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Benefit of a "Group" over a "Frame"?


Jon_Landis

I’ve been using Figma for many years now, and to this day, still do not know what value/benefit a “Group” nesting structure provides over a “Frame” nesting structure. I use Frames for everything. Someone please explain! Thanks!

Best answer by y_toku

Hi there,

Thanks for the post! I’ve been using also Frames other than groups honestly. Not sure if it’s helpful but please let me best practice article. It’s not comparison. It explain when to use which:

Figma

According to the article:

You can use groups and frames in many ways (together or separately) to achieve different behaviors.
TLDR — use a group if:

  • You want to combine multiple objects together into a single manageable layer
  • You want to group elements together that will maintain a fixed relationship when scaled (ex: a logo or symbol made up of multiple shapes)
  • You want the bounds of the group to auto-adapt to the child objects as you manipulate them

TLDR — use a frame if:

  • You want to control the frame size independently of its contents
  • You want to define the resizing behavior of child elements
  • You want objects to be clipped by frame bounds, or reside outside its bounds
  • You want nested scrolling behavior in your prototype (ex: horizontal carousel, or a map that you can pan vertically and horizontally)
  • You want to use a layout grid within it

Hope it helps.

Thanks,
Toku

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2 replies

y_toku
Figmate
  • Community Support
  • 2294 replies
  • Answer
  • June 28, 2024

Hi there,

Thanks for the post! I’ve been using also Frames other than groups honestly. Not sure if it’s helpful but please let me best practice article. It’s not comparison. It explain when to use which:

Figma

According to the article:

You can use groups and frames in many ways (together or separately) to achieve different behaviors.
TLDR — use a group if:

  • You want to combine multiple objects together into a single manageable layer
  • You want to group elements together that will maintain a fixed relationship when scaled (ex: a logo or symbol made up of multiple shapes)
  • You want the bounds of the group to auto-adapt to the child objects as you manipulate them

TLDR — use a frame if:

  • You want to control the frame size independently of its contents
  • You want to define the resizing behavior of child elements
  • You want objects to be clipped by frame bounds, or reside outside its bounds
  • You want nested scrolling behavior in your prototype (ex: horizontal carousel, or a map that you can pan vertically and horizontally)
  • You want to use a layout grid within it

Hope it helps.

Thanks,
Toku


Jon_Landis
  • Author
  • New Member
  • 2 replies
  • June 28, 2024

Thank you! That was very helpful! Seems like there are a few times in my projects where groups might have been a little easier to manage for their scaling behavior than a frame. I appreciate the clarity provided!


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