Converting components from Smart Layout to Stack Layout is very buggy

Share an issue
1

Hi there,

I’m trying to convert existing symbols from smart layout to stack layout, and it’s mildly infuriating. I’m experiencing a variety of bugs that waste a gigantic amount of time. I don’t even know where to begin. Here are some examples, but it’s not an exhaustive list of all the problems I had:

  • Stacks randomly ignore constraints like frame padding or alignment ;
  • Background on instances of symbols never disappear (even when removing background from master symbol, or symbol instances) ;
  • Fixed stack width reset unexpectedly to previous value ;
  • Symbol instances are missing elements from the symbol ;
    And on top of that, having the “undo” action that doesn’t work 90% of the time make the whole experience very upsetting (I know you are already aware of the problem, I’m just really annoyed it hasn’t been fixed yet!)

I run into many significant issues that it gives me the impression this hasn’t been tested. And I’m happy to occasionally help debugging and improving the product, but this feels totally on another deeper level.

Thanks.

1 Like
2

Hi Alice,

Thanks for reporting this. Here are my answers and some follow-up questions.

Stacks randomly ignore constraints like frame padding or alignment

Stacks and Smart layout work quite differently. Smart Layout allowed different spacings and layers were kept as-is when adding Smart Layout.

Stacks work differently: you can only have one spacing value for direct child layers and the same alignment is applied to all elements. You can get different spacings and alignments (like indents) with stacks, but building those is different compared to Smart Layout.

These rules may seem a bit strict at first, but they make Stacks very predictable and easy to use.

Background on instances of symbols never disappear

Can you share a sample file of the symbols that are keeping the background layer? I made a quick test with a button, and the background does disappear and gets applied to the frame, se this video for reference

Fixed stack width reset unexpectedly to previous value

Can you share a bit more about how or when the fixed value is reset?

Symbol instances are missing elements from the symbol

Can you share a sample file for this case too?

Undo not working

We released a fix today, version 2025.1.3 to fix a couple of reports related to undo not working. I tested the reports we had and the problem was solved in those cases. Can you try updating and letting us know if you’re still experiencing undo issues?

And last but not least: Smart Layout is still supported, you can edit existing symbols with Smart Layout or create new ones. You can keep using them as usual while you explore Stacks, which can feel different when you’re used to Smart Layout.

Many thanks :folded_hands:

1 Like