How can I fix the error message "link elements can not be pasted inside each other" when trying to copy my design from Figma to Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When copying a design from Figma to Webflow, you may encounter the error message "link elements can not be pasted inside each other." This typically occurs when Figma's components, which are represented as nested elements, are pasted into Webflow's Link Blocks.

To fix this error message, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the nested element causing the issue: Take note of the component or element that is triggering the error message. Often, this error occurs when you have nested elements within a component.

  2. Flatten the component hierarchy in Figma: In Figma, locate the component causing the error and ensure that its structure does not have any nested elements. You may need to ungroup or modify the component's structure to flatten the hierarchy.

  3. Remove unnecessary elements: If there are any unnecessary parent or child elements within the component, remove them to simplify the structure.

  4. Re-copy and paste the design into Webflow: Once you have adjusted the component in Figma, copy it again and paste it into Webflow. This time, it should not trigger the "link elements can not be pasted inside each other" error.

  5. Rebuild the nested structure in Webflow: If the component in Figma originally had nested elements that you had to flatten, you'll need to rebuild that structure in Webflow manually. Use Webflow's wrapper elements, such as Div Blocks, to recreate the nested structure.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "link elements can not be pasted inside each other" error when copying a design from Figma to Webflow.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I import designs from Figma into Webflow without encountering errors?
  2. What is the best practice for copying and pasting components from Figma to Webflow?
  3. How do I maintain the nested structure of components when transferring from Figma to Webflow?