Figma to Flutter (with DartPad)
Codigma now supports an inline DartPad-style preview inside the Codigma IDE. That means you can take a Figma screen and see it running as a Flutter app-fast. This guide shows the simplest way to get clean results and iterate without headaches.
Before you start
📖 Quick guide that helps a lot
Export quality depends on your Figma structure. If you haven’t read it yet, start here: How to Get the Best Out of Codigma’s Figma Plugin. It covers Auto Layout, naming, and what to select-small changes that make a big difference. Read the guide →
Short version: Codigma doesn’t “guess” your intent. It reads your layers and layout rules. A clean Figma file usually gives you clean Flutter output.
What “Figma to Flutter with DartPad” means
Normally, “design to Flutter” tools generate code-and then you still need to run it somewhere. With Codigma’s inline DartPad preview, you can see your UI running right inside Codigma. It’s a fast way to check layout, spacing, and overall look before you do deeper integration.
Think of it like this: export → preview → adjust → preview again. You get feedback in minutes instead of switching tools all day.
Getting started (simple workflow)
The best results come from keeping exports focused and repeatable. One screen at a time is the sweet spot.
Recommended Workflow
- Select one screen in Figma (one frame / one page screen).
- Export with Codigma using the Flutter option.
- Open the inline DartPad preview inside Codigma and check the result.
- If something looks off, export a smaller part: half the screen, a card, a header, a list item.
- Keep assets light (optimize images) so preview loads fast and stays stable.
- Repeat: export → preview → tweak structure → export again.
💡 Tip
If a full screen export feels “messy”, don’t fight it. Pick a smaller widget (like a card or section), export that, and build up from there.
Key things that matter for a clean preview
It keeps the output clean and makes it easier to spot what changed between exports.
If the screen is complex, export a smaller section (half screen, header, card, list). Cleaner boundaries = cleaner code.
Large images slow down preview. Smaller assets usually mean faster render and fewer surprises.
Clear frames + consistent spacing helps the exporter map layout rules correctly.
DartPad preview is great for quick UI checks. After that, you can move the code into your real Flutter project.
Common issues (and quick fixes)
“The preview is slow”
- Compress and resize images.
- Avoid huge background images when possible.
- Try exporting a smaller section first.
“It doesn’t look like Figma”
- Make sure you selected a complete unit (a full screen frame, or a full widget).
- Try exporting half the screen or a smaller widget.
- Clean up spacing rules in Figma (consistent padding + gap works best).
“I want a closer match”
- Start with the building blocks: cards, headers, buttons, list items.
- Once they look good, combine them into screens.
FAQ
Do I need to export the whole page?
No. In most cases, exporting one screen at a time is better. If a screen is heavy, export smaller parts first.
Is the DartPad preview meant for production?
Think of it as a fast “does this look right?” preview. It helps you iterate quickly before you move code into your real Flutter app.
Wrap-up
Codigma’s inline DartPad preview makes “Figma to Flutter” feel much faster. Export one screen at a time, keep images small, and if the output isn’t great-select a smaller part and try again. In a few iterations, you can see your design running as a Flutter app without leaving the Codigma IDE.
🎯 Next Step
Want cleaner exports right away? Start with this guide: How to Get the Best Out of Codigma’s Figma Plugin →