Design and development are often seen as two separate worlds. But when it comes to building custom WordPress themes, you need both to work in harmony. One of the best tools to bridge this gap is Figma. Figma is a cloud-based design tool. It allows designers to create UI/UX layouts and components that are easy to share and collaborate on. On the other hand, WordPress theme development is the process of turning those designs into functional, user-friendly websites. So, how do you use Figma components in WordPress theme development? That’s what we’ll cover in this article, step by step.
What Are Figma Components?
Before we jump into the process, let’s quickly define what Figma components are. Figma components are reusable elements in a design. Think of buttons, navbars, cards, modals, or footers. Once a component is created, you can reuse it across multiple pages or screens. And if you update the main component, all instances of it update automatically. This makes design consistent and saves time.
Why Use Figma in WordPress Theme Development?
Using Figma for WordPress theme development offers several benefits:
- Design consistency: Components keep your design uniform.
- Efficiency: Reusable elements reduce design time.
- Collaboration: Designers and developers can work in sync.
- Clarity: You get a clear visual reference when writing HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
Now that you know why Figma is so powerful, let’s look at how to apply its components in WordPress development.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Figma Components in WordPress
Here’s all you need to do for using Figma components in WordPress theme development:
Step 1: Set Up Your Figma File Properly
Start by creating a clean, organized Figma file. Here’s how:
- Use frames to design each page or screen.
- Create components for elements like buttons, forms, and sections.
- Use naming conventions for your layers (e.g., btn-primary, nav-header, etc.)
- Organize components into libraries or pages for better structure.
This makes it easier for developers to interpret and extract the design elements.
Step 2: Share the Figma File with Your Developer
Figma is built for collaboration. You can share the file with your developer using a simple link. Make sure the sharing permissions are set to “Can View” or “Can Edit,” depending on your workflow.
Here’s what you should also include:
- Design specs: spacing, colors, typography
- Component states: hover, active, disabled
- Mobile and desktop versions: for responsive development
The more context you provide, the better.
Beginner’s Guide: How to Use Figma
Step 3: Use Figma Inspect Panel to Extract Code
The Inspect panel in Figma is a developer’s best friend. It allows you to:
- View CSS properties
- Copy color values in HEX, RGB, or HSL
- Check font sizes, paddings, margins, and other styles
- Copy SVG code for icons and illustrations
This information helps you convert Figma components directly into HTML and CSS code. To access the Inspect panel:
- Click on any element.
- Go to the right sidebar.
- Click on the “Inspect” tab.
As simple as that.
Step 4: Convert Figma Components to HTML/CSS
Now, you can start building your WordPress theme files. Each Figma component becomes a section or element in your code. Let’s look at a simple example:
Figma Button Component
Name: btn-primary
Color: #0073e6
Padding: 12px 24px
Border radius: 6px
Text: "Get Started"HTML + CSS
<!-- HTML -->
<a href="#" class="btn-primary">Get Started</a>
<!-- CSS -->
.btn-primary {
background-color: #0073e6;
color: #ffffff;
padding: 12px 24px;
border-radius: 6px;
text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}Repeat this process for other components; headers, cards, sections, etc.
Step 5: Integrate Components into WordPress Theme Files
Now that you have your HTML and CSS ready, it’s time to place them in your WordPress theme. Typical theme files include:
- header.php
- footer.php
- index.php
- page.php
- style.css
- Functions.php
You can start by inserting your components into the right template parts. For example, if your button is part of the hero section, include it in front-page.php or a custom template file. Also, make sure to:
- Enqueue your styles properly using wp_enqueue_style()
- Use WordPress functions like the_content(), get_header(), and get_footer() for dynamic content
- Make your components responsive with media queries or frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS
Step 6: Use Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) for Dynamic Components
To make your Figma-based components editable in the WordPress admin, use Advanced Custom Fields (ACF). For example, let’s say you have a Figma-designed card component with:
- An image
- A title
- A short description
- A call-to-action button
You can create an ACF group with fields for each of those. Then, use get_field() in your theme files to dynamically render them.
Here’s a snippet:
<div class="card">
<img src="<?php the_field('card_image'); ?>" alt="">
<h3><?php the_field('card_title'); ?></h3>
<p><?php the_field('card_description'); ?></p>
<a href="<?php the_field('card_button_url'); ?>" class="btn-primary">
<?php the_field('card_button_text'); ?>
</a>
</div>Now your component is both visually consistent and CMS-friendly.
Step 7: Optimize for Mobile and Responsiveness
Your Figma design should include mobile layouts. Developers must ensure that these components adapt well to different screen sizes.
Here’s how to make that happen:
- Use media queries
- Use relative units like %, em, or rem
- Make use of Flexbox or CSS Grid for layouts
- Test using Chrome DevTools and real devices
This ensures the final site looks great everywhere.
Know more: How to Make Your Figma to WordPress Site Fully Responsive
Step 8: Test and Iterate
After development, always test the theme:
- Check if components match the Figma design
- Validate HTML/CSS
- Test across different browsers
- Test on mobile and tablets
- Gather feedback from the designer
If changes are needed, go back to Figma, update the components, and reflect those changes in your code.
Best Practices When Using Figma for WordPress Themes
To wrap up, here are some best practices to ensure a smooth and professional workflow between design and development:
Use Atomic Design Principles
Break your UI into smaller, reusable elements: atoms, molecules, organisms, templates, and pages. This approach helps you manage design complexity, maintain consistency, and speed up development. For example, a button (atom) can be reused inside a form (molecule), which can be part of a contact section (organism). This mirrors how components are coded in WordPress and promotes reusability.
Related: The Role of Atomic Design in Figma to WordPress Projects
Name Components Consistently
Use clear and consistent naming conventions for components and layers in Figma. For instance, use names like btn-primary, nav-header, or card-testimonial instead of generic names like Rectangle 1 or Group 12. Consistent naming makes it easier for developers to understand the structure and match it with the theme code.
Include States and Interactions in Figma
Don’t just design the static version of a component. Include different states such as hover, active, focus, and disabled. This gives developers a complete picture of how the component should behave, reducing guesswork and improving the user experience.
Document Your Design System
Create a dedicated section or page for your design system in your Figma file. This should include your color palette, typography rules, spacing system, icons, and button styles. A documented design system acts as a single source of truth for developers and ensures consistency across the site.
Keep Communication Open
Successful projects rely on collaboration. Keep an open line of communication between designers and developers. Use tools like Slack, Trello, or Notion to track feedback, questions, and updates. Regular design reviews and development check-ins can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the final product matches the design vision.
Final Thoughts
Using Figma components in WordPress theme development is not just possible; it’s a best practice. It brings clarity, consistency, and speed to your project.
With Figma’s visual power and WordPress’s flexibility, you can build beautiful, functional themes that match the design down to the last pixel. All it takes is a bit of structure, communication, and the right process.
So, next time you start a WordPress project, begin with Figma. Design your components well, then translate them into clean, responsive code. Your future self and your clients will thank you.
