Shortcut to bring back floating panels in UI3

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.

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.