Share Figma Prototype With Clients: A Simple Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Team 51 views

Hey guys! Sharing your Figma prototypes with clients is a crucial step in the design process. It allows you to gather feedback, iterate on your designs, and ultimately create a better product. But if you're new to Figma, figuring out the best way to share your prototypes can be a bit confusing. No worries, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to share your Figma prototype with your client, making the entire process smooth and efficient. Let's dive in!

Preparing Your Prototype for Sharing

Before you even think about hitting that share button, it's important to make sure your prototype is client-ready. This involves a few key steps. First, ensure your design is polished – double-check all the screens, interactions, and animations. You want to present a professional and well-thought-out prototype. Next, make sure your prototype flows logically. Clients should be able to easily navigate through it without getting lost or confused. Use clear and intuitive navigation. It's also a good idea to add some onboarding screens or tooltips to guide users, especially if they're not familiar with Figma or design prototypes in general. Consider also the context of the user; who are they, and what kind of information do they need to navigate through your prototypes? Are they stakeholders? Are they potential users? Tailor the experience as necessary. This might include setting up clear entry points or providing a brief overview of the prototype's purpose. Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for your client to understand and provide feedback on your design. Also, don't forget to check for any placeholder content or unfinished elements. Replace them with actual content or remove them if they're not needed. A polished prototype reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which can greatly impact your client's perception of your work. Remember, the first impression matters, so make it count. Finally, optimize your prototype for performance. Large files and complex interactions can slow down the prototype and make it difficult for clients to use. Compress images, simplify animations, and break down complex interactions into smaller steps. A smooth and responsive prototype will provide a better user experience and encourage clients to explore your design more thoroughly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Your Figma Prototype

Now that your prototype is prepped and ready, let's get into the nitty-gritty of sharing it with your client. Here's a step-by-step guide to make the process seamless:

1. Open Your Figma File

First things first, open the Figma file that contains the prototype you want to share. Make sure you're in the design file, not just viewing it. You'll need editing access to share the prototype properly. This is super important because if you're just viewing the file, you won't have the necessary permissions to generate a shareable link. Once you're in the file, navigate to the specific page or frame that contains your prototype. Figma allows you to create multiple pages within a single file, so make sure you're on the right one. If your prototype spans multiple pages, you'll need to share each page separately or create a master prototype that links them together.

2. Enter Prototype Mode

In the top right corner of the Figma interface, you'll see a few different modes: Design, Prototype, and Code. Click on the "Prototype" tab to switch to prototype mode. This mode allows you to define the interactions and flows within your design, such as button clicks, page transitions, and animations. Once you're in prototype mode, you'll see a panel on the right-hand side of the screen with various options for configuring your prototype. You can set the starting frame, define interactions, and customize the appearance of the prototype viewer. Take some time to explore these options and familiarize yourself with the different settings. Experiment with different interactions and transitions to create a more engaging and interactive prototype. The more polished and interactive your prototype is, the better it will showcase your design to your client.

3. Click the Share Prototype Button

With your prototype open, look for the "Share prototype" button in the top right corner of the Figma window. It's usually located next to the "Present" button. Clicking this button will open a sharing dialog box, where you can configure the sharing settings for your prototype. This is where you'll specify who can access your prototype, what permissions they have, and how they can provide feedback. The sharing dialog box also allows you to generate a shareable link that you can send to your client. Make sure to double-check the sharing settings before sending the link to ensure that your client has the appropriate level of access and can provide feedback effectively.

4. Configure Sharing Settings

In the sharing dialog box, you'll see a few different options for configuring the sharing settings. The most important setting is the "Who has access" option, which determines who can view your prototype. You can choose to share your prototype with anyone who has the link, only people within your organization, or only specific individuals. If you're sharing your prototype with a client, you'll typically want to choose the "Anyone with the link" option. This allows anyone who has the link to view your prototype, regardless of whether they have a Figma account or not. However, if you're concerned about security or confidentiality, you may want to choose the "Specific people" option and invite your client by email. This ensures that only the people you explicitly invite can access your prototype.

5. Set Permissions

Next, you'll need to set the permissions for your client. You can choose to give them view-only access or allow them to comment on the prototype. If you want your client to provide feedback, you'll need to give them comment access. This allows them to add comments directly to the prototype, highlighting specific areas of the design and providing suggestions for improvement. Figma's commenting feature is a powerful tool for collaboration and can greatly streamline the feedback process. However, if you only want your client to view the prototype without providing feedback, you can give them view-only access. This prevents them from adding comments or making changes to the design. Consider your client's needs and the type of feedback you're looking for when setting the permissions.

6. Copy the Shareable Link

Once you've configured the sharing settings and permissions, click the "Copy link" button to generate a shareable link. This link is what you'll send to your client to give them access to the prototype. The shareable link is a unique URL that allows anyone who has it to view the prototype in their web browser. You can copy and paste the link into an email, a chat message, or any other communication channel. Make sure to include a brief description of the prototype and instructions on how to use it. This will help your client understand the purpose of the prototype and how to navigate through it. You can also customize the link by adding a password or setting an expiration date. This provides an extra layer of security and control over who can access your prototype.

7. Send the Link to Your Client

Now that you have the shareable link, it's time to send it to your client. Compose an email or message and include the link, along with a brief explanation of what the prototype is and what you'd like them to do with it. For example, you might say something like, "Hi [Client Name], I've created a prototype of the new website design. Please take a look and let me know what you think. I'm especially interested in your feedback on the navigation and the overall user experience." You can also include a link to a Loom video to walk them through the prototype. Be sure to set expectations for the feedback process and let them know when you need their input by. The clearer you are about your expectations, the more likely you are to get valuable feedback from your client.

Best Practices for Sharing Figma Prototypes

To ensure a smooth and productive feedback process, here are some best practices to keep in mind when sharing Figma prototypes with clients:

Provide Context: Always provide context when sharing a prototype. Explain the purpose of the prototype, the key features you want them to focus on, and any specific areas where you're seeking feedback. This helps clients understand the prototype and provide more relevant and valuable feedback.
Set Expectations: Be clear about your expectations for the feedback process. Let clients know when you need their feedback by, how detailed you want their feedback to be, and what format you prefer for receiving feedback. This helps manage expectations and ensures that you get the feedback you need in a timely and efficient manner.
Use Loom Videos: Create a Loom video to walk your client through the prototype. This can be especially helpful if the prototype is complex or has a lot of interactions. A Loom video allows you to explain the design decisions behind the prototype and guide your client through the user flow. This can save time and reduce confusion, leading to more effective feedback.
Encourage Comments: Encourage clients to leave comments directly on the prototype. Figma's commenting feature is a powerful tool for collaboration and allows clients to provide specific and contextual feedback. This makes it easier for you to understand their feedback and make the necessary changes.
Be Responsive: Be responsive to client feedback and address their concerns promptly. This shows that you value their input and are committed to creating a design that meets their needs. Respond to comments, answer questions, and make changes based on their feedback. This fosters a collaborative relationship and ensures that the final product is a success.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

Even with the best preparation, you might encounter some issues when sharing Figma prototypes. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Client Can't Access the Prototype: If your client is unable to access the prototype, double-check the sharing settings. Make sure that you've shared the prototype with the correct people and that they have the appropriate permissions. Also, make sure that the shareable link is correct and hasn't expired. If you're still having trouble, try generating a new shareable link and sending it to your client.
Prototype Loads Slowly: If the prototype loads slowly, it could be due to large files or complex interactions. Try compressing images, simplifying animations, and breaking down complex interactions into smaller steps. You can also try optimizing the prototype for performance by reducing the number of layers and using vector graphics instead of raster images.
Interactions Don't Work: If the interactions in your prototype aren't working as expected, double-check the prototype settings. Make sure that you've defined the interactions correctly and that they're triggered by the appropriate events. Also, make sure that the prototype is set to the correct starting frame and that all the necessary links are in place.
Comments Are Missing: If comments are missing from the prototype, it could be due to a caching issue. Try clearing your browser's cache and refreshing the page. You can also try logging out of Figma and logging back in. If you're still having trouble, contact Figma support for assistance.

Conclusion

Sharing your Figma prototypes with clients doesn't have to be a headache. By following these steps and best practices, you can make the process smooth, efficient, and productive. Remember to prepare your prototype, configure the sharing settings, and provide context for your client. And don't forget to be responsive to their feedback and address their concerns promptly. With a little bit of effort, you can create a collaborative design process that leads to a successful outcome. Happy designing, folks! I hope this guide helped you and good luck!