Masonry shows an error or my layers do not move

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.

Related guides

• CREATE A GRID
  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.
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• COLUMNS & SPACING
  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.
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• QUICK ACTIONS
  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.
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