Adding a frame to an object or selection of objects in Figma is straightforward, primarily using a keyboard shortcut.
Using the Frame Selection Shortcut
The most common and efficient way to add a frame around existing layers is by selecting the desired object(s) and using a specific keyboard shortcut. This action instantly groups the selected layers within a new frame.
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Select the object(s): Click on a single layer or drag to select multiple layers on the canvas or in the Layers panel.
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Apply the shortcut: Use the following keyboard combination based on your operating system:
- Mac: ⌥ Option ⌘ Command G
- Windows: Ctrl + Alt + G
This shortcut creates a new frame that perfectly fits around the bounding box of your selected layers. All selected layers will then be nested inside this new frame in the Layers panel.
Other Ways to Create Frames
While the shortcut is ideal for framing existing objects, you can also create frames from scratch in Figma:
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Using the Frame Tool:
- Select the Frame tool (F) from the toolbar.
- Click and drag on the canvas to draw a custom-sized frame.
- Alternatively, after selecting the tool, you can click on the canvas to create a default-sized frame or select a preset from the Design panel (like Phone, Tablet, Desktop, etc.).
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Drawing a Frame:
- Similar to using the tool directly, you are essentially "drawing" the boundaries of your new frame on the canvas.
Why Use Frames?
Frames are fundamental building blocks in Figma and are essential for:
- Organizing your design layers.
- Creating artboards for different screen sizes or pages.
- Building components and variants.
- Prototyping interactions (defining hotspots and transitions between frames).
- Applying layout properties like Auto Layout or Constraints.
Using the shortcut to frame existing objects is particularly useful when you've already arranged elements on the canvas and decide you want to group them into a distinct section or artboard.
