Anima: Turning Figma design drafts into clean front-end code

General Introduction

Anima is a platform that helps designers and developers turn their designs into code. It supports generating React, Vue, or HTML code directly from design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch, making front-end development faster and easier. Users can use it to create high-fidelity interaction prototypes and automatically generate code that meets development standards and can be used directly.Anima's core goal is to reduce iterative communication between design and development, and improve team efficiency. It is suitable for individuals or teams who want to move quickly from design to launch, and is especially useful for projects that require rapid iteration. The platform also has paid plans that offer more advanced features such as unlimited code exports and enterprise-level support.

Function List

• Design to Code: Generate React, Vue, HTML, and CSS code from Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
• high fidelity prototype: Support for adding interactive elements such as forms, GIFs, and videos to create a realistic prototyping experience.
• Automated design systems: Automatically convert design components into code components and synchronize them to the development environment through Frontier functionality.
• responsive layout: Support for setting breakpoints and flexible layouts ensures that code adapts to different screens.
• Teamwork: Provides real-time collaboration capabilities so design and development teams can work in sync.
• Code Personalization: AI adapts the generated results to the team's code habits, close to the actual development needs.
• Export & Publish: The code can be exported directly or the prototype can be published as an online website.

Using Help

How to get started with Anima

The use of Anima does not require a complicated installation process and operates mainly through plugins and the web side. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Installation of plug-ins

• Installation in the design tool::
  • Open Figma (or Adobe XD, Sketch).
  • Click Plugins > Browse All Plugins in the Figma menu bar.
  • Search for "Anima" and click "Install".
  • After the installation is complete, the plug-in will appear in the toolbar or in the plug-in menu.
• Register for an account::
  • After opening the plugin, you will be prompted to log in or register.
  • Go to https://www.animaapp.com/ and click on "Sign Up" to register for an account and log in with your email and password.
• Verify Installation::
  • After installing the plugin, open a project in the design tool, click the plugin icon and see the Anima interface.

2. How to generate code

• Preparing the design::
  • Complete the design in Figma, making sure that the layers are clearly named and the layout is logical (e.g. using Auto Layout).
• Open the Anima plug-in::
  • Click on the Figma plugin menu and select Anima.
  • In the pop-up screen, select the page or frame for which you need to generate code.
• Select Code Type::
  • In the plugin interface, click "Export Code".
  • Select the target code type: React, Vue, or HTML (with CSS, Tailwind CSS, etc.).
• Adjustment of settings::
  • If you want a responsive layout, click "Breakpoints" to set breakpoints.
  • If you need to personalize your code, turn on the "Code Personalization" option and let the AI optimize the code according to your habits.
• Export Code::
  • Click "Generate" and wait a few seconds for the code to be generated.
  • You can copy the code to your development environment, or download the ZIP file.
• caveat::
  • There is a limit to the number of code exports in the free version, so it is recommended to upgrade to the Pro version (starting from $31 per month) to get more features.

3. Creating high-fidelity prototypes

• Adding Interactions::
  • Select the design elements in Figma and open the Anima plug-in.
  • Click on "Add Interactivity" and select a form, video or Lottie animation etc.
  • Set the trigger action, such as click to jump or show to hide.
• Preview effect::
  • Click "Preview" in the plugin to view the prototype in your browser.
• Publishing Prototypes::
  • Click "Publish" to generate an online link that you can share with your team or clients.
• operating skill::
  • Use the "Live Embed" function to embed the prototype into a web page for easy display.

4. Use of Frontier automated design system

• Install Frontier::
  • Install the Frontier extension in Visual Studio Code (download it from the Anima website).
  • Log in to your Anima account and connect to the Figma project.
• synchronization component::
  • Mark the components that need to be synchronized in Figma.
  • Open Frontier in VS Code, click "Sync" and the design will be automatically converted to a code component.
• Management Code::
  • The generated code supports Storybook integration and the CSS is converted to Auto Layout.
  • After modifying the code, it can be reverse synchronized to Figma via Frontier.

5. Teamwork functions

• Invited members::
  • On the Anima web site, go to "Team Settings".
  • Enter a colleague's email address to send an invitation link.
• real time synchronization::
  • Team members can view the latest designs and code in the plugin or on the web side.
  • Modifications are updated instantly to reduce communication costs.

6. Operation flow of special functions

• Code Personalization::
  • Open "AI Settings" in the plugin and upload the existing code samples of your team.
  • The AI analyzes naming rules and structures to generate code that more closely matches the team's habits.
• responsive design::
  • Select "Responsive" in the plugin and drag the breakpoint slider (e.g. 768px, 1200px).
  • Preview different screen effects to ensure code adaptation.
• Publishing site::
  • Click on "Publish as Website" in the plugin.
  • Set up a domain name (paid plan required) to generate a standalone website.

Recommendations for use

• first attempt: Start with a simple design and familiarize yourself with the process of generating code.
• optimal design: Improve code quality with Figma's Auto Layout.
• payment plan: For frequent use, it is recommended to subscribe to the Pro or Enterprise plan to unlock unlimited exporting and premium support.