# Choosing an output format
Choose dotLottie, Lottie JSON, GIF, MP4, WebM, or MOV output when exporting from Figma.

Choose the output format based on how the animation will be used after export. **dotLottie (`.lottie`)** is the preferred format for most exports.

| Format                | Use when                                                                                 | Notes                                                                 |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| dotLottie (`.lottie`) | Default choice — you want smaller files, advanced features, or modern dotLottie playback | Supports state machines, themes, motion tokens, and compact packaging |
| Lottie JSON (`.json`) | The destination uses legacy `lottie-web` style players                                   | Does not preserve state machines, themes, or motion tokens            |
| GIF                   | You need to place animated output back into Figma or share a lightweight preview         | Raster output, not ideal for production runtime                       |
| MP4 / WebM / MOV      | You need review, presentation, social-channel, or video-file handoff                     | Not interactive and not scalable like Lottie                          |

<Image src="https://assets.docs.lottiefiles.com/static/777c7f47a3-640.webp" alt="Figma plugin download menu listing dotLottie, JSON, GIF, MP4, WebM, and MOV output options" caption="Choose the output format from the export or download menu before handing off the animation" zoom variant="default" srcSet="https://assets.docs.lottiefiles.com/static/777c7f47a3-640.webp 640w, https://assets.docs.lottiefiles.com/static/777c7f47a3-1024.webp 1024w" width="1280" height="764" loading="lazy" data-blur="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAFCAYAAAB4ka1VAAAACXBIWXMAAAPoAAAD6AG1e1JrAAAAcUlEQVR4nGPwjUj56xuR8j+rrPZ/W/fk/+29U/4XVDX9B4mB5BigjP/ZxZX/p8+e83/u/AX/C0prYQr+wxX0T53z/9OXr////v37f9qchdgVvP/4+f+vX78wFIDd0Nk/7f/Dx0//P3n2/H//1FlwNwAALv5kfAjuGigAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" />

## Quick decision

- Exporting anything new? Start with **dotLottie** — smaller files and access to advanced features like state machines, themes, and motion tokens.
- Need click, hover, press, or state-machine behavior? Choose **dotLottie**.
- Using legacy `lottie-web` runtimes? Choose **Lottie JSON**.
- Need visual context inside Figma only? Choose **GIF**.
- Need a review clip or presentation asset? Choose **MP4, WebM, or MOV**.

## Related

- [Exporting interactive state machines](/en/integrations/figma/04_figma-to-lottie/exporting-interactive-state-machines)
- [Player controls](/en/integrations/figma/08_runtime-compatibility/player-controls)
- [Developer handoff](/en/integrations/figma/05_export-and-handoff/developer-handoff)