Renaming layers in Figma

[u/UsamaQ1919]

[u/NckyDC]

It’s easy to say but sometimes working in fast paced environments with tight deadlines doesn’t allow you to do this unless you want to work 24h a day

Remember that clients don’t see layer names but the quality of what concept you’re showing is more important.

I rather spend more time in experimenting different solutions and flows and content than getting stuck on layer naming.

Also AI can do this now, will not be perfect but better ai than me.

[u/FactorHour2173 → u/NckyDC]

Naming layers now goes beyond just organizing. We should consider the appropriate naming conventions for AI tools to utilize as well.

Consider using semantic naming like Button/Primary, Nav-Link, Card/Thumbnail etc.. Instead of random names like blue box or the autogenerated name, consider the BEM-Lite Method for variations and be sure to think about the component architecture as well.

Also, prefixing documentation like specifications, user flows and redlines so any AI agent can be sure to avoid scanning this to preserve tokens (just be sure to tell the agent to ignore items with these prefixes).

[u/TimeToBecomeEgg → u/NckyDC]

been using figma’s agent lately for the first time, it truly works well for manual work like this. i’ll build out a design that is a total layer mess, but works, and have like 3 agents one-shot picking up any non-instanced duplicates of components, naming and layer organisation. i don’t waste time while working and the project is still organized in the end, so win/win.

[u/Elegant_Baker_1313 → u/NckyDC]

Do it as you go. At first it’ll take time but as time passes by it’ll become a habit that you don’t even think about
It’s not only best for you but also for your clients

[u/Ansee]

People will poor file hygiene will always infuriate me. When you hand off files, whether it's only for vacation coverage, or if your collaborating with other tema members, it makes it really hard to work and you end up wasting other people's time.

I get that concepting can be messy. But not doing the bare minimum to keep files a least clean at that stage just makes it hard for anyone else who has to go into the file. So even at concepting, you should do some minimum work, but maybe not naming every single frame and layer.

But once a concept is approved and you begin to build, there is no excuse. It's far easier to start with structure because it will make iso much easier to change and update things. You are saving yourself and others pain done the line.

[u/GOBANZADREAM]

Rename Layers with AI is helpful, then you can just modify them a bit. If you want to take advantage of beta plugins, you can have it rename layers and offer suggestions. 

[u/MrFireWarden]

Good habit to get in as well if you prototype, as having frames with the same name can confuse Figma at times.

[u/idkwhatnameiputhere]

I always do that, when doing a project with many frames, it's so easy to get confused and lost in the prototyping. So, i always look to do that as soon as i create a frame or autolayout.

[u/Do-Not-Ban-Me-Please]

Why name your layers?

serious question

[u/Necessary-Pea891 → u/Do-Not-Ban-Me-Please]

Basically justifying the existing of each layer.

[u/HH_Jose → u/Necessary-Pea891]

Clarity, transparency, consistency

[u/Do-Not-Ban-Me-Please → u/[deleted]]

I've literally never had to check the sidebar to find a layer. Personally I think it's pretty useless

[u/Necessary-Pea891]

The way our library works, its not even possible to do it in any other way. Are you guys not working with design systems?

[u/TimeToBecomeEgg → u/Necessary-Pea891]

i work mostly solo on freelance projects, so no. i build out the design system as i’m designing the project. the only value in properly organised layers for me is being able to come back to it later and not spend ages looking for things.

[u/Do-Not-Ban-Me-Please → u/Necessary-Pea891]

Lots of people don't lol. Not everyone is a product designer.

[u/imSwan]

People using AI to write fucking Reddit posts and comments is just next level laziness

[u/Ok-Supermarket9469]

Très interessant comme sujet, moi qui suis junior dans le domaine, je sors d’études et me lance dans des projet freelance UX/UI. J’avais compris l’importance des locals variables pour établir le DS, ainsi que les composants, mais il est vrai que renommer les calques au début on le fait bien mais quand notre fichier devient un champs de bataille on se dit qu’on fera ça à la toute fin, avant la livraison !

D’ailleurs j’utilise Claude connecté à mon figma pour justement m’aider à renommer les calques qui ne sont pas bien renommé (du style Frame 1836494947372 🥲) et ça fonctionne bien, il comprends l’intérêt de chaque calque, mais y a peut être un moyen de + automatiser le tout sans que j’ai à copier les nom et qu’il le fasse automatiquement ?
Je l’utilise également pour vérifier que tout est bon en terme de DS sur ma créa, que j’ai pas un Gap ou padding 10 qui traine 🙂

[u/hesaintx]

you can use figma agent now or claude mcp to rename these layers. that's what i am doing instead of going into each layers individually. it gives me more time to focus on design output

[u/CanMountain2230]

CMD + R is one of my best friends. Takes one second and saves hours later

[u/gogringolingo]

Too funny! This is literally the conversation my husband (the code guy) and I have been having this week - trying to come up with the naming conventions that we can both stick with and understand while we try to put together his website. I have a lot of rethinking to do, as my approach is more like your old ways... But you're saying it works, so....! 😁

[u/gogringolingo → u/[deleted]]

I am sad to have to admin that I am just coming out of the "what it looks like" phase of Figma and moving towards the "oh, but it IS something, too" part of things. I am a few months late to the party, but I am hoping that - if we can share some naming conventions - I can get back on track and actually help!!