How to Create Wireframes in Figma

Introduction

Wireframing is one of the most important steps in UI/UX design. It helps designers plan the structure, layout, and flow of a digital product before investing time in detailed design. Wireframes act as the blueprint of an app or website, showing what goes where and how users will interact with it.

Traditionally, wireframes were sketched on paper or created with specialized tools. But with modern design platforms like Figma, wireframing has become easier, faster, and more collaborative. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, Figma provides everything you need to create professional wireframes—from simple low-fidelity sketches to detailed high-fidelity wireframes.

This guide will show you step-by-step how to create wireframes in Figma, along with tips, tools, and best practices.

What is a Wireframe?

A wireframe is a visual guide that outlines the basic structure of a digital product. It’s not focused on colors, branding, or final design aesthetics. Instead, it emphasizes:

• Layout and placement of elements.
• Navigation and flow between screens.
• User interactions.

Types of Wireframes

1. Low-Fidelity Wireframes
   • Simple sketches, often black and white.
   • Focus on layout and structure.
   • Useful for brainstorming and early-stage ideation.
2. High-Fidelity Wireframes
   • More polished, with detailed components.
   • Include spacing, typography, and sometimes grayscale styling.
   • Useful for usability testing and stakeholder presentations.

Why Use Figma for Wireframing?

Figma has become a favorite tool among designers for several reasons:

• Browser-Based & Free: Start instantly without expensive licenses.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same wireframe simultaneously.
• Component System: Reuse elements across different screens.
• Plugin Support: Use wireframe kits, icon packs, and placeholder content.
• Scalability: Start with low-fidelity sketches and gradually refine them into high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes—all in one place.

Setting Up Figma for Wireframing

Create a New File

• Go to figma.com.
• Click on New File from your dashboard.
• Rename the file (e.g., Wireframe – Mobile App).

Set Up Frames

• Select the Frame Tool (F).
• Choose a preset device size (Desktop, Tablet, or Mobile).
• These frames act as your “screens” for the wireframe.

Organize Your Workspace

• Use pages in Figma (e.g., Low-Fidelity Wireframe, High-Fidelity Wireframe, Prototype).
• Create grids and columns to maintain alignment and consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Wireframes in Figma

Sketch the Layout

• Use basic shapes (rectangles, circles, lines) to represent elements like buttons, text blocks, and images.
• Avoid using colors—stick to grayscale to maintain focus on layout, not design.

Add Placeholder Content

• For text, use the Text Tool (T) with “Lorem Ipsum” or simple labels like Title, Body, Button.
• For images, use gray boxes or the Unsplash plugin to insert placeholders.

Create Components

• Convert frequently used elements (buttons, nav bars, input fields) into Components.
• This ensures consistency and saves time across multiple screens.

Use Wireframe Kits

Figma has built-in resources and community kits.

• Search in the Figma Community for “Wireframe Kit.”
• Drag and drop ready-made wireframe components to speed up your workflow.

Add Interactions (Optional)

• Switch to Prototype Mode.
• Link frames together (e.g., Login button → Dashboard screen).
• This allows you to test the flow early with stakeholders or users.

Example: Wireframing a Mobile App Login Screen

1. Frame Setup: Choose iPhone 14 as the frame size.
2. Header Section: Add a rectangle as a placeholder for the app logo.
3. Input Fields: Draw two rectangles for “Email” and “Password.”
4. Button: Create a larger rectangle with the label “Login.”
5. Links: Add text placeholders for “Forgot Password?” and “Sign Up.”
6. Prototype: Connect “Login” to another frame (like Home).

This simple example can be expanded into a complete app wireframe by adding screens such as Dashboard, Profile, and Settings.

Best Practices for Wireframing in Figma

1. Start Simple: Focus on structure, not styling.
2. Use Grayscale: Colors distract; keep it black, white, and gray.
3. Maintain Consistency: Use components for repeated elements.
4. Think About User Flow: Don’t just design screens; connect them logically.
5. Label Clearly: Use text labels like “Image Placeholder” or “Primary Button.”
6. Get Feedback Early: Share your wireframe link with your team or clients.

Figma Plugins for Wireframing

1. Wireframe – Provides a library of simple wireframe elements.
2. Content Reel – Quickly add placeholder text, names, and data.
3. Unsplash – Insert royalty-free images for placeholders.
4. Iconify – Access thousands of icons for wireframes.
5. Autoflow – Helps connect frames quickly for user flow diagrams.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Jumping into colors too early: Wireframes should remain simple.
• Not using grids: Misaligned elements reduce usability.
• Overcomplicating the design: Keep wireframes clean and straightforward.
• Ignoring mobile-first design: Always start with the smallest screen.
• Skipping collaboration: Feedback is vital in the wireframing stage.

Benefits of Wireframing in Figma

• Saves time by identifying issues early.
• Improves collaboration and communication.
• Provides clarity for developers before design handoff.
• Helps clients visualize the flow without distractions.
• Acts as a stepping stone toward full prototypes.

Conclusion

Wireframing is a vital step in UI/UX design, and Figma makes it easy, fast, and collaborative. By starting with simple frames, adding placeholders, and creating reusable components, you can map out entire user journeys without getting lost in colors or final visuals.

Whether you’re working solo or in a team, Figma empowers you to take your wireframes from low-fidelity sketches to interactive prototypes—all in one platform.

Take your design process to the next level—start creating your first Figma Wireframes today and build user-friendly interfaces with confidence!