Figma has transformed the way designers and developers collaborate. But did you know that you can now publish a fully functional website directly from Figma, without writing a single line of code?
This modern workflow is changing the game for designers, agencies, and startups looking to streamline development and speed up launch times. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn your static Figma design into a live website — step-by-step — and discuss the pros, cons, and best tools to use.
What Does It Mean to Publish a Website from Figma?
Traditionally, Figma is a design tool. Designers create mockups and hand them off to developers who then recreate those designs in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This workflow is powerful but time-consuming.
Publishing a website directly from Figma skips the handoff and allows you to deploy your site straight from your design file using specialised plugins or third-party platforms. These tools export your design as code (or a no-code equivalent) and host it online with minimal setup.
Why Would You Publish a Website from Figma?
Here are the top reasons you might want to publish a site from Figma:
- Rapid Prototyping: Quickly turn concepts into working demos.
- Portfolio Sites: Designers can showcase their work without needing a developer.
- Landing Pages: Launch campaign pages in hours, not days.
- Client Approvals: Give clients interactive previews instead of static mockups.
- No Coding Required: Perfect for non-technical creators.
Tools That Let You Publish a Website from Figma
There are several tools and platforms that bridge the gap between Figma design and live websites. Let’s break down the most popular options:
- Framer is arguably the most designer-friendly platform for turning Figma designs into websites.
- How it works: Import your Figma file into Framer, tweak layouts and interactions, and publish to the web.
- Hosting: Framer provides free and paid hosting plans.
- Best for: Portfolios, landing pages, small websites.
- Pros: No-code editor, built-in animations, responsive design tools.
- Cons: Limited custom backend features.
Webflow isn’t strictly Figma-first, but it integrates with Figma via plugins and file imports.
- How it works: Use the Figma → Webflow plugin or recreate the design in Webflow’s visual editor.
- Hosting: Webflow offers robust, secure hosting.
- Best for: Marketing sites, startup websites, CMS-powered sites.
- Pros: Full design control, CMS integration, SEO-friendly.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve, more manual work.
3. Anima
Anima converts your Figma designs into developer-friendly code and even deploys basic live sites.
- How it works: Install the Anima plugin in Figma, sync your designs, and export HTML/CSS/React code or publish to Anima’s hosting.
- Hosting: Offers cloud hosting or code export for self-hosting.
- Best for: Developers who want a starting point, interactive prototypes.
- Pros: Clean code output, code inspection tools.
- Cons: Less suited for non-developers.
4. TeleportHQ
TeleportHQ offers real-time collaboration and Figma integration to auto-generate websites from your designs.
- How it works: Upload Figma files, map components to templates, and generate code or deploy.
- Hosting: TeleportHQ cloud or exportable code.
- Best for: Rapid prototyping, small web apps.
- Pros: AI-assisted design-to-code, component-based approach.
- Cons: Requires setup to align with custom design systems.
Step-by-Step: Publishing a Website from Figma Using Frame
Let’s walk through an example using Framer, one of the most popular platforms for publishing directly from Figma.
Step 1: Prepare Your Figma File
Before exporting, make sure your design follows best practices:
- Use frames (not groups) for sections and components.
- Name your layers clearly.
- Set up auto-layout to make your design responsive.
- Use consistent text styles, colour styles, and components.
Step 2: Import into Framer
- Go to Framer.com and sign up.
- Start a new project.
- Click “Insert” → “Figma” → “Import from Figma”.
- Authorise your Figma account and select the file or page to import.
Framer will automatically convert your design into editable elements.
Step 3: Adjust Layouts and Add Interactions
- Use Framer’s visual editor to tweak margins, add animations, or create responsive breakpoints.
- Link navigation elements using simple drag-and-drop.
- Add hover states, scroll effects, or video embeds without code.
Step 4: Publish Your Website
- Click the “Publish” button in the top right corner.
- Choose a domain (e.g. yourname.framer.website) or connect a custom domain.
- Your site is now live!
Pros and Cons of Figma-to-Website Publishing
✅ Pros
- Speed: Get from design to deployment in hours.
- Accessibility: Non-technical users can launch websites.
- Visual control: What you design is what you get.
- Great for testing: Ideal for MVPs, client mockups, or A/B landing pages.
❌ Cons
- Limited scalability: Not suited for complex backend logic or large sites.
- Code quality: Auto-generated code may not be optimal for performance or SEO.
- Design constraints: You may need to design with the limitations of the platform in mind.
- Not for every use case: eCommerce, dynamic apps, or enterprise tools usually need custom development.
Who Should Use This Approach?
Publishing from Figma isn’t for every project, but it’s perfect for:
- Freelancers launching portfolios.
- Startups building MVPs or pitch sites.
- Agencies prototyping client websites.
- Marketing teams creating microsites and landing pages.
- Students and beginners learning web design workflows.
Tips for Better Results
- Design with the platform in mind: Check documentation for limitations or preferred layout structures.
- Optimise images and assets: Keep file sizes small for faster load times.
- Use web-safe fonts: Or make sure to embed custom fonts where needed.
- Test responsiveness: Use preview tools to check mobile, tablet, and desktop views.
- Consider SEO basics: Add meta titles, alt tags, and semantic headings where possible.
Final Thoughts: Is Figma-to-Website the Future?
Designing and deploying websites directly from Figma marks a significant shift in the way we think about web development. It’s not about replacing developers — it’s about empowering designers to bring their ideas to life faster than ever before.
For small projects, client previews, and fast-turnaround websites, publishing from Figma is an exciting and practical tool to have in your arsenal.
If you’re a designer in Milton Keynes or anywhere else looking to streamline your workflow and launch sites with ease, this trend is worth exploring. As the tools improve, the line between design and development continues to blur — and that’s a good thing for creativity, collaboration, and speed.
Need Help With Your Website?
At Melon Web Design, we help businesses across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire turn ideas into powerful digital experiences — whether it’s a Figma prototype or a fully custom-coded solution. Get in touch today to discuss your next project.
If you have a project in mind, would like to discuss a brief or just get some initial advice, please get in touch
on 01908 822800 sayhello@melonwebdesign.co.uk
