Shortcut to bring back floating panels in UI3

Please bring back show\hide left side panel!

Hi Figma Team,

I recently noticed the change from floating to fixed panels in the UI, and I wanted to share some feedback. While I understand the reasoning behind fixed panels for a more structured workflow, I personally find it a bit restrictive and it creates a sense of claustrophobia for me. The floating panels gave me more flexibility and freedom in managing my workspace.

It would be really helpful if users had the option to switch between floating and fixed panels based on personal preference. Offering this customization would ensure that everyone can use the interface in a way that best suits their workflow.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you’ll consider bringing back the flexibility of floating panels as an option!

I don’t mind the floating vs non floating. I use the cmd-. to give me a better view when working. We have now two ways of simplifying the view, the old one that removes all actions, and the other that minimises our panels. Maybe these could be combined?

LOL I can’t believe the widely detested floating panels are now being pined for!

The ‘innovation’ would be to give people options, is quite moving to see Figma reacting to a few users’ comments with such a feeling of urgency though - that’s quite terrible as a product design approach, and just confirms users (people/humans) are struggling with changes and can’t clearly tell what they want 😂
I’d be curious to learn why users are using rulers in Figma… why? 🤯

Many months on now — and I’m still grieving this decision! I loved the unity between Figjam and Figma for that brief moment we had floating panels! I would SO love them as a toggle-able view mode, if you folks still have eyes on this request. Make the default fixed, but have floating as an option for the progressives 🙏

I still remember how you bullied Figma with the floating panels back then 😅. I kinda like them and only complained how they hid features when UI3 started.

i’m already getting nostalgic for these, when are they coming optionally back?

​@KC_Oh1 
 

- ruler usability

imo only use for rulers is for creating guides, which could be done with a shortcut or button, all other measurements are always present in the right inspector

- distraction

if they’re distracting, background blur the edge below the sidebars or apply a light skrim

- feeling like you lost canvas space
- we saw a performance decline and we believe speed is a feature

they’re a great view option for power users who are on large monitors

This is pretty lousy. I often work remotely (cowork, cafe), leaving me with a single, 16” monitor. A second, portable monitor for all of the UI panels would be ideal. But since Figma is now forcing us down one narrow path, designing with the claustrophobic tunnel vision of UI panels to my left and right is absolutely terrible.

And no, shift-\ is not the answer. I’m not trying to hide the UI panels, I’m trying to offload them to a second screen so I can have an uncluttered view on my first screen.

Working with this company is such an extreme love-hate experience. Today is definitely the latter.

Please bring back the floating panels, I checked how to make them active only to find that it has been discontinued. 😫