Screenshot Figma Frames: Quick & Easy Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 44 views

Hey guys! Ever needed to grab a quick screenshot of your awesome design in Figma? Whether it's for sharing your work, getting feedback, or just archiving your progress, knowing how to snag a clean screenshot of a specific frame is super handy. Let's dive into the easiest ways to do just that! This guide will walk you through multiple methods, ensuring you can capture your Figma frames perfectly every time.

Why Screenshotting Frames is Essential

Before we jump into how to do it, let's quickly touch on why you'd want to. Figma is a fantastic tool for design collaboration and prototyping, but sometimes you need a simple image to share outside of the Figma ecosystem. Here are a few common scenarios:

Sharing Designs: Need to quickly show a design concept to a client or team member who doesn't have Figma access? A screenshot is your best friend.
Gathering Feedback: Posting a screenshot to a Slack channel or including it in an email makes gathering quick feedback a breeze.
Creating Presentations: Screenshots are perfect for dropping into presentations or pitch decks.
Archiving Progress: Keeping a visual record of your design iterations can be incredibly helpful for tracking progress and revisiting past ideas.
Documentation: Screenshots are invaluable for creating documentation or tutorials for your designs.

So, with all these use cases in mind, let's get started with the different ways to capture those frames!

Method 1: Using Figma's Built-in Export Feature

One of the simplest and most effective ways to grab a screenshot is using Figma's built-in export feature. This method gives you a clean, high-quality image of your frame without any extra hassle. Here’s how to do it:

Select Your Frame: Click on the frame you want to screenshot. Make sure the entire frame is selected; you'll see a bounding box around it.
Go to the Export Panel: Look for the "Export" section in the right-hand sidebar. If you don't see it, make sure you have a frame selected.
Choose Your Format: Select your desired file format. PNG is generally the best for designs with sharp lines and text, while JPG is good for images with gradients and photos. SVG is a vector format, which is excellent for scalability but might not be suitable for all use cases.
Set the Size (Optional): You can adjust the size of the exported image by changing the multiplier (e.g., 1x, 2x, 3x). Higher multipliers result in larger, more detailed images.
Click "Export": Hit the "Export" button, and Figma will download the image to your computer. Easy peasy!

Pro Tip: For the crispest results, especially when dealing with icons or detailed UI elements, export at 2x or 3x and then scale down if needed. This avoids any pixelation.

Using Figma's built-in export feature ensures you get a clean, high-resolution image of your frame every time. It’s the most reliable method for professional use, as it avoids any potential distortion or quality loss that can occur with simple screenshot tools. Plus, the ability to choose different formats and sizes gives you the flexibility to tailor the image to your specific needs, whether it's for a presentation, a website, or documentation. This method is particularly useful when you need to maintain the integrity of your design elements, such as typography and intricate details, ensuring they appear sharp and clear in the final image. Furthermore, by exporting directly from Figma, you bypass any potential compatibility issues that may arise when using third-party screenshot tools. The export feature is seamlessly integrated into the Figma workflow, making it a convenient and efficient option for designers of all levels. Remember to experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between image quality and file size, especially when preparing images for web use. In summary, leveraging Figma's export feature is a fundamental skill that every Figma user should master, as it provides a reliable and versatile way to capture your designs for a wide range of purposes.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (macOS & Windows)

Sometimes, you just need a quick and dirty screenshot. Keyboard shortcuts are your friend here! The exact keys depend on your operating system, but here’s the rundown:

macOS

Capture a Specific Area (Command + Shift + 4): This is my go-to! Press these keys, and your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Drag the crosshair to select the area you want to capture (in this case, your Figma frame). When you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Capture a Window (Command + Shift + 4, then Spacebar): After pressing Command + Shift + 4, press the spacebar. The cursor will turn into a camera icon. Hover over the Figma window (or any other window), and it will be highlighted. Click to capture the entire window. This is useful if you want to include the Figma UI around your frame.
Capture the Entire Screen (Command + Shift + 3): This captures everything on your screen. Not ideal for just a frame, but good to know!

Windows

Snipping Tool (Windows Key + Shift + S): This opens the Snipping Tool, which is similar to the macOS Command + Shift + 4. Select the area you want to capture, and it will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor or directly into a document.
Print Screen (PrtScn): This captures the entire screen and copies it to your clipboard. You'll need to paste it into an image editor to save it as a file.
Alt + Print Screen (Alt + PrtScn): This captures the active window and copies it to your clipboard. Again, you'll need to paste it into an image editor to save it.

Important Note: Screenshots taken with keyboard shortcuts are often saved as PNG files by default. However, the quality can sometimes be lower than using Figma's export feature. For critical designs, always use the export method.

Keyboard shortcuts offer a rapid and convenient way to capture screenshots of your Figma frames, making them especially useful for quick sharing or personal reference. The macOS shortcuts, such as Command + Shift + 4, provide precise control over the capture area, allowing you to select the exact frame you need without any surrounding elements. Similarly, the Windows Snipping Tool (Windows Key + Shift + S) offers a flexible solution for capturing specific regions of the screen. While the Print Screen and Alt + Print Screen options in Windows are useful for capturing the entire screen or a single window, they require an additional step of pasting the captured image into an image editor for saving. Keep in mind that screenshots taken via keyboard shortcuts may not always match the quality of images exported directly from Figma, particularly when dealing with intricate designs or high-resolution elements. Therefore, it's advisable to use Figma's export feature for professional or critical applications where image quality is paramount. However, for everyday use cases such as quick feedback or personal archiving, keyboard shortcuts provide a handy and efficient alternative. In summary, mastering these keyboard shortcuts can significantly streamline your workflow and enhance your ability to share and document your Figma designs on the fly. Always consider the intended use of the screenshot when deciding between keyboard shortcuts and Figma's export feature, ensuring that the chosen method aligns with your quality and efficiency requirements. Remember, the right tool for the right job makes all the difference in your design process.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions

Did you know there are browser extensions specifically designed for taking screenshots? These can be super handy, especially if you want extra features like annotation or scrolling capture. Here are a couple of popular options:

Awesome Screenshot: This extension lets you capture a selected area, the entire page, or a specific element. It also has annotation tools for adding notes or highlighting areas.
Lightshot: A simple and easy-to-use extension that allows you to select an area and quickly save or upload the screenshot.

To use these extensions, simply install them from the Chrome Web Store (or your browser's equivalent). Then, click the extension icon in your browser toolbar and follow the instructions to capture your Figma frame.

Caveat: Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with Figma's functionality or introduce security risks. Use them with caution and choose reputable extensions with good reviews.

Browser extensions offer a convenient and feature-rich approach to capturing screenshots of your Figma frames, especially when you need additional functionalities like annotation, scrolling capture, or direct uploading. Extensions such as Awesome Screenshot and Lightshot provide intuitive interfaces and a range of options to customize your screenshot process. Awesome Screenshot, for example, allows you to capture a selected area, the entire page, or a specific element within Figma, and it also includes annotation tools for adding notes, highlighting important sections, or blurring sensitive information. Lightshot, on the other hand, stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, enabling you to quickly select an area and save or upload the screenshot with minimal effort. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when using browser extensions, as they can sometimes conflict with Figma's functionality or pose security risks. Always opt for reputable extensions with positive reviews and a proven track record of reliability. Before installing any extension, carefully review its permissions and assess whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Additionally, be mindful of the number of extensions you have installed, as excessive extensions can slow down your browser and impact its overall performance. In summary, browser extensions can be a valuable addition to your screenshot toolkit, providing enhanced features and convenience. However, it's essential to approach them with caution and prioritize security and reliability. By selecting trustworthy extensions and using them judiciously, you can streamline your screenshot workflow and capture your Figma frames with greater efficiency and flexibility. Remember to always stay vigilant and keep your browser and extensions up to date to mitigate any potential security vulnerabilities.

Method 4: Using Figma Plugins

Figma plugins can extend the functionality of Figma in countless ways, and yes, there are plugins for taking screenshots too! These plugins often offer advanced features like automatic frame selection or direct export to specific platforms.

To use a plugin:

Find a Screenshot Plugin: Search the Figma plugin directory for "screenshot" or "export."
Install the Plugin: Click "Install" to add the plugin to your Figma workspace.
Run the Plugin: Select the frame you want to screenshot, then run the plugin from the Figma menu (usually under "Plugins").
Follow the Plugin's Instructions: Each plugin will have its own interface and options. Follow the instructions to capture and save your screenshot.

Example Plugins:

Downsize: While primarily for optimizing images, Downsize can also be used to quickly export frames as images.
Export Kit: A more comprehensive export tool that supports various formats and options.

Note: Like browser extensions, be cautious when installing Figma plugins. Only use plugins from trusted developers and be aware of the permissions they require.

Figma plugins offer a powerful and integrated way to enhance your screenshot capabilities directly within the Figma environment. These plugins often come with advanced features such as automatic frame selection, customizable export settings, and direct integration with various platforms, streamlining your workflow and boosting your productivity. To leverage Figma plugins for taking screenshots, start by exploring the Figma plugin directory and searching for relevant terms like "screenshot" or "export." Once you find a plugin that aligns with your needs, simply click "Install" to add it to your Figma workspace. To use the plugin, select the frame you want to capture and then run the plugin from the Figma menu, typically located under the "Plugins" section. Each plugin will have its unique interface and set of options, so be sure to follow the provided instructions to capture and save your screenshot effectively. Some example plugins that can be used for this purpose include Downsize, which, although primarily designed for optimizing images, can also be used to quickly export frames as images, and Export Kit, a more comprehensive export tool that supports a wide range of formats and options. Similar to browser extensions, it's crucial to exercise caution when installing Figma plugins and only use plugins from trusted developers. Pay close attention to the permissions requested by the plugin and ensure that they align with its intended functionality. By carefully selecting and using Figma plugins, you can unlock a wealth of advanced screenshot capabilities and optimize your design workflow for maximum efficiency. Always prioritize security and reliability when choosing plugins and stay informed about updates and potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Four easy methods for taking screenshots of your Figma frames. Whether you prefer the built-in export feature, keyboard shortcuts, browser extensions, or Figma plugins, there's a solution that fits your workflow. Experiment with each method to find your favorite, and happy designing!

Remember, the best method depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a high-quality image for professional use, stick with Figma's export feature. If you need a quick screenshot for sharing, keyboard shortcuts are your friend. And if you want extra features like annotation, explore browser extensions or Figma plugins. No matter which method you choose, you'll be able to capture your Figma frames with ease and share your designs with the world!