Design mode lets you access Figma Design features such as auto layout, the layers panel, and advanced layer properties, directly in Figma Slides.

Enable design mode

If you have a Full seat and can edit access to the slide deck, you can enable design mode using the toggle in the toolbar or with the keyboard shortcut Shift D.

If you’ve used Figma Design before, working in design mode should feel familiar. With design mode enabled, you’ll have access to most of the same features found in Figma Design.

Left sidebar

The Layers section on the left sidebar gives you access to the layers of your currently selected object. Any objects you add to the slide, such as frames, text, or images, will be visible here. 

While in slide view, the left sidebar is always visible. If you’re using grid view, the left sidebar only displays when you have an object selected. 

Right sidebar

The right sidebar gives you access to the Design and Animate tabs. While in slide view, the right sidebar is always visible. If you’re using grid view, the right sidebar only displays when you have an object selected. 

Design tab

The Design tab lets you view, add, remove, and change the properties of objects on your slide.

If you’re in slide view with nothing selected, or if you select a slide while in grid view, you can:

• Change the background of the slide
• Export the entire slide
• Add layout guides to the slide

When you select a layer, you’ll have access to the advanced properties available for that layer type, including:

• Alignment, rotation, and position
• Frame size and orientation
• Layout guides
• Component properties
• Component and instance swap
• Auto layout
• Blend modes
• Text properties (including OpenType features)
• Fill
• Stroke
• Layer effects
• Export settings

Animate tab

The Animate tab lets you add transitions to your slides that play as you progress through your deck. The settings available on the Animate tab work the same in both slides and design mode. Learn more about slide transitions →