Roadmap to start developing custom wordpress themes?

Roadmap: Figma to WordPress using Gutenberg

1. Design in Figma
• Finalize your website layout, design components, and user flow in Figma.
• Ensure you create modular designs for easier implementation in Gutenberg.
2. Export Design Assets
• Export the visual assets from Figma (e.g., images, icons, logos, etc.) in web-optimized formats (like PNG, SVG).
• If needed, export colors, fonts, and spacing values for CSS reference.
3. Convert Design to Gutenberg Blocks
• Option 1: Use a Gutenberg Block Builder Plugin: Plugins like “Block Lab” or “Genesis Custom Blocks” allow you to create custom blocks directly within the WordPress dashboard without writing code.
• Create reusable blocks for headers, sections, footers, and other design components.
• Use custom CSS to match the design precisely.
• Option 2: Code Custom Blocks:
• If you need more flexibility, you can write custom block code using React and the Gutenberg block API.
• Follow WordPress’ block development guide to create blocks that align with the Figma design.
4. Use Theme JSON (Optional)
• For tighter control over the theme’s appearance, consider utilizing WordPress’ theme.json file to define global styles like typography, colors, and layouts.
5. Add Custom CSS
• Write custom CSS to apply more precise styles that Gutenberg blocks may not cover.
• You can use the Additional CSS section in the WordPress Customizer or enqueue custom styles via your theme’s stylesheet.
6. Test Responsiveness
• Use Figma’s responsive design modes to see how your design adapts to different screen sizes and implement responsive design principles in your WordPress blocks.
7. SEO & Performance Optimization
• Ensure your images are optimized for fast load times.
• Test the site speed and optimize assets accordingly (using plugins like WP Rocket or others for caching).

Roadmap: Figma to WordPress using Elementor

1. Design in Figma
• As with Gutenberg, finalize the website layout in Figma.
• Break down complex designs into sections, columns, and widgets, keeping Elementor’s modular system in mind.
2. Export Design Assets
• Export necessary design assets, ensuring they are in web-optimized formats.
• Gather design specifications such as font sizes, colors, and spacing.
3. Create Elementor Templates
• Open Elementor and start creating templates for each part of the design (header, footer, pages, sections).
• Elementor’s drag-and-drop interface allows you to replicate your Figma design quickly.
4. Use Elementor Pro for Advanced Design
• If your Figma design includes advanced features (e.g., animations, advanced widgets), Elementor Pro gives you access to more options like theme builder, pop-ups, and additional widgets.
• Create global settings for colors, fonts, and spacing to ensure consistency.
5. Add Custom CSS/JS (Optional)
• Elementor allows you to add custom CSS and JavaScript if certain parts of the design require more customization beyond Elementor’s built-in options.
• You can add custom CSS to individual elements or globally for more precise design replication.
6. Responsive Design
• Test the design for responsiveness within Elementor’s editor.
• Use Elementor’s responsive design tools to adjust padding, margin, and font sizes for different screen widths.
7. Optimization
• Use Elementor’s settings to enable lazy loading, optimize CSS delivery, and improve page load times.
• Optionally, integrate with performance plugins to further optimize the site’s speed.

Hope this helps.