To connect elements and artboards to create a prototype in Adobe XD, you primarily work within Prototype mode by selecting objects and dragging connection wires to define interactions. You can also use specific actions like linking to the previous artboard.
Connecting elements and artboards allows you to simulate user flows and interactions within your design, bringing it to life.
Connecting Elements and Artboards for Prototyping
The fundamental process involves switching modes, selecting the interactive element, and linking it to its destination.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create connections:
- Enter Prototype mode: Switch from the default Design mode to Prototype mode using the toggle at the top left of the application window.
- Select the element or artboard you want to make interactive: This could be a button, an image, an icon, or even an entire artboard (though linking from an entire artboard is less common for basic navigation).
- A small arrow, often referred to as a "wire" or "handle," will appear extending from the selected object or artboard. Click and drag this arrow to the target artboard or another interactive component where the interaction should lead. As you drag, a blue line will indicate the connection.
- Once connected, the Interaction panel appears on the right side (or updates for an existing connection). Here, you configure the details of the interaction, including:
- Trigger: How the interaction starts (e.g., Tap, Drag, Keys & Gamepad, Voice).
- Action: What happens (e.g., Transition to another artboard, Auto Animate, Overlay, Scroll To, Speak, Previous Artboard, Go to Artboard, Link).
- Destination: Which artboard or element the action leads to (if applicable, like for Transition or Overlay).
- Animation: How the transition looks (e.g., Dissolve, Slide Left, Push Left, etc.).
Specifically Linking to the Previous Artboard
Adobe XD provides a convenient way to link back to the artboard the user was just on, which is useful for "Back" buttons.
As the reference states: "In the Prototype mode, select the element or the artboard you want to link."
"When a small arrow appears, click and drag the arrow to the previous artboard, or select Action > Previous Artboard" from the Action dropdown within the Interaction panel.
This means you have two primary ways to establish a connection that navigates back:
- Drag Method: Drag the connection wire directly from the element to the specific artboard that represents the "previous" screen in your flow. While this works, it hardlinks to a specific artboard.
- Action Method: Select the element, drag the wire to any artboard or leave it unconnected, and then in the Interaction panel, set the Action to Previous Artboard. This action intelligently navigates back to the last artboard visited in the prototype flow history, making it more flexible for complex prototypes.
By using these methods, you can build navigation, interactive elements, and complex user journeys within your Adobe XD prototype.
