Figma has completely changed the way we design websites—no clunky software, no version control nightmares. Just a smooth, collaborative experience. But even with its powerful features, it’s easy to fall into some common traps when building websites in Figma.
If your designs aren’t structured properly, your Figma site might end up messy, unresponsive, or frustrating for developers. In this guide, we’ll go over the five biggest mistakes designers make in Figma (and how to fix them) so you can create stunning, functional websites without the headache.
Mistake #1: Ignoring proper frame structure in Figma sites
What happens when you don’t structure frames properly?
Frames are the foundation of your design, but many people still treat them like groups. The problem? Bad frame structure can cause alignment issues, make resizing a nightmare, and mess up your developer handoff. If your design isn’t well-organized, even small layout tweaks can turn your Figma website into a disaster.
Best practices for frame structure
- Use frames instead of groups – Frames give you more control over alignment and constraints, unlike groups, which can get messy fast.
- Create frames in Figma – Just hit
Finstead of grouping things manually. Easy fix! - Use guides and grids – They’ll help you keep spacing and layout consistent.
- Nest frames properly – Keep elements inside logical parent frames so resizing doesn’t break your design.
Mistake #2: Neglecting responsiveness from the start
Why responsiveness matters in Figma sites
If your Figma website looks amazing on a desktop but falls apart on mobile, you’ve got a problem. Designing with responsiveness in mind from the beginning saves you from painful fixes later.
How to make a responsive website in Figma
Figma gives you all the tools to make responsive designs—you just have to use them right:
- Auto layout – Automatically adjusts spacing and positioning based on content.
- Constraints & resizing – Keeps elements flexible so they resize properly on different screen sizes.
- Figma interactions – Test how your site behaves on different devices right inside Figma.
Common pitfalls and how to fix them
- Not testing Figma sites on multiple screen sizes – Always check your layout on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
- Using fixed sizes instead of flexible layouts – Hardcoded widths = bad. Use percentage-based sizing instead.
- Over-relying on absolute positioning – Stick to auto layout whenever possible to keep things scalable.
Mistake #3: Overlooking prototyping and user interactions
Why prototyping is essential in Figma website creation
If you’re not prototyping, you’re missing out. A static design might look nice, but it won’t show developers (or clients) how your Figma website should actually work. A good prototype helps you test interactions, catch UX issues early, and make sure everything flows smoothly.
Best practices for prototyping in Figma
- Use links & hover effects – Make your site feel like the real thing by connecting pages and adding hover states.
- Add smooth transitions & animations – Keep it subtle—don’t overwhelm users with flashy effects.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Not linking pages together – Make sure your buttons and menus actually go somewhere.
- Ignoring mobile interactions – Mobile users interact differently—test taps, swipes, and scrolling.
- Going overboard with animations – Too many fancy effects can make your site feel slow and confusing.
Mistake #4: Not optimizing for developer handoff
Why a smooth handoff is important
Developers aren’t mind-readers. If your design isn’t well-organized, they’ll struggle to translate it into code, which leads to delays, endless revisions, and frustration on both sides.
How to optimize your Figma website for developers
- Try Figma to HTML converters – If you’re working with developers, tools like Figma to HTML converters can make their job easier.
- Add proper specifications- Keep your specs, designs, and components clear and consistent so that devs can easily understand how to build your website.
- Export assets properly – Make sure images, icons, and SVGs are optimized before sending them off.
Mistake #5: Using poorly designed Figma website templates without customization
How to pick the right website template
Templates are a lifesaver when you’re short on time, but if you don’t customize them, your website will look just like everyone else’s. Plus, you need to make sure the templates are responsive with auto-layout.
How to customize aFigma website templateproperly
- Pick the right template – Choose one that aligns with your brand’s style and goals.
- Make it your own – Change colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand identity.
- Test across devices – Just because a template looks good in Figma doesn’t mean it works everywhere—always double-check.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Copy-pasting templates without changes – Add your own touches so it doesn’t feel generic — and avoid getting flagged for plagiarism, unless the template is free or you purchased it.
- Leaving placeholder images and text – Swap them out for content that actually represents your brand.
- Not updating prototype links – Make sure everything is connected properly before launch.
Avoid common design mistakes with figma.to.website
Building websites in Figma is a breeze if you avoid these common mistakes.
By structuring frames properly, designing with responsiveness in mind, leveraging prototyping, optimizing for developer handoff, and customizing templates, you’ll create Figma sites that not only look great but also work flawlessly.
And if you want to skip coding and publish your site within Figma? Check out figma.to.website to turn your designs into live websites — all in just a few clicks! 🚀