# Masonry help centre --- > Guides, steps, tips and common questions for Masonry, in full. Landing page: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry --- # Masonry shows an error or my layers do not move > Check the selection, hidden and locked layers, the shared parent and the daily limit, in that order. ## Goal Find out why Apply Layout gives an error or leaves layers where they were, and fix it. ## Before you start - Masonry open, or the message from a quick action in front of you. ## Steps 1. **Check what is selected** Masonry needs one container (frame, group, section, component or component set) or several layers. A single rectangle, text or image on its own gives "Select a frame, section, group, or component to arrange its children." Select its parent frame instead. 2. **Check the preview count** The line under the preview, "Distributes N layer(s) across M column(s).", counts only the layers that will move. If a layer is missing, it is probably hidden or locked. 3. **Include hidden or locked layers** Open Advanced options and turn off Skip invisible layers or Respect locked layers, or unhide or unlock the layers in the Layers panel. 4. **Keep the layers in one parent** "All selected layers must share the same parent to create a masonry grid." means your selection spans several frames or groups. Move the layers into one frame, or select that frame instead. 5. **Check the daily limit** Free use allows 8 layouts a day. When they are used up, Apply shows "Daily limit reached" and offers Pro. The count starts again the next day. ## Tips - Undo (Ctrl/Cmd+Z) reverses an applied layout in one step if the result is not what you wanted. ## Result Apply Layout moves every layer you meant to arrange. ## If something goes wrong - **The layout runs past the bottom of my frame.** -> Applying from the plugin window does not change the frame's size. Make the frame taller, or select it and click Apply Masonry Grid in the right panel, which grows the frame to the tallest column while Resize container height is on. - **The columns got wider or narrower than my frame on a second apply.** -> Masonry remembers the container's width from the first apply, so groups that shrink to their content keep their grid width. Resize the container to the width you want and apply again. - **The preview does not match the result.** -> Layers were changed or the selection changed after the preview was drawn. Click a layer and back on the container to refresh the preview, then apply again. - **"A critical error occurred. Please try reloading the plugin."** -> Close Masonry and run it again from the Plugins menu. ## Common questions ### Why does Masonry ignore some of my layers? Hidden and locked layers are skipped by default. Turn off Skip invisible layers or Respect locked layers under Advanced options to include them. ### When does the free daily limit reset? At the start of the next day. The footer of the plugin window shows how many layouts you have left today. ### How do I report a bug? Open the menu (the ⋮ button in the footer), then Info > Feedback, or email hello@raiken.io. ## Related guides - [Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid): Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. - [Set the columns, gap and column widths of a masonry grid](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-columns-and-gap): Choose auto or fixed columns, set the gap, and use Advanced options for column widths, hidden and locked layers, and layer order. - [Apply a masonry grid without opening the plugin](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-quick-actions): Use Masonry Grid (Auto) or Masonry Grid (Custom) from the plugin menu or Quick Actions, or re-apply a grid with the button in Figma's right panel. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-apply-not-working (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30. --- # Set the columns, gap and column widths of a masonry grid > Choose auto or fixed columns, set the gap, and use Advanced options for column widths, hidden and locked layers, and layer order. ## Goal Control how many columns Masonry builds, how wide they are, how far apart the cards sit and which layers move. ## Before you start - Masonry open, with a frame or several layers selected. ## Steps 1. **Set the gap** Gap between items sets the space between columns and between cards in pixels, from 0 upwards (16 px to start). Drag the slider up to 320 px, or click the value and type a number up to 512. 2. **Pick auto or fixed columns** With Auto columns on, Masonry fits as many columns as the width allows and keeps the grid balanced, so a small selection forms rows instead of one long line. Turn Auto columns off and use the Columns slider for an exact count; fixed columns all get the same width. 3. **Open Advanced options** Click Advanced options to set Preferred column width (240 px to start), Minimum column width (128 px) and Maximum columns (6, up to 24). Auto columns aim for the preferred width, never go narrower than the minimum, and never exceed the maximum. 4. **Choose which layers move** Skip invisible layers leaves hidden layers out, and Respect locked layers leaves locked layers untouched. Both are on to start. 5. **Choose the order** With Preserve layer order on, cards are placed in the order of the Layers panel. Turn it off to sort them by their position on the canvas, left to right. Align to top-left origin starts the grid at the top-left of your layers instead of at the first layer's position. 6. **Apply** Click Apply Layout. Reset in the footer puts every setting back to its starting value. ## Tips - Click any value next to a slider to type it. Enter keeps the new value, Escape brings back the old one. - Use gap values from your spacing scale, such as 8, 12, 16 or 24 px, so the grid matches the rest of your design. ## Result A grid with the column count, widths and spacing you chose, built only from the layers you want to move. ## If something goes wrong - **Auto columns gives fewer columns than I expected.** -> Masonry keeps the grid balanced and never makes more columns than there are layers or than Maximum columns allows. Lower Preferred column width, or turn Auto columns off and set the count yourself. - **The Columns slider stops before the number I want.** -> It cannot go above Maximum columns. Raise Maximum columns under Advanced options first. ## Common questions ### What is the difference between auto and fixed columns? Auto columns work out the count from the container's width and your column width settings. Fixed columns use exactly the number you set, up to Maximum columns, and give every column the same width. ### Can I use a different gap for rows and columns? No. Masonry uses one gap for both directions. ### Why did a hidden layer not move? Skip invisible layers is on, so hidden layers stay where they are. Turn it off under Advanced options to include them. ### Does Masonry remember my settings? Yes. After you apply a layout, the settings are saved on the container, so selecting it again later brings them back. ## Related guides - [Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid): Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. - [Build a masonry layout as a native Figma grid](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-figma-grid-layout): Turn on Use Figma grid layout before you apply, and Masonry builds the arrangement as a real Figma grid auto layout instead of loose positions. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-columns-and-gap (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30. --- # Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout > Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. ## Goal Turn cards, images or frames of different heights into tidy columns without gaps, the Pinterest-style layout known as a masonry grid. ## Before you start - Masonry installed from Figma Community. - The layers you want to arrange, inside one frame or next to each other on the canvas. ## Steps 1. **Select what to arrange** Select one frame, group, section, component or component set to arrange the layers inside it. Or select several layers that sit in the same parent. 2. **Open Masonry** Run Plugins > Masonry | Grid Layout > Open Plugin. The preview on the left shows your layers as cards and says how they will be spread, for example "Distributes 9 layer(s) across 3 column(s)." With nothing selected it shows sample cards instead. 3. **Set the gap** Drag the Gap between items slider, or click the value next to it and type an exact number of pixels. The same gap is used between columns and between rows. It starts at 16 px. 4. **Choose the columns** Leave Auto columns on and Masonry works out how many columns fit the frame's width. Turn it off to set a fixed number with the Columns slider. 5. **Apply the layout** Click Apply Layout. Masonry places each layer in the shortest column, sizes it to its column's width while keeping its proportions, and selects the container so you can apply again. ## Tips - If the frame used auto layout, Masonry switches it off so it can place each layer freely. Undo (Ctrl/Cmd+Z) brings the auto layout back. - Hidden and locked layers are left where they are by default. Change that under Advanced options. - New to masonry layouts? The guide at https://raiken.io/figma-plugins/masonry/masonry-grid-in-figma explains how to make a masonry grid in Figma, with examples. ## Result Your layers sit in masonry columns with an even gap, and the settings you used are saved on the container for the next time. ## If something goes wrong - **"Select a frame, section, group, or component to arrange its children."** -> You selected a single layer that cannot hold other layers. Select the frame around it, or select several layers at once. - **The preview says "(sample)" and shows grey cards.** -> Nothing usable is selected. Select a container with layers in it, or two or more layers, and the preview switches to your real layers. ## Common questions ### What is a masonry grid? A layout of columns where items keep their own heights and each new item goes into the shortest column, so the columns stay close in length and there are no row gaps. Galleries, card feeds and moodboards often use it. ### Which layers can Masonry arrange? The children of one frame, group, section, component or component set, or several layers you select that share the same parent. ### Does Masonry resize my layers? Yes, to fit the columns. When you apply from the plugin window, each layer is scaled to its column’s width and keeps its proportions, so taller layers stay taller. With the Figma grid layout option (Pro), each item fills its column’s width inside a Figma grid. ### Does Masonry work in FigJam and Figma Slides? Yes. The plugin runs in Figma Design, FigJam and Figma Slides. ### Is Masonry free? You can apply 8 layouts a day for free; the count starts again the next day. Pro removes the daily limit and unlocks the Figma grid layout option. The footer shows how many layouts you have left today. ## Related guides - [Set the columns, gap and column widths of a masonry grid](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-columns-and-gap): Choose auto or fixed columns, set the gap, and use Advanced options for column widths, hidden and locked layers, and layer order. - [Rearrange cards in the preview and show your real designs](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-rearrange-preview): Drag cards between columns in Masonry's preview to set your own order, load thumbnails of your layers with Show content, then apply. - [Masonry shows an error or my layers do not move](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-apply-not-working): Check the selection, hidden and locked layers, the shared parent and the daily limit, in that order. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30. --- # Build a masonry layout as a native Figma grid > Turn on Use Figma grid layout before you apply, and Masonry builds the arrangement as a real Figma grid auto layout instead of loose positions. ## Goal Get a masonry arrangement that lives in Figma’s own grid layout, with fixed column tracks and a frame that hugs the grid. ## Before you start - Masonry Pro: Use Figma grid layout is a Pro feature. - A frame, group or section with layers inside, or several layers that share the same parent. ## Steps 1. **Select the layers** Select the container, or select the layers you want in the grid. 2. **Turn on Use Figma grid layout** In Masonry, turn on Use Figma grid layout below the column settings. 3. **Set columns and gap** Choose the gap and the columns as for any masonry layout. The gap becomes the grid's spacing. 4. **Apply** Click Apply Layout. A frame becomes a Figma grid. A group or section is replaced by a frame with the same name, and several separate layers are wrapped in a new frame called Masonry Grid. Each item fills its column’s width and spans as many grid rows as its height needs. ## Tips - Frames Masonry creates have no fill, so the grid sits on whatever is behind it. - Re-applying to a grid frame first resets its grid, so the items go back to their natural sizes before the layout is worked out again. ## Result A frame in Figma’s grid layout with your items in masonry columns and the frame sized to the grid. ## If something goes wrong - **"Native Figma Grid Layout is a Pro feature. Upgrade to Pro to unlock this feature!"** -> The option needs Masonry Pro. Without it, turn Use Figma grid layout off and apply a regular masonry layout. - **I selected layers inside an existing Masonry grid and nothing new was wrapped.** -> That is on purpose: when the parent is already a Masonry or Figma grid, Masonry re-applies the layout to that parent instead of nesting another frame. ## Common questions ### What is the difference between a regular masonry layout and the Figma grid option? A regular layout places each layer at an exact position on a frame without auto layout. The Figma grid option builds Figma’s own grid auto layout: fixed column tracks, items set to fill their column’s width, and a frame that hugs the grid. ### Why was my group replaced by a frame? Figma's grid layout only works on frames, so Masonry moves the group's layers into a new frame with the group's name. ## Related guides - [Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid): Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. - [Set the columns, gap and column widths of a masonry grid](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-columns-and-gap): Choose auto or fixed columns, set the gap, and use Advanced options for column widths, hidden and locked layers, and layer order. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-figma-grid-layout (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30. --- # Apply a masonry grid without opening the plugin > Use Masonry Grid (Auto) or Masonry Grid (Custom) from the plugin menu or Quick Actions, or re-apply a grid with the button in Figma's right panel. ## Goal Arrange or refresh a masonry grid in one step, for example after adding or resizing cards. ## Before you start - A frame with layers inside, or several layers that share the same parent, selected on the canvas. ## Steps 1. **Run the automatic grid** Choose Plugins > Masonry | Grid Layout > Masonry Grid (Auto), or type its name in Quick Actions (Ctrl/Cmd+/). Masonry works out the columns and applies the grid; a message at the bottom of the screen says how many columns and items it used. 2. **Or set columns and gap yourself** Choose Masonry Grid (Custom). Enter Columns (Figma suggests 2 to 6; you can also type auto) and, if you like, a Gap in pixels (suggestions: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32). Press Enter to apply. 3. **Re-apply from the right panel** After a grid has been applied, select its container and click Apply Masonry Grid in Figma's right panel. Masonry applies the grid again with the settings saved on that container. Open Masonry Grid opens the plugin window instead. ## Tips - Masonry Grid (Auto) uses the settings saved on a container when it has some; otherwise it works out the columns and aims for at least two. - Quick actions and the right-panel button set each layer to its column's width without changing its height, and they recalculate the order. For images, or to keep a hand-made order, apply from the plugin window, which keeps proportions. ## Result Your selection is arranged into a masonry grid without the plugin window staying open. ## If something goes wrong - **"Select layers to arrange in masonry grid"** -> Nothing was selected. Select a frame or several layers and run the command again. - **"Daily limit reached (8 adjustments). Open the plugin to upgrade to Pro."** -> Today's 8 free layouts are used up. Masonry opens its window so you can upgrade, or try again tomorrow. ## Common questions ### Can I apply a masonry grid with a keyboard shortcut? Yes. Open Quick Actions with Ctrl/Cmd+/ and type Masonry Grid (Auto) or Masonry Grid (Custom). Figma's Run last plugin shortcut (Alt+Ctrl+P or Option+Cmd+P) repeats the last one. ### Which gap does Masonry Grid (Custom) use if I leave Gap empty? 16 px. Masonry Grid (Custom) starts from Masonry’s starting settings plus the columns and gap you enter, not from the settings saved on the container. ### Do quick actions count towards the daily limit? Yes. Every applied layout counts, from the plugin window, the menu or the right panel. ## Related guides - [Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid): Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. - [Rearrange cards in the preview and show your real designs](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-rearrange-preview): Drag cards between columns in Masonry's preview to set your own order, load thumbnails of your layers with Show content, then apply. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-quick-actions (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30. --- # Rearrange cards in the preview and show your real designs > Drag cards between columns in Masonry's preview to set your own order, load thumbnails of your layers with Show content, then apply. ## Goal Decide by hand which card goes where before the grid is built, while seeing your actual designs instead of grey blocks. ## Before you start - Masonry open, with a frame or several layers selected (the preview toolbar only appears for real layers, not the sample). ## Steps 1. **Show your content** Click Show content above the preview. Masonry exports a small picture of each layer and puts it on its card. Once every card has one, the button reads Refresh content; click it after you change the designs. 2. **Drag a card** Drag a card up or down within its column, or across to another column. The hint changes from "Drag cards to rearrange" to "Custom order". 3. **Use the keyboard if you prefer** Click a card, then press Alt+Up or Alt+Down to move it one place, or Alt+Left or Alt+Right to move it to the next column. 4. **Apply your order** Click Apply Layout. The grid is built with your arrangement; column widths stay as Masonry calculated them. 5. **Go back to the automatic order** Click Reset order to drop your arrangement and let Masonry place every card in the shortest column again. ## Tips - Hover a card to see the name of its layer. - Layers that were not in your arrangement, for example ones you add later, go to the shortest column. ## Result A masonry grid in exactly the order you arranged in the preview. ## If something goes wrong - **My custom order disappeared.** -> An arrangement only fits the column count it was made for. Changing the number of columns sets it aside until that count comes back; selecting other layers drops it. - **There is no Show content button.** -> The toolbar appears only when real layers are selected. With nothing selected the preview shows sample cards and no toolbar. ## Common questions ### Can I choose the order of cards in a masonry grid? Yes. Drag the cards in the preview into the order you want, then click Apply Layout. Without a custom order, each layer goes to the shortest column in the order of the Layers panel. ### Does Show content change my file? No. It only exports thumbnails for the preview inside the plugin window. ### Is my custom order kept when I re-apply later? Not from the right-panel button or the quick actions: they recalculate the order. To keep a hand-made order, apply from the plugin window. ## Related guides - [Get started with Masonry: select, preview and apply a layout](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-create-grid): Select a frame or a few layers, check the preview, then click Apply Layout. Masonry puts every layer in the shortest column. - [Apply a masonry grid without opening the plugin](https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-quick-actions): Use Masonry Grid (Auto) or Masonry Grid (Custom) from the plugin menu or Quick Actions, or re-apply a grid with the button in Figma's right panel. --- Source: https://raiken.io/kb/masonry/masonry-rearrange-preview (Masonry help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30.