Feedback for Figma Motion

First of all, thank you for bringing motion design into Figma. I've been trying Figma Motion, and I'm really excited about its potential.

Here are some thoughts I had while using it—features and improvements that I think could make the experience even better.

1. Copy & Paste Animation

It would be extremely helpful to have the ability to copy animation properties from one layer and paste them onto another layer.

For example:

• Copy all keyframes from one object to another.

• Copy only specific animated properties (Position, Scale, Rotation, Opacity, etc.).

• Similar to "Copy/Paste Effects" or "Paste Animation" in other motion design tools.

This would significantly speed up repetitive animation workflows.

2. Better Text Animation Workflow

Animating text is currently quite tedious because many animations need to be created manually.

It would be great to have:

• Built-in text animation presets (Fade Up, Slide, Pop, Typewriter, Blur In, etc.).

• Character, word, and line-based animation.

• Stagger controls.

• Easy timing adjustments.

This would make text animation much faster while still allowing customization.

3. Parenting & Null Objects

Adding hierarchical parenting would unlock much more sophisticated motion design.

Features I'd love to see:

• Parent-child relationships between layers.

• Null objects/controllers for rigging animations.

• Easy re-parenting.

• Nested animation support.

These tools are essential for creating complex and reusable motion systems.

4. More Advanced Easing & Motion Curves

The current animation curves could be improved.

Specifically:

• More refined easing controls.

• Better "stop-and-go" motion.

• Smoother acceleration and deceleration.

• More natural motion similar to professional animation software.

A more powerful curve editor would greatly improve animation quality.

5. Timeline UX Improvements

The timeline is one area that feels a bit confusing, especially when editing more complex animations. Here are a few improvements that I think would make it much easier to use:

Easier Keyframe Editing

Sometimes when I try to edit or move an existing keyframe, I accidentally create a new one instead.

It would be helpful if selecting and editing existing keyframes felt more reliable and predictable, reducing accidental keyframe creation.

Better Timeline Navigation

When the playhead is selected, using the arrow keys currently moves the selected layer instead of moving the timeline/playhead.

I'd love an option (or default behavior) where the arrow keys move the playhead frame-by-frame for precise timeline navigation, similar to other animation software.

Cleaner Keyframe Organization

When a layer is collapsed, it would be great if all of its keyframes remained visible as a single combined row instead of disappearing.

Then, when the layer is expanded, the individual property tracks (Position, Scale, Rotation, Opacity, etc.) could be revealed.

This would keep large timelines much cleaner while still allowing quick access to keyframes.

Improved Layer Readability

As projects grow, it's easy to lose track of which layer you're editing.

Alternating row colors (for example, light and dark gray) or clearer visual separation between layers would improve readability and make navigation much easier.

Other Features Worth Considering

These are some capabilities that could make Figma Motion even more competitive as a motion design tool:

• Camera controls for creating dynamic scenes.

• Hierarchical parenting system.

• Advanced easing presets and custom curves.

• A larger library of reusable visual effects.

• Powerful compositing features such as masks, blending modes, chroma key, and luma key.

• Better export and sharing options, including reusable animation components, GIFs, image sequences, and project packages.

Overall, I think Figma Motion has huge potential. With improvements to animation workflows, parenting, text animation, easing, and reusable animations, it could become a much stronger tool for UI motion design, social content, and creative animation directly inside Figma.

Thanks for reading! These are just my thoughts after spending some time with Figma Motion. I hope some of these ideas are helpful, and I'm excited to see how the product evolves.
Cheers!😎