Prototype Pro

About this plugin

# Prototype Pro

## Introduction

**Prototype Pro** is a powerful Figma plugin designed to streamline your prototyping workflow. It allows you to easily copy, paste, and connect interactive prototypes across multiple layers, components, and frames. Whether you're working on complex user flows or simple interactions, Prototype Pro helps you save time by automating the repetitive task of setting up interactions.

This guide will walk you through installing, using, and getting the most out of Prototype Pro.

## Features

- **Copy Prototype Properties**: Copy interactions (reactions) from selected layers.

- **Paste & Connect Prototype Properties**: Paste copied interactions and automatically connect them in sequence (e.g., left-to-right or top-to-bottom).

- **Paste Prototype Properties**: Paste interactions to multiple layers as copied.

- **Variant Generation**: Create multiple variants of components (N:N, 1:1 on/off).

- **Clone Properties**: Duplicate properties across layers.

- **Direction and Margin Settings**: Customize layout direction (horizontal/vertical) and spacing.

## Installation

1. **Download the Plugin**:

- Open Figma and go to the Community tab.

- Search for "Prototype Pro" and install it.

- Alternatively, if you're developing locally, load the plugin from the `build/manifest.json` file in Figma's plugin development mode.

2. **Permissions**:

- The plugin requires access to your current user for settings persistence.

- No additional setup is needed beyond installation.

## Getting Started

1. **Open the Plugin**:

- In Figma, select a frame or component with the Prototype Pro plugin loaded.

- Click the "Prototype Pro" button in the toolbar or use the relaunch button on selected layers.

2. **UI Overview**:

- The plugin opens a panel with options for copying/pasting prototypes, generating variants, and adjusting settings.

- Key buttons:

- **Copy Prototype Properties**: Copies interactions from selected layers.

- **Paste & Connect**: Pastes and connects interactions in a sequence.

- **Paste Prototype**: Pastes interactions to selected layers.

- **Generate Variants**: Creates component variants.

- **Clone Properties**: Duplicates properties.

## How to Use Prototype Functionality

### Step 1: Copy Interactions

1. Select one or more layers, frames, or components that have prototype interactions (e.g., buttons with click actions).

2. Open Prototype Pro and click **"Copy Prototype Properties"**.

3. The plugin will store the interactions in memory.

### Step 2: Paste and Connect Interactions

1. Select multiple layers where you want to apply the interactions (e.g., a series of buttons).

2. In Prototype Pro, choose the direction (LTR, RTL, TTB, etc.) and set the connection mode.

3. Click **"Paste & Connect Prototype Properties"**.

4. The plugin will paste the interactions and link them in sequence (e.g., button 1 → button 2 → button 3).

### Step 3: Paste Interactions As Copied

1. Select layers to apply interactions to.

2. Click **"Paste Prototype Properties"**.

3. Interactions are pasted without automatic connections.

### Example Workflow

- **Scenario**: Create a multi-step form with buttons that navigate sequentially.

- **Steps**:

1. Design buttons with interactions on the first button.

2. Copy the interactions.

3. Select all buttons and paste & connect in LTR (left-to-right) direction.

- **Result**: Each button now has the correct navigation flow.

## Advanced Settings

- **Direction**: Choose how layers are ordered (Horizontal, Vertical).

- **Margin**: Set spacing between connected elements.

- **Connect Last to First**: Enable looping (e.g., last button connects back to the first).

- **Layer Naming**: Customize naming for variants and clones.

## Tips and Best Practices

- **Selection Matters**: Ensure selected layers have compatible types (e.g., frames or components) for interactions.

- **Test Interactions**: After pasting, preview your prototype in Figma to verify connections.

- **Performance**: For large selections, paste in smaller batches to avoid Figma limitations.

- **Undo**: Use Figma's undo (Ctrl+Z) if something goes wrong.

- **Keyboard Shortcuts**: Familiarize yourself with Figma's prototyping shortcuts for efficiency.

## Troubleshooting

- **"Please select layers with prototypes"**: Ensure your source layers have interactions before copying.

- **"Something went wrong"**: Check console logs or try reloading the plugin. Ensure Figma is updated.

- **Interactions not pasting**: Verify layer types and that you're not mixing incompatible elements (e.g., frames inside frames may not support all interactions).

- **Plugin not loading**: Clear Figma's cache or reinstall the plugin.

- **Dynamic Loading Issues**: If using the latest Figma, ensure the plugin is compatible with dynamic loading mode.

## Support

- For issues or feedback, contact the developer via the Figma Community page or email.

- Check for updates regularly to access new features.

## Changelog

- **v1.0**: Initial release with core prototype copying and pasting features.

- **Future Updates**: Enhanced variant generation and UI improvements.

Enjoy prototyping faster with Prototype Pro!