How to Screenshot on Figma: Quick and Easy Guide

Figma has become one of the most popular design tools for teams and individual creators. Its cloud-based platform lets you create, collaborate, and share designs in real time. But what if you want to capture your work as an image? Whether you need to save a version, share a specific screen, or document your design process, taking a screenshot on Figma is a skill worth mastering. This guide will show you all the ways to screenshot on Figma, covering both built-in features and external methods, along with tips, comparisons, and advanced tricks. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to capture anything you need in Figma—on any device.

Why Screenshotting In Figma Matters

Screenshots are more than just images. In design workflows, they help you:

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• Share feedback with colleagues who don’t use Figma.
• Archive design progress for documentation.
• Showcase work in presentations or portfolios.
• Report bugs or design inconsistencies.
• Compare iterations side by side.

While Figma allows easy sharing via links, screenshots are still essential for many everyday needs—especially when you want to capture a specific part, show annotations, or work offline.

Different Ways To Screenshot On Figma

You can capture Figma screens in several ways. Some methods use Figma’s features; others rely on your device or third-party tools. Each has its own strengths and limitations.

1. Using Figma’s Built-in Export Options

Figma provides a direct way to export frames, components, and even entire pages as images. This method is precise and gives you the highest quality output.

How To Export An Image From Figma

• Select the frame, group, or object you want to capture.
• Go to the right sidebar and scroll down to the Export section.
• Click the ‘+’ icon to add an export setting.
• Choose the desired format: PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF.
• Click Export [object name].

This method exports the selected object as a clean image—no extra UI, browser bars, or backgrounds. It’s perfect for sharing assets or creating a design library.

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Exporting The Entire Canvas

If you want a screenshot of everything visible on the Figma canvas:

• Use Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select all.
• Follow the same export steps above.

This captures all your design elements in one image, without Figma’s interface.

2. Taking Screenshots With Your Device

Sometimes you want to capture the Figma interface, including toolbars or comments. In this case, use your device’s screenshot feature.

Windows

• Print Screen (PrtScn): Captures the entire screen.
• Alt + Print Screen: Captures the active window (Figma).
• Windows + Shift + S: Opens the Snipping Tool for custom area selection.

Macos

• Cmd + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen.
• Cmd + Shift + 4: Lets you select a specific area.
• Cmd + Shift + 4, then Space: Captures a specific window.

Browser Extensions

For more flexibility, browser extensions like Nimbus Screenshot or Awesome Screenshot let you capture scrolling areas, annotate, and save directly to the cloud.

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Mobile Devices

• IOS: Press Side Button + Volume Up.
• Android: Usually Power + Volume Down (may vary by brand).

These methods capture what you see, including the Figma interface.

3. Using Third-party Tools And Plugins

Figma’s open ecosystem supports plugins for advanced tasks. Some plugins let you capture screenshots with extra options.

Popular Plugins For Screenshots

• Figshot: Captures entire frames or pages, including background.
• Screenshot to Figma: Lets you import screenshots back into your Figma file for annotation or sharing.
• TinyImage Compressor: Exports images with optimized size and quality.

These plugins can be installed from the Figma Community and often add features not available in the native export.

4. Capturing Prototype Previews

If you’re testing a clickable prototype in Figma, you may want to capture the experience as users see it.

• Open the Prototype preview (present mode).
• Use your system screenshot method to capture screens as you interact.
• For video, use screen recording tools like OBS Studio or Loom.

This is ideal for sharing interactive flows or documenting usability tests.

Comparing Screenshot Methods

Each method serves different needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best approach:

Pro tip: For official hand-offs, always use Figma’s export for the best quality. For quick feedback or documentation, device screenshots are faster.

Step-by-step Guides For Each Method

Knowing the basics is helpful, but details matter. Here’s how to screenshot on Figma using each method, step by step.

Exporting Images Directly From Figma

• Select your target: Click the frame, object, or group you want to export.
• Open the Export menu: Look for the Export section in the right sidebar.
• Choose your format: PNG is good for web, JPG for photos, SVG for vectors, and PDF for documents.
• Set scale and suffix: You can export at 1x, 2x, or custom scales. Add a suffix if you want different versions (like @2x).
• Click Export: Name your file and choose where to save.

Non-obvious insight: You can export multiple objects at once by selecting them together and adding export settings to each.

Using Device Shortcuts

Windows

• To capture just the Figma window: Open Figma, press Alt + Print Screen. Paste into Paint or any image editor and save.
• For a custom area: Press Windows + Shift + S, drag to select, and the image is copied to your clipboard.

Macos

• To get a precise area: Press Cmd + Shift + 4 and drag to select. The screenshot saves to your desktop.
• To capture a full window: Press Cmd + Shift + 4, then press Space, and click on the Figma window.

Non-obvious insight: On Mac, screenshots are saved as PNG by default, which preserves quality for design work.

Using Browser Extensions

• Install your chosen extension, like Awesome Screenshot.
• Open Figma in your browser.
• Click the extension icon and choose your capture mode (full page, area, or window).
• Annotate or blur sensitive info if needed.
• Download or share the screenshot.

These extensions are great for quick markups or sending a bug report.

Capturing Prototypes

• Click the Present button in the top right of Figma to open the prototype view.
• Use your system’s screenshot shortcut as you click through screens.
• For videos, start your screen recording software before presenting.
• Save or edit your screenshots as needed.

Advanced tip: For walkthroughs, combine screenshots into a PDF or slideshow for easy sharing.

Advanced Tips For Better Screenshots

Getting a screenshot is easy, but making it useful takes skill. Here are ways to improve your Figma screenshots:

• Hide UI clutter: Use Figma’s “Presentation” mode or hide rulers and grids before exporting.
• Use backgrounds: Add a subtle background to your frame to avoid transparency issues in PNGs.
• Export at 2x or 3x: For retina displays or printing, export at a higher scale for sharper images.
• Annotate before exporting: Use Figma’s text or arrow tools to add notes directly on your design before taking a screenshot.
• Batch export: Select multiple frames and add export settings to export them all at once.

These tips save time and help you create more professional presentations or documentation.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Even experienced users face problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:

Screenshot Quality Is Low

• Always use Figma’s export for best quality.
• Increase the export scale to 2x or 3x.
• Avoid resizing images after export, as this can make them blurry.

Unwanted Ui Elements In The Screenshot

• Hide sidebars, toolbars, or comments before taking a device screenshot.
• Use Figma’s “Present” mode for a clean look.

File Size Too Large

• Export as JPG instead of PNG to reduce size.
• Use plugins like TinyImage Compressor to optimize images.

Can’t Capture Scrolling Areas

• Use browser extensions that support full-page capture.
• For very tall designs, export as PDF and convert to images.

Exported Colors Look Wrong

• Check your color profiles and make sure your display is calibrated.
• Export in sRGB for web use, as some browsers interpret color differently.

Security And Privacy Considerations

Screenshots can include sensitive information. Before sharing:

• Double-check for confidential content in your design or browser.
• Blur or remove personal data before sending screenshots externally.
• If using browser extensions, make sure they come from trusted sources to avoid malware risks.

Many companies have strict policies about sharing design files or screenshots. Always follow your team’s guidelines.

Real-world Examples: How Professionals Use Figma Screenshots

The way you use screenshots can say a lot about your workflow. Here are examples from real design teams:

• Design review meetings: Teams share screenshots of new features to get feedback from non-designers. Exported images are added to slide decks for clarity.
• Bug reporting: QA testers capture issues in the Figma prototype and highlight the problem area with arrows or circles.
• Client presentations: Designers export high-res screens from Figma and add annotations to explain design choices.
• Documentation: Product teams include Figma screenshots in user manuals or onboarding guides.

In all these cases, a good screenshot makes communication clearer and faster.

Choosing The Right Format: Png Vs Jpg Vs Svg Vs Pdf

Your choice of export format affects image quality, file size, and how the screenshot is used. Here’s a breakdown:

For most UI design screenshots, PNG is the default choice. Use JPG for photos or lightweight sharing. SVG is best for icons and logos, while PDF is ideal for printed documentation.

Time-saving Automation: Batch Exporting And Plugins

Designers working on large projects often need to export many screens at once. Here’s how to do it efficiently:

• Batch select: Hold Shift and click multiple frames. Add export settings to all.
• Use plugin automation: Plugins like Figshot or Batch Export can export all frames or pages with one click.
• Export variants: If you use Figma’s component variants, you can export all states by selecting the parent component and exporting in bulk.

This approach is especially helpful for app developers, who need screens in multiple sizes and formats for different devices.

Annotating Screenshots For Clear Communication

A plain screenshot can be confusing. Adding annotations (arrows, highlights, notes) makes your point clear. Here’s how:

• Before exporting: Use Figma’s built-in shapes and text tools to add notes or highlights.
• After exporting: Use image editors like Snagit or browser extensions for quick markup.
• For feedback: Export the screenshot, upload it to collaboration tools (like Slack or Jira), and use their annotation features.

Pro tip: Keep annotations simple and use consistent colors for different types of notes (e.g., red for errors, green for suggestions).

Accessibility: Making Screenshots Work For Everyone

Not everyone can see your screenshot in the same way. For better accessibility:

• Add descriptive alt text when sharing screenshots online.
• Use high-contrast colors in annotations for visibility.
• For documentation, pair screenshots with step-by-step written instructions.

Accessible screenshots help teammates with visual impairments and improve overall communication.

Integrating Screenshots Into Your Workflow

Screenshots are most useful when they fit smoothly into your process. Here’s how teams integrate them:

• Design sprints: Take quick screenshots to track progress or changes.
• Version control: Archive key design stages as images for later reference.
• Developer handoff: Export assets and annotate interactions, then share in tools like Zeplin or Jira.
• Client updates: Export high-res screens for client review, with changes clearly marked.

Integrating screenshots ensures everyone stays on the same page, even as designs evolve.

Figma Vs Other Design Tools: Screenshot Features

How does Figma compare to other tools like Sketch or Adobe XD when it comes to screenshots?

Figma stands out for its combination of native exports and a vibrant plugin community, making screenshotting flexible and powerful.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced designers sometimes make mistakes when capturing screenshots in Figma. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Exporting at too low a resolution: Always check export settings before saving.
• Including unwanted UI elements: Double-check your selection and hide sidebars.
• Sharing without annotations: Add context to avoid confusion.
• Ignoring company policies: Never share sensitive designs without permission.
• Forgetting to save originals: Keep a backup of exported assets for future changes.

Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and prevent miscommunication.

Where To Learn More

If you want to dive deeper, Figma’s own help center is an excellent resource: Figma Export Guide. You’ll find advanced export options, troubleshooting advice, and community tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Take A Screenshot Of A Specific Area In Figma?

Select the area you want to capture (like a frame or group), then use the Export option in the right sidebar. For more flexibility, use your system’s snipping tool to select any custom area on the screen.

Can I Export Multiple Frames From Figma As Images At Once?

Yes, you can select multiple frames, add export settings to each, and then click Export. Plugins like Batch Export make this even faster for large projects.

What’s The Best Format For Exporting Figma Screenshots?

PNG is usually best for UI designs because it preserves quality and transparency. Use JPG for photos or email, SVG for logos, and PDF for documentation.

Can I Capture The Figma Interface In My Screenshot?

Yes, but you’ll need to use your device’s screenshot function (like Print Screen or Cmd + Shift + 4). Figma’s export only captures the design, not the interface.

How Do I Add Annotations To My Figma Screenshots?

You can add text, arrows, or shapes directly in Figma before exporting. Alternatively, use image editors or browser extensions to annotate after taking the screenshot.

Capturing screenshots in Figma is simple once you know the options. Whether you need clean exports, annotated bug reports, or quick sharing, you now have the tools and tips to work efficiently. Remember, the right method depends on your goal—choose wisely and your screenshots will always be clear, effective, and professional.