# 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.