the Figma of the AR world, providing easy-to-use tutorials and resources. Apple has even jumped into the fray, offering AR/VR kits in Figma. This makes designing for the third dimension more accessible to the average UI/UX designer.

Hyperrealism: Blurring the Lines Between Digital and Physical

Move over minimalism-hyperrealism is here to make things… well, real. In 2024, design is about bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds, offering ultra-realistic textures, lighting, and imagery that make interfaces feel almost tangible. Think highly detailed 3D icons, lifelike objects, and elements that seem to leap off the screen.

While flat design is fading into the background, hyperrealism is leading us into an era where digital visuals look as real as the world around us. Platforms like Airbnb are already incorporating hyper realistic elements into their UIs, and tools like Spline are making it easier than ever to create these intricate designs.

Animated Interfaces: Making Everything Come to Life

In 2024, animations are no longer optional-they’re expected. And while complex animations used to require knowledge of After Effects, today’s tools like Lottie Files make it simple for anyone to create fluid, engaging animations directly from Figma. Designers are no longer afraid to go all out, with Galaxy buttons and interactive elements becoming staples on websites.

Animated interfaces are more than just eye candy-they’re a powerful way to make designs stand out. Apple’s own website for the Watch Series 9 is an example of how live, moving visuals can create an immersive experience. On a smaller scale, interactive animations like hover effects and parallax scrolling add a level of depth and engagement that users crave.

Oversized Text: Say It Loud, Say It Proud

Who needs subtlety when you can make a statement with massive typography? Oversized text is a trend that’s taking over websites and apps in 2024, delivering messages in bold, in-your-face styles. It’s not just about aesthetics; oversized text ensures accessibility, improves readability, and guides users’ attention exactly where you want it.

Designers are using giant fonts to create visual hierarchy, turning headlines into visual art. You’ve probably seen it already-big, bold text that immediately grabs your attention. Whether it’s a product page or a blog post, oversized typography makes an impact. Why whisper when you can shout?

The End of Flat Design? It’s Complicated

Is flat design dead? Well, yes… and no. Flat design is slowly giving way to pseudo-3D elements, gradients, and depth—ushering in what feels like the end of an era. 3D icons are becoming more prevalent, especially after Reddit’s complete 3D rebrand, which set the design world abuzz. Even Apple’s MacOS icons have embraced a more dimensional look.

Websites today are incorporating more hover effects and parallax scrolling to give a sense of depth. Airbnb, a pioneer in UI design, used 3D animations to showcase new features, and many other brands are following suit. With tools like Spline making 3D design more accessible, it’s easier than ever to add dimension to your interfaces. The shift away from flat design is inevitable as the demand for visually rich, interactive experiences grows.

Vibrant Colors and Gradients: The Return of Boldness

The days of muted tones are behind us. 2024 is all about vibrant, punchy colors and gradients that give designs an energetic vibe. Bold hues like electric blues, neon pinks, and deep purples are making their way into everything from backgrounds to buttons. Gradients, often seen as a thing of the past, have come roaring back—this time with a more sophisticated flair.

Vibrant colors offer a way to stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Gradients, particularly those with a multi-hue mix, add depth and dimension to otherwise flat designs. So if you’re feeling a little blah about neutrals, this is your year to go wild with color!

Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?

AI has officially entered the design world, but it’s not without controversy. While tools like Relume allow designers to create wireframes with just a prompt, and UIZer helps generate entire UI designs using AI, many designers are relying too heavily on these tools. The temptation to turn to ChatGPT for every design dilemma is real, but it’s important to remember that AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. It can inspire but may not always offer the most nuanced solutions.

That said, AI’s role in design isn’t going anywhere. Adobe and OpenAI have set standards for AI-generated art, ensuring that artists get the credit they deserve. Whether it’s used for inspiration or execution, AI will continue to shape how we design.

Unconventional & Chaotic Layouts: Breaking the Grid

In 2024, the grid is not your master. Designers are experimenting with unconventional and chaotic layouts that break free from the rigid, symmetrical structures we’ve become accustomed to. Websites and apps are embracing asymmetry, layering, and scattered elements to create a sense of dynamism and movement.

These layouts create an intentional sense of chaos, often using overlapping images, unaligned text, and playful compositions that defy the norm. But don’t let the chaos fool you—these designs are carefully crafted to keep users engaged and interested. It’s organized disorder, and it works. It’s as if designers said, “Let’s make it messy—but in a beautiful way.”

Final Thoughts

2024’s UI/UX trends show a dynamic shift toward more interactive, immersive, and intelligent designs. As designers, it’s an exciting time to push boundaries and experiment with new tools and technologies.

Whether you’re embracing the animated Bento grids or experimenting with AR workspaces, this year is all about going beyond the flat, static designs of the past and embracing a new, interactive world. Just don’t rely on AI for all your design needs-you still need that human touch!

So, which trend are you most excited to implement in 2024? Let me know!

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If you’re diving into Figma for the first time, you’re probably thinking, “How can I speed up my design workflow?” Well, worry no more! These 15 beginner tips will help you supercharge your Figma experience, making you work faster and smarter—like 15 times faster. And hey, whether it’s exactly 15 times faster or just a snazzy number for the title, who’s counting, right?

Let’s jump right in, because I know your design schedule is as packed as mine!

Tip #1: Master the Command Palette

Ever found yourself stuck because you forgot a shortcut or can’t remember how to launch a plugin? Figma has a magical trick called Command Palette. Just hit Command + P (Mac) or Control + P (Windows), and voila—you can search for any command or plugin. One of my go-tos is the Iconify plugin. It lets you drag and drop icons like a pro. Boom, radio button ready! And you can do even more with this trick, like adding comments or tweaking nudges for pixel-perfect designs.

Pro tip: Nudge your elements by 8 pixels for that grid-perfect alignment every time!

Tip #2: Color Picker Like a Pro

Can’t remember the shortcut for the color picker? It’s okay! Simply type “color” in the command palette and pick your shade without breaking a sweat. But if you want to skip the search, remember: the shortcut for the color picker is just I. Easy, right?

Tip #3: Components and Outline View

If you’re serious about scalable designs, turn your elements into components. But how do you check which parts of your design are already components? Just hit Command + Y to switch to Outline View. Anything outlined in purple is a component. Convert as many reusable elements as you can into components to create a super-clean design system.

Tip #4: Duplicate with Ease

Duplicating elements is an essential trick to save time. Hold down Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) while dragging an object, and you’ll create a duplicate in a jiffy. Alternatively, you can hit Command + D to duplicate as many times as you need. And if you make a mistake, no worries—just undo with Command + Z. Boom, you’re back on track.

Tip #5: Navigate the Artboards

Zooming in and out to fit an artboard to your screen is a time-saving must. Tap 1 to zoom out and fit the entire artboard. If you want to zoom in on a specific selection, tap 2. This makes navigating large files with multiple artboards a breeze!

Tip #6: Quick Math for Layouts

Design isn’t all about colors and fonts—it’s about numbers too! Let’s say you need to ensure perfect spacing in your design. Instead of eyeballing it, use basic math right in Figma’s input fields. For example, you can divide the width of a container by the number of boxes you want and instantly get precise spacing. You can also calculate progress bars with ease. Just divide and conquer your pixels!

Tip #7: Batch Export Like a Champ

Need to export multiple icons for your developer? Instead of manually exporting each one (yawn), select all the icons, tap on Command + Shift + E, and batch export them in various sizes like SVG and PNG. That’s right—one swift move, and your icons are ready to ship.

Tip #8: Copy and Paste Styles Effortlessly

Consistency is key in design. When you need to copy a text style or a photo filter, use Command + Option + C to copy the style and Command + Option + V to paste it. This works for fonts, images, and other elements—ensuring that your design remains uniform and professional.

Tip #9: Hide or Show the UI

Working on a smaller screen? Maximize your design space by hiding Figma’s UI. Press Command + . (yep, just a full stop) to toggle the UI on or off. It’s a neat trick when you need more room to work but still want easy access to the interface when needed.

Tip #10: Resize Icons Without Losing Stroke Weight

Ever noticed that when you resize an icon, its stroke thickness changes? To keep strokes consistent, select the icon, duplicate it, and then use Command + Shift + O to outline the stroke. This way, whether you shrink or enlarge the icon, the stroke remains uniform. No more funky icon thickness!

Tip #11: Use Auto Layout Like a Boss

Figma’s Auto Layout is a lifesaver for making designs responsive and flexible. Want to arrange items in a neat grid or row? Select your elements, hit Shift + A, and Auto Layout will do the rest. You can toggle between vertical and horizontal arrangements, and even adjust padding with ease.

Tip #12: Batch Rename Layers

If you’ve ever had a file with hundreds of unnamed layers (been there, done that), you’ll love this one. Select the layers you want to rename, hit Command + R, and rename them in batches. This not only saves you from endless scrolling but keeps your files organized for both you and your teammates.

Tip #13: Keep Elements Inside Frames

When moving elements around, you want them to stay neatly within their frames, right? Just hold the space bar while dragging your object, and it will stay inside the frame. No more frustration of objects jumping out of bounds. It’s like giving your designs a snug little home!

Tip #14: Prototyping Hacks

Presenting your designs to stakeholders or clients? Use Z to zoom in and out of your prototype without messing up the view. And if the toolbar is distracting, hide it by hitting Command + .. This makes your presentation cleaner, and you’ll look like a pro.

Tip #15: Always Use Frames, Not Groups

This one’s a game changer! Instead of using groups for buttons or complex elements, use frames. Frames allow you to clip content, manage text overflow, and make prototypes behave as they should. Groups? Not so much. So the next time you’re tempted to group something, think: frame it!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—15 tips that will help you design like a pro in Figma, faster than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re batch exporting, zooming in and out, or doing quick layout math, these tips will shave hours off your design process. The more you use them, the more they become second nature.

Remember, Figma is a powerful tool, and like any tool, mastering its shortcuts and tricks will make all the difference. Try these out, save some time, and maybe even leave the office a bit earlier. Because let’s face it, we all want that extra hour of Netflix, right?

Now, go forth and design faster, smarter, and more efficiently!

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If you’ve landed here, you’re ready to take your Figma skills to the next level. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into 10 advanced Figma hacks that will transform how you design in 2024. Make sure to download the exercise files linked below so you can follow along step by step. Ready? Let’s go!

Figma is already a powerhouse for UI/UX design, but what if I told you there are some hidden tricks to make it even more powerful? Whether you’re designing for a website, an app, or a design system, these advanced hacks will help you streamline your workflow, improve collaboration, and make your designs cleaner and more organized.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the hacks and set you on the path to becoming a Figma pro.

1. Use a Status Kit to Organize Your Projects

Keeping track of your project’s progress can be chaotic, especially with larger teams. Enter the Status Kit.

Step by Step:

1. Import a Status Kit into your Figma file (you can find one online or make your own).
2. Go to Assets > Status Kit, and drag a status onto your artboard.
3. Adjust the size and location as needed (maybe at the top of each section for easy visibility).
4. Turn on or off specific elements (like descriptions or indicators).
5. Set the status to reflect the current progress—whether it’s in development, in review, or finalized.

This not only keeps everything organized but also ensures all stakeholders are aware of the project’s progress. Plus, it’s a nice way to show off your “I have everything under control” persona.

2. Annotations for Better Documentation

As a designer, you’ve probably had those moments where the developers come back asking, “What’s this supposed to do again?” Avoid that nightmare with annotations.

Step by Step:

1. Create or import annotation cards.
2. Place your annotation near the elements you need to explain.
3. Head to the Properties panel to customize. Add titles, directions, or even turn off backgrounds to make them less intrusive.
4. Annotate every interaction so your dev team knows exactly what you intend.

Like breadcrumbs for developers, these annotations will guide them (and you) through your design intent.

3. Arrows for Nested Items

Who knew arrows could save your sanity? When your design components get complex, use arrows to show what’s nested where.

Step by Step:

1. Select a component that has nested elements (like a date picker with a calendar).
2. Use the arrow tool to point to which elements are connected.
3. For pages, use nested arrows to organize related content like archived designs.

Arrows: keeping chaos at bay since… forever.

4. Min-width / Max-width Magic

Responsive design is the bread and butter of any modern design system. Keep your designs from breaking with min-width and max-width settings.

Step by Step:

1. Select the element you want to control (e.g., feature boxes on a landing page).
2. Go to Auto Layout and under Fill, set the min-width to 300px (or your preferred value).
3. Test the responsiveness by shrinking the page. The boxes will stop collapsing once they hit the defined width.
4. Set a max-width to prevent your elements from stretching too far on larger screens.

This will keep your designs as tight as your favorite pair of jeans—no more breaking layouts!

5. Variable Breakpoints for Consistency

Tired of manually resizing everything? Variable breakpoints are your new best friend.

Step by Step:

1. Go to Local Variables in your Figma file and create variables for common breakpoints (e.g., tablet, desktop, widescreen).
2. Apply these variables to your design’s width.
3. Adjust the width using variables like 768px for tablets, and your design will adjust automatically.

This hack works like magic, ensuring your designs scale smoothly across devices.

6. FigJam Connectors Inside Figma

Did you know you can bring FigJam connectors into Figma? Now your wireframes can be interactive and visually cohesive.

Step by Step:

1. Open a FigJam file, select a connector, and copy it.
2. Paste it into your Figma file.
3. Use the connector to link different frames or sections, just like in FigJam.

Link ‘em up, Figma-style.

7. Make Icons Searchable with Tags

Ever spent ages looking for that one icon in your massive collection? Simplify your life with searchable tags.

Step by Step:

1. Select an icon.
2. In the Component Configuration panel, add descriptive tags (e.g., music, sound, audio).
3. Now when you use Command+/ to search, typing “music” will bring up all related icons—even if you forgot the exact name.

Find what you need without that “where the heck is it?” frustration.

8. Auto Layout Your Parent Frames

This one’s a lifesaver when moving sections around. Auto layout your parent frame to easily realign your design.

Step by Step:

1. Select your parent container.
2. Hit Shift + A to apply auto layout.
3. Now, use your arrow keys to adjust the layout effortlessly.

Moving parts of your design should feel as easy as shifting your playlist to “next.”

9. Looping Variables for Dynamic Elements

Here’s one for the advanced crowd: looping variables. Perfect for animating elements like progress bars that change over time.

Step by Step:

Create a Progress Bar

• First, draw two rectangles: one for the background and one for the progress.
• The background should be a fixed width, such as 200 pixels.
• The progress bar starts small (e.g., 20 pixels wide).
• Color the background a light color (like gray) and the progress bar something distinct (like blue).

Set Up Local Variables

Open Variables: Go to your design panel, click on Local Variables, and create a new collection. Call this collection something like Progress Control.

Create Variables:

• For Width: Create a number variable to control the width of the progress bar, e.g., progress Width.
• For Color: Create a color variable to dynamically change the color of the progress bar once it completes, e.g., progress Color.

Link Variables to the Progress Bar

Assign the Width Variable:

• Select the progress bar (the blue rectangle), and in the right-hand properties panel, under width, click the dropdown to select Apply Variable.
• Assign the progress Width variable to the width.

Assign the Color Variable:

• Go to the fill property and select Apply Variable under color.
• Assign the progress Color variable to control the bar’s color as it fills up.

Create an Interactive Component Set

Now, we need to set up an interactive component that loops through a set of states to make the progress bar increase over time.

Create Two Rectangles: These represent the starting and ending states of the progress bar. One will be the “default” (low progress), and the other will be “full” (complete progress).

Turn Them into a Component Set:

• Select both rectangles, right-click, and choose Create Component Set.
• You’ll now have a default state and a variant that we’ll animate between.

Add Prototype Interactions

We will now link the two states to create the looping effect:

Initial Interaction:

• Select the first rectangle (the default state).
• Go to the Prototype tab, and drag a connection to the second rectangle.
• Set the interaction to After Delay (500ms for a half-second increment).
• Add an action to Set Variable: Set the progress Width to progress Width + 20. This will add 20 pixels to the width every half second.

Looping Interaction:

• Now, connect the second rectangle back to the first.
• Set the interaction to After Delay (1ms) and ensure the animation is set to Instant.
• This will allow the system to check and update the width repeatedly until it reaches the desired width.

Conditional Check for Completion

• We need to add a conditional check to see when the progress bar hits 200 pixels (the full width).
• Select the first rectangle (default state).
• In the Prototype panel, add a condition that checks if progress Width is less than 200.
• If true, the interaction continues to add 20 pixels to the progress bar.
• If progress Width equals or exceeds 200, change the color of the progress bar to green by setting the progress Color variable to green.

Testing and Fine-tuning

Place the Interactive Component: Drag the newly created component set into your frame. Start the prototype preview, and you should see the progress bar fill over time, changing color once it reaches full width.

Adjust Timing: You can adjust the After Delay timing for faster or slower progress.

This hack may seem complex, but it’s like setting up a slow cooker—do it once and let it run.

10. User Variables for Personalized Prototypes

If you’re running user tests, make them even more relevant by applying user-specific variables.

Step by Step:

1. Create a collection of user variables (like names or roles) in Local Variables.
2. Apply these variables to relevant text layers.
3. Test your prototypes with personalized data for each user.

No more generic user flows—let each test participant feel like it’s built just for them.

Final Thoughts

Figma is an endlessly powerful tool, but it’s these advanced hacks that really make the difference between a good design workflow and a great one. Whether you’re working with a team or flying solo, these tricks will help you get more done, faster, and with fewer headaches.

So, next time you’re deep into a Figma project, don’t forget to try out these hacks! And, of course, if you found this helpful, hit that like button and stay tuned for more design tips.

Feeling like a Figma wizard yet? Keep experimenting, and before long, you’ll be crafting designs that are as smooth as your favorite coffee.

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Have you ever looked at two designs side by side, and instantly felt that one just looks better than the other? You can almost always tell which one is more polished, but most of us can’t explain why the better one works. As designers, we spend years trying to figure out that “why” – hours diving deep into typography, spacing, alignment, and everything in between. But what if you didn’t have to spend all that time and could skip ahead by learning a few tried-and-tested tricks? That’s what we’re here to do today. I’m going to share six practical UI hacks that can instantly elevate your design game, focusing on text and spacing. Let’s make sure you don’t fall into the same design traps I did when I started out!

6 UI Hacks As a Beginner

Hack 1: Mastering Line Height

Typography isn’t just about picking a cool font and running with it. A good design involves understanding the subtleties that make text easier to read and visually pleasing, and line height is one of the quickest ways to transform your layout. So, what is line height? It’s the space between text lines, and adjusting it can take your design from cluttered to clean in seconds.

Take a look at the pros like Google, Dropbox, and Uber – they all use a line height of around 1.2x to 1.5x the text size for headings and 1.4x to 1.5x for body text. The larger the font, the smaller the line height, which keeps things neat. So, a rule of thumb: aim for 1.1x to 1.3x the text size for headings and 1.3x to 1.5x for body text. Trust me, this tiny adjustment will make your designs feel polished.

Oh, and remember to avoid cramming too much space or too little. Otherwise, your design might either look like it’s suffocating or, well, like it just woke up from a nap in the 2000s. We’ve all been there.

Hack 2: Negative Letter Spacing

If you want your design to have that sharp, professional look, pay attention to letter spacing (also called kerning). This is the space between individual characters in a piece of text. Tighten this up, especially in headings, and you’ll notice your design instantly becomes crisp. Think of it as giving your text a snappy haircut – suddenly, it’s sleek, bold, and refined.

A little secret: most well-designed headings use negative letter spacing. Yes, negative! While body text should keep a neutral or positive spacing for readability, headings can handle tighter spacing without losing clarity. Start with -1% to -2% letter spacing for headings and adjust according to the font you’re using. It’s a small tweak that packs a punch.

Just be careful: if you go too negative, your text might look like it’s in a hurry to squish together. And for body text, don’t even think about it. Keep it wide and readable, like a nice stroll in the park.

Hack 3: Don’t Mix Text Alignments

Alignment seems simple enough, right? But get it wrong, and your design can go from polished to chaotic in a heartbeat. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is mixing different alignments within the same section of text. For example, if your heading is center-aligned, your body text should not be left-aligned, and vice versa.

When it comes to body text, stick to left alignment for anything longer than three lines. Center alignment can work wonders for headings or short text blocks, but longer sections? That’s a recipe for frustration. Every time the reader’s eyes move from one line to the next, they’ll struggle to find the starting point again, and reading becomes a chore. Do you want your user to work harder to read your text? Didn’t think so.

In summary: stick to one alignment for each section of your design, especially if it’s a long chunk of text. No remixing!

Hack 4: Control Your Text Width

Now, imagine you open a webpage and see a single line of text stretching across the entire screen like an endless highway. Feels daunting, doesn’t it? That’s because long lines of text can be overwhelming. According to a UX study by the Baymard Institute, users tend to avoid reading lengthy lines of text because they feel intimidating.

So how do we avoid turning away readers? Keep your text width under control. Ideally, your body text should fall between 50 to 75 characters per line – it’s a sweet spot that’s easy on the eyes. On a desktop screen, this typically translates to a width of around 600 pixels. This also has a direct impact on conversion rates. Too long, and your audience may not absorb important information – and that could mean fewer clicks, fewer sales, and more unhappy clients. Nobody wants that!

Hack 5: Simplify Text Hierarchy

Ever find yourself going wild with font sizes to create hierarchy in your designs? I get it. It’s tempting to throw in a different size for every heading and subheading, but it can quickly spiral out of control, leaving your design feeling random and disjointed.

Here’s the fix: stick to just two font sizes, one for your headings and one for your body text. Instead of going crazy with sizes, use font weights and subtle color differences to create hierarchy. For example, bold your headings or use a slightly darker or lighter color to make them stand out. This keeps everything clean and professional while still conveying a clear hierarchy.

Remember, less is more. Overcomplicating your font sizes is like trying to win a race with 12 different cars. It’s unnecessary, and it’ll probably just cause a traffic jam (in your design, that is).

Hack 6: Use Space Like a Pro

Space in design is like the awkward silence in a conversation – most beginners try to avoid it. But in UI, space isn’t awkward; it’s essential. Without enough space, your text elements will look cramped, and users won’t know where to focus.

When I talk about space, I’m not just talking about margins or padding. I’m referring to the invisible relationships between different elements. For instance, a heading should always be closer to the text it introduces, not to the block of text above it. One way to approach this is by using multiples of the same value for spacing. For example, if you use 16px between a heading and its associated body text, use 32px between that heading and the unrelated body text above it. This creates a structured, harmonious layout that’s easy to follow.

Design legend John Maeda once said, “Whitespace is to be regarded as an active element, not a passive background.” That means spacing should be as intentional as your typography, images, and buttons.

Final Thoughts

Design isn’t just about flashy visuals or complex animations – it’s about making things clear, readable, and enjoyable to use. By mastering these six UI hacks, you can elevate your design game instantly and create layouts that not only look good but feel good. And remember, design is a journey. The pros you admire now were once beginners who fumbled through typography and alignment too. So, take these hacks, apply them, and watch your work transform.

And hey, next time you see an overcrowded, misaligned design, don’t just know that it looks bad – understand why!

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