Shortcut to bring back floating panels in UI3

This is extremely disappointing news. I really think you all are siding with the vocal minority here.

I hope you plan to keep the option to keep only one of the panels open. I noticed that after the fixed-panel update, mine turn into floating panels when I hide them and then the design panel shows up when needed. I would HATE to lose this feature. I’ve been utilizing more split-screen work since gaining the extra space from hiding only one panel. It’s going to be frustrating going back to fixed panels.

As I mentioned above, the UI3 team clarified that the ⇧ + \ shortcut is actually a feature to minimize UI where the property panel still floats, but to be transparent, it is not an option to bring back floating panels.

We hear you, @Lauren_Medved.

The UI3 team took into the account the negative feedback in both of these topics:

Rest-assured that the UI3 team also has eyes on this feature request, so if there’s enough interest, there’s still how to bring back an options and/or shortcuts.

I understood and just wanted to add up my comment to many other designers that are frustrated with this change.

Also on top of this - The sudden turning back from Figma on this shows such a inconsistency of ui when you use that command. Since now the standard is fixed and when you press shift + \ not only you minimise the ui but you also show again the floating style…

This going back change was so rushed that don’t even seem something Figma usually would do. That is way my surprise as well.

We hear you, @Ricardo_Seixas.

Here’s more info directly from the UI3 team in regards to why they decided to remove floating panels:

Hello 🙂

When the UI3 was first announced, I wasn’t particularly excited. But after trying it, I found it amazing. Of course, it took me a little while to get back into my usual workflow.

When I received the latest update about the floating panels, I was disappointed to see Figma revert back to fixed panels.

I understand that some users might find floating panels disruptive, and I know how difficult it can be to please everyone. In some cases, I also recognize that floating panels can take up space and draw attention unnecessarily.

However, I have to admit that the return to fixed panels gave me a feeling of claustrophobia, making the interface feel less modern.

What I don’t quite understand is why the feedback of dissatisfied users—who were probably numerous—seems to have been prioritized, while other perspectives were overlooked.

From my experience, I believe that having a more locked-down interface with fewer customization options is usually a good approach. That said, offering users the flexibility to arrange their interface to suit their needs (similar to what Adobe does with its interfaces) seems like a smart option.

I hope Figma will consider not going backward, but instead offering a choice—allowing users to decide whether they prefer fixed or floating panels.

Fingers crossed, because you’ve done an excellent job so far. The floating panels bring a great level of comfort, making long sessions more enjoyable.

Please, give us the option to choose. It’s often the voices of the unhappy users that get heard the most.

Thank you for listening!

I would also like the option to have the floating panels, the fixed rectangular ones just make it more distracting and give the focus to the UI instead of my designs, IMO

the floating panels were one of the few reasons i was excited to move back to Figma with UI3. removing them entirely feels like a regression, especially since most of the complaints i saw asked for an option, not their removal. now we have two inconsistent styles between normal and minimized mode, which feels disjointed.

for the sake of design consistency, floating panels should be a user preference that applies across all modes. given that the code for floating panels already exists, it would be a simple fix to bring them back behind a toggle, allowing users to switch based on their workflow and keeping the flexibility that made Figma great.

Agreed! Should be an option to toggle floating vs fixed panels!!! It worked so well within the flow, and was easier to see any design elements or components that are in our “blind spots” without needing to toggle off the UI.

Enjoyed the floating panels much more than fixed ones, finally Figma felt fresh and modern. I wish we had a choice here.