Choosing an animation method

Choose between preset, multi-frame, prototype flow, and interactive state-machine export for a Figma scene.

Figma to Lottie has several ways to start. Think of them as different source structures, not just different export buttons.

Method overview

MethodStarting pointBest forOutput behavior
PresetOne selected frameIcons, logos, simple micro-interactionsTimeline-style animation from a preset
Multi-frameMultiple selected framesStep-based motion or frame-by-frame transitionsTimeline-style sequence
Prototype flowA Figma prototype flow starting pointUI transitions and longer flow motionTimeline-style playback based on prototype transitions
Interactive state machinePrototype interactions such as click, hover, or pressInteractive product statesdotLottie state machine

Choose Preset when

  • You have one simple frame.

  • You want a quick animation without building a prototype.

  • The frame is not a prototype flow starting point.

Choose Multi-frame when

  • Each frame represents one moment in the animation.

  • Layers are consistent across frames.

  • You want a predictable linear sequence.

Choose Prototype Flow when

  • Your Figma scene already has a flow starting point.

  • Motion depends on prototype transitions.

  • You want the export to follow a designed Figma flow.

Choose Interactive State Machine when

  • The prototype uses supported interaction triggers such as click, hover, press, mouse enter, mouse leave, mouse down, mouse up, or after delay.

  • The final product needs to react to user input.

  • You can ship .lottie and use a dotLottie runtime.

If the plugin opens the wrong method

Check the selected content in Figma. A frame that is also a prototype flow starting point can route to Prototype Flow mode instead of Preset mode.

Last updated: June 29, 2026 at 12:26 PMEdit this page