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Importing Figma files

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Written by bridget O'Neill

Overview

When importing Figma designs into Obello, issues often come from how files are structured rather than the design itself. We can’t assume perfect file hygiene, but we can set clear best practices to help clients prep files for smoother, more predictable imports.

This doc outlines recommended guidelines and common pitfalls to avoid when preparing Figma files for Obello.


Best Practices

1. Don’t overly complicate frames

Keep frame structures as simple as possible. Deeply nested frames and containers make it harder for the importer to reliably detect and interpret designs.


2. Avoid excessive grouping, nesting, and sections

Figma integrations can only traverse a limited number of nested levels.

Avoid structures like:

  • Elements

    → Group

    → Group

    → Frame

    → Section

    → Parent Frame

If elements are grouped without a clear need, the importer may struggle to locate the actual design content.

Best practice

  • Keep key elements grouped directly inside the primary design frame

  • Use grouping only when it adds real structure or meaning


3. Place images inside frames, not as frame fills

Images applied as fills on frames are difficult to control in Figma and difficult for Obello to interpret correctly.

This is one of the most common issues, and many users don’t realize they’ve applied images this way.

Best practice

  • Use image layers inside frames

  • Avoid using image fills on frames or containers whenever possible


4. Clearly label Figma layers

Layer names are imported directly into Obello and currently can’t be renamed after import.

Best practice

  • Use clear, descriptive layer names

  • Use Figma’s built-in Rename layers feature

  • Avoid generic names like Frame 12, Group 4, or Image 1

This makes assets easier to identify and manage once inside Obello.

Not so clean

  • Frame 23

  • Group 7

  • Rectangle 12

  • Rectangle 13

  • Image

  • Image 2

  • Text 5

  • Text 6

  • Ellipse 3

A bit more tidy

  • Main Container

  • Header Image

  • Headline Text

  • Subhead Text

  • CTA Button

  • Divider Line

  • Icon

  • Background Image


5. Remove unnecessary layers

Before importing:

  • Delete empty frames

  • Delete empty groups

  • Remove unused layers

  • Remove duplicate or hidden junk

If it doesn’t serve the final design, it shouldn’t be there.


6. Clean up sections before importing

We understand everyone organizes differently.

Recommended workflow:

  • Work freely while designing

  • Before importing, create a cleaned-up version:

    • Fewer sections

    • Minimal nesting

    • Clear layer names

    • No unused elements

Think of this as a “handoff” version of the file.

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