Auto-Layout para Diseños Responsivos - Parte 2

What is an auto layout in Figma?

The concept of auto layout in Figma is a powerful tool for designers looking to create responsive layouts effectively. This system allows for easy and consistent alignment of elements within a frame, adapting to size changes seamlessly. Initially, you learned how to create auto layouts from scratch, but now it's time to delve into nested layouts and advance in the application of minimum and maximum properties.

How do elements behave in nested auto layouts?

When working with auto layouts within other auto layouts, it is essential to understand how elements behave in different contexts:

• Fixed Length vs. Fill Container: When setting up an element within an auto layout, you can choose to give it a fixed size or let it fill the container. This affects how it expands or contracts when you change the size of the auto layout.

• Practical example: Imagine having two similar cards. While one keeps all elements aligned to the left regardless of size, the other adjusts certain elements to fill the available space. This is due to the "feel container" option, which allows the elements to stretch to fill the area.

How to handle different behaviors with auto layouts?

• Minimums and maximums: By setting clear limits on length and height, auto layouts behave more like software elements, preventing them from collapsing or spreading out irregularly.

• Intelligent layout: When an element reaches its minimum limit, it can be configured to collapse to a new, more logical layout, such as changing from horizontal to vertical alignment.

How to create complex auto layouts from scratch?

Starting from scratch with auto layouts implies knowledge of the base elements and how to employ them:

1. Copy and adjust elements: Select the base components and relocate them in your design. Set up basic auto layouts that cover the main elements.

2. Adjust margins and strokes: It is essential to understand how to apply padding uniformly. In Figma, this can be done by pressing command while selecting to apply universal padding to the entire element.

3. Set Limits: Set minimums and maximums to control how elements respond to size changes. This ensures a consistent display regardless of proportions.

4. Container behavior: Resize the inner elements to make them fill the container and see them adapt responsively.

What happens with padding and absolute position in auto layouts?

The handling of padding and absolute positions are crucial in Figma for specific cases:

• Automatic padding: allows elements to automatically adjust to the available space, and you can use the "auto" property to have Figma calculate this adjustment for you.

• Negative Padding: Useful for displaying partially stacked elements, such as avatars or icons that overlap slightly.

• Absolute position: In some cases, you can ignore the auto layout to place elements in a fixed position, essential for maintaining certain static components within a dynamic layout.

How do you handle long texts in auto layouts?

Long texts in auto layouts demand additional considerations to ensure readability and aesthetics:

• Text truncation: Figma offers the option to truncate text, adding ellipses at the end when space is limited. This is essential to maintain a clean design and avoid overflow.

• Responsive text wrapping: By resizing an auto layout, you can let the text fill the container when expanding it, revealing the full content.

As you master these techniques, you can create responsive and aesthetically pleasing interfaces on various devices and dimensions.