Handoff Tools and Tips for Figma/Zeplin/XD

The handoff stage is a crucial part of the UX/UI design process—where beautiful designs meet functional code. A poor handoff can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and rework, while a smooth one can fast-track product delivery.

To bridge the gap between design and development, tools like Figma, Zeplin, and Adobe XD offer robust handoff features. But beyond the tools, it’s how you use them that makes the real difference. Here's a breakdown of each platform and some essential handoff tips to ensure seamless collaboration.


✏️ Figma: All-in-One, Real-Time Collaboration

Figma is a browser-based, collaborative design tool that integrates design and handoff into a single platform. Designers and developers can work in the same file, reducing the friction of exports and uploads.

Key Handoff Features:

Inspect element styles (color, typography, spacing)

Copy CSS, iOS, or Android code snippets

Shared design system via Components and Styles

Real-time comments and version control


Tips for Figma Handoff:

Name layers and groups clearly (e.g., “Btn/Primary” instead of “Rectangle 2”)

Use Auto Layout for consistent spacing

Link components to your design system for reusability

Use sections and pages to organize designs (e.g., Wireframes, Final UI, Dev Handoff)


📦 Zeplin: Dedicated Handoff Tool for Designers & Developers

Zeplin works as a companion to design tools like Figma, XD, and Sketch. It focuses entirely on preparing files for development.

Key Handoff Features:

Organizes screens by project

Auto-generates code snippets for HTML, CSS, Swift, and more

Centralizes design specs and guidelines

Supports version history and asset export

Tips for Zeplin Handoff:

Export only finalized screens to avoid clutter

Group related components (like buttons or form elements)

Include descriptions or notes on interaction behaviors

Link style guides or tokens to reduce developer guesswork


🎨 Adobe XD: Design, Prototype & Handoff Together

Adobe XD offers an integrated flow from design to prototype to developer handoff, with support for specs and embedded documentation.


Key Handoff Features:

Developer sharing with specs and downloadable assets

Integration with Creative Cloud Libraries

Auto-animate and interaction previews

Copy-ready CSS for text and layers

Tips for Adobe XD Handoff:

Keep elements grouped and named clearly

Use Components and States to avoid duplicating work

Mark assets for export (right-click → “Mark for Export”)

Use the “Design Specs” link to share with developers


✅ General Handoff Best Practices (Across All Tools)

Document everything: Use notes, labels, or annotation layers to explain user flows and edge cases.

Maintain consistency: Stick to a single grid system, type scale, and color palette throughout.

Use design systems: Reusable components reduce confusion and improve scalability.

Test your handoff: Sit with a developer and walk through the handoff to catch issues early.

Communicate clearly: Tools help, but nothing replaces good designer-developer communication.


Final Thoughts

A great design isn’t complete until it’s built right—and that depends heavily on a clean, detailed, and thoughtful handoff. Whether you're using Figma, Zeplin, or Adobe XD, mastering both the tool and the process can dramatically improve collaboration and product quality.


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