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Why do Figma Motion layers flicker in Present mode?

  • July 14, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 101 views
CaitlynDesigner

I’m testing out Figma Motion to make a glorified presentation (I know, very original). But when I play the prototype, every time a frame that has motion on it appears next, its normal appearance shows first, then fades in with the motion I added, as intended. This is creating a flickering effect while trying to present. This flickering doesn’t happen while in Motion mode, so I’m assuming it has something to do with the way motion frames and layers show up in prototype mode. I’d appreciate tips and/or a fix on this, Figma!

Is this flickering with presentation mode with Figma Motion happening for anyone else?

Secondly, I want to request that frames with Motion can be turned off in presentation mode. This would be a great option for when I am just testing things out and don’t want to present just yet. Or when I want to make sure storyboards and frames flow well before getting distracted by the motion. 

Would others appreciate a toggle to turn Motion on and off in Present mode?

(That second request is partly because I want a quick fix/patch for the first problem mentioned, but thought it’d be worth asking the community!)

Best answer by Jaycee Lewis

Hey hey ​@CaitlynDesigner 🤩  got you an example! 🎬

First off — you're not doing anything wrong, and this is a real thing folks run into.

Here's what's happening: When you navigate to a frame that has an Enter animation on a layer, Present mode paints that layer in its final resting state for a split second, then snaps it back to the start and plays the entrance. 

I made a repro (two frames, an Enter animation on a shape in frame 2, navigating with an Instant transition) and the fix — swap the transition between the frames from Instant to Smart Animate (Dissolve works too ). The transition covers that first frame:

Steps to try it yourself:

  • Open your prototype connection going *into* the frame that flickers
  • Change the animation from Instant to Smart Animate (or Dissolve), ~300ms
  • Present again and you should get a clean entrance

On your second ask — a toggle to turn Motion off in Present mode while you're still storyboarding. That's a great shout and not something that exists today. I'd love for you to drop it in as a separate feature request post if you haven't; that's the best way to get it in front of the team and let others upvote it. I can link it here once it’s added 🙌

Let me know if the Smart Animate swap helps. Have fun building! — Jaycee

    6 replies

    Jaycee Lewis
    Figmate

    Hey hey ​@CaitlynDesigner 👋 I think the number one thing that would help here is a screen recording from beginning to end of the issue occurring. If not, I’ll see if I can set a repro that matches your set up and we’ll go from there 😎 Talk soon! — Jaycee

    CaitlynDesigner

    Sure thing, ​@Jaycee Lewis !

    Here’s a recording. Since I only recorded the frame, I’ll tell you that it’s in a separate presentation/prototype tab from the design file. Let me know what else you need to know to see what might be wrong.

    I’d feel so silly but I’d love if you can show me an easy fix haha!

      Jaycee Lewis
      Figmate

      Not silly at all, ​@CaitlynDesigner 😊 If you’re thinking it, other are too, I’m sure. Let me see if I can get us an example vid or gif made and I’ll add it back here. — Jaycee

      Jaycee Lewis
      Figmate
      • Jaycee Lewis
      • Figmate
      • Answer
      • July 28, 2026

      Hey hey ​@CaitlynDesigner 🤩  got you an example! 🎬

      First off — you're not doing anything wrong, and this is a real thing folks run into.

      Here's what's happening: When you navigate to a frame that has an Enter animation on a layer, Present mode paints that layer in its final resting state for a split second, then snaps it back to the start and plays the entrance. 

      I made a repro (two frames, an Enter animation on a shape in frame 2, navigating with an Instant transition) and the fix — swap the transition between the frames from Instant to Smart Animate (Dissolve works too ). The transition covers that first frame:

      Steps to try it yourself:

      • Open your prototype connection going *into* the frame that flickers
      • Change the animation from Instant to Smart Animate (or Dissolve), ~300ms
      • Present again and you should get a clean entrance

      On your second ask — a toggle to turn Motion off in Present mode while you're still storyboarding. That's a great shout and not something that exists today. I'd love for you to drop it in as a separate feature request post if you haven't; that's the best way to get it in front of the team and let others upvote it. I can link it here once it’s added 🙌

      Let me know if the Smart Animate swap helps. Have fun building! — Jaycee

        PradyumnDispatch

        I’m running into the exact same issue!
        It just ruins the surprise : ‘’’(

          Gayani_S
          Figmate
          • Gayani_S
          • Community Support
          • August 20, 2026

          Hey ​@PradyumnDispatch, thanks for reaching out! 

          The fix ​@Jaycee Lewis shared above clears this up for most people who run into it. Swap the transition going into the frame that flickers from Instant to Smart Animate (or Dissolve). Since the transition covers that first frame, you shouldn't see the flash before the entrance plays.

          Quick question so I can point you the right way: what's driving the animation on that layer, a single Enter preset (like Opacity Fade In), or do you have Fade In and Fade Out combined on the same layer? That'll help me confirm you're looking at the right fix for your case.

          If you try the swap and it's still happening, feel free to reach to us through our Support Hub with a quick screen recording. That'll let our customer support team take a proper look at your specific file.

          For more on how each transition behaves, Prototype animations is a good reference too.

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