How To Make Reaction Text In Figma

Scott Simon

2 min read

·

11-01-2025

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Figma's versatility extends beyond static designs; it allows for the creation of engaging, interactive prototypes. One such element is reaction text, which dynamically changes based on user interaction, enhancing the user experience and providing valuable feedback. This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating reaction text in Figma, covering several approaches to achieve this effect.

Understanding the Concept

Reaction text refers to text that alters its appearance – color, size, or content – in response to a specific user action, like a hover, click, or keyboard input. This provides immediate visual feedback, improving the overall user interface. The techniques below use Figma's built-in features and don't require external plugins.

Method 1: Using the "On Click" Interaction for Simple Changes

This method is best for straightforward reactions, such as changing text color on a click.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create Your Text Layer: In Figma, add the text layer you want to make reactive.
2. Select the Text Layer: Click on the text layer to select it.
3. Open the "Prototype" Panel: Find the "Prototype" panel on the right-hand side of the Figma interface.
4. Set the Interaction: In the "Prototype" panel, select the text layer and choose "On Click" from the dropdown menu.
5. Choose a Target: Select the layer you want the interaction to affect. This could be the same text layer if you want to change its properties or a different layer entirely.
6. Define the Changes: In the properties panel, adjust the styles of the target layer. For instance, change the color, font size, or even the text content itself.
7. Test Your Prototype: Click the "Play" button to test your prototype and see the reaction text in action.

Example: A button with the text "Submit" changes to "Submitted!" on click.

Method 2: Utilizing Hover Interactions for Subtle Feedback

Hover interactions are ideal for providing subtle visual cues without requiring a click.

Step-by-Step Guide:

The process is very similar to Method 1, but you'll select "On Hover" instead of "On Click" in step 4 of the previous method. You can then define the changes that occur when the cursor hovers over the text, such as changing the text color to a slightly darker shade or increasing the font size marginally.

Method 3: Combining Interactions for Complex Reactions

For more complex scenarios, you can combine multiple interactions. For example, a text element could change color on hover and then change again on click. This involves chaining interactions within the "Prototype" panel.

Step-by-Step Guide:

This builds upon Method 1 and 2. After setting up a hover interaction, you then add an "On Click" interaction to the same text layer. The click interaction will override the hover interaction once the click event occurs.

Optimizing Reaction Text

Remember to consider these best practices:

• Clarity: Ensure the reaction is clear and easily understood by the user.
• Subtlety: Avoid overly jarring or distracting changes. Subtle animations and transitions work best.
• Accessibility: Ensure the changes adhere to accessibility guidelines, considering users with visual impairments.

By using these methods, you can effectively implement reaction text in your Figma prototypes, creating more dynamic and engaging user experiences. Remember to experiment and find the best approach for your specific design needs.