View layers and assets in the Layers Panel

    Before you Start

    Who can use this feature

    Users on Any plan have access to the Layers Panel in the Editor

    Users with Edit access can interact with all aspects of the Layers Panel

    Users with View access can only view the Layer list

    When you're in the Editor, you will see a sidebar on each side of the canvas. Along with the Toolbar, these sidebars make up the Figma UI.

    The Figma UI allows you to access, create and adjust elements of your design.

    • The sidebar on the Right allows you to view and adjust the Properties of any object. You can also access the File's Prototype settings and view the Code of any selected object(s). We refer to this as the Properties Panel. You can learn more about this in our Properties Panel article.
    • The sidebar on the Left gives you access to the Layers, Assets and Pages included in your File. We call this the Layers Panel.

    In this article, we're going to get you up to speed using the sidebar on the left: the Layers Panel.

    Open the Layers Panel

    There are three heading at the top the Layers Panel. You can use these to switch between each tab, or use the keyboard shortcuts:

    macOS

    • Layers Panel and Page List: Option 1
    • Assets Panel: Option  2

    Windows

    • Layers Panel and Page List: Alt    1
    • Assets Panel: Alt   2

     

    Tip! You can toggle visibility of the Layers Panel using the Keyboard Shortcut:

    • Mac: Command Shift \
    • Windows: Alt 1 2 4

    You can also toggle the visibility of the entire Figma UI by using the "Show/Hide UI" Keyboard Shortcut:

    • macOS: Command \
    • Windows: Ctrl \

    This allows you to view your designs in the canvas, without the Figma UI.

    Layers 

    Any Frames, Groups or Objects you add to the canvas will be visible in the Layers Panel. You can determine if a Layer is a Frame, Group or a specific type of Object by the icon next to it: 

    Figma nests any child objects within their parent Group or Frame. This allows you to collapse and expand layers within a group or Frame.

    New Layers will be added to the top of the list, or the top of the Group or Frame it is contained within. Or, just above the layer you currently have selected. 

    There are lots of interactions you can have in the Layers Panel:

    Tip! You can adjust the width of the Layers Panel:

    1. Hover your cursor over the right-edge of the sidebar. A bidirectional arrow will appear.
    2. Click and drag to adjust the width of the panel.
    3. Release to set the sidebar width.

    Tip! You can enable or disable the Highlight Layers on Hover setting. Search for "Highlight" in the menu. Or head to Menu > Preferences > Highlight Layers on Hover

    Assets Panel

    Components are aspects of your designs that you can reuse. These could be buttons or icons, or more complex UI elements like navigation menus or status bars.

    The Assets Panel is where you can find all of your Components. You can drag any Component from the Assets Panel into the canvas to create an Instance.

    To open the Assets Panel, click on the Assets heading in the Layers Panel.

    Or, use the keyboard shortcut:

    • macOS: Option 2
    • Windows: Alt  2

    Once you've opened the Assets Panel, you can:

    1. Use the Search field to find a specific Component. We look for Components in the current File, as well as any Libraries you have access to.
    2. Switch between a Grid and List view of Components
    3. Open the Team Library modal
    4. View Local Components that were created in the current File
    5. View Components that are Private to this File
    6. View Components that are Used in the File
    7. Explore Enabled Libraries

    Note: We group Components in the Assets panel by heading. If you have many Components, we present them as a path: File > Page > Frame

    • Explore a File, Page or Frame by clicking on the arrow to expand it
    • Collapse each heading to create more space in the Assets Panel
    • We list enabled Team Libraries in the Assets Panel
    • Create a Component Instance by dragging a Component from the Assets Panel over the canvas

    Team Library

    Team Library allows you to publish Components from your Files to your Library. You can then create Instances of your Components and use these in other Files.

    If you are in a Professional Team, you can also access the Team Library from the Assets Panel. Click the open book icon to open the Library modal.

    Learn more in our Getting started with Team Library article.

    Pages

    Within a File, you can create as many Pages as you need. 

    Each Page has its own Canvas, where you can explore and iterate on your designs. You can even create separate Prototypes on each Page. 

    Learn more about using pages in our Create and Manage Pages article.

    Related Videos

    • Watch: Take a Tour of the Figma Interface
    • Log in to your Figma account

      There are a couple of ways to log in to your Figma account. 

      Once you are logged in to Figma, we will take you to the File Browser when you visit figma.com.

      Note: When you log in from the Desktop app, Figma will direct you to the browser to complete the log in process. This ensures that we complete authentication via any SSO providers securely. Figma will return you to the Desktop app once you log in.

      Log in with your Email Address and Password

      💻Supported

      • Figma Desktop app
      • Figma Web app
      • Figma Mirror on iOS and Android
      1. Head tofigma.com and click Log in in the top-right corner.
      2. Enter your Email address and Passwords in the field provided.
      3. Click Sign in to complete the process and access your account.

      Log in with your Google Account

      💻 Supported

      • Figma Desktop app
      • Figma Web app
      • Figma Mirror on iOS and Android
      1. Head to figma.com and click Log in in the top-right corner.
      2. Click the Log in with Google button.
      3. If you're already logged in to Google, you'll simply be prompted to confirm your details.
      4. Otherwise, enter your Google Email or Phone number and click Next.
      5. Enter your password and click Next to complete the process.

      Log in with SAML SSO

      💻 Supported

      •  Figma Desktop app
      • Figma Web app
      • Figma Mirror on iOS

      Not supported: Figma Mirror on Android.

      1. Head to figma.com and click Log in in the top-right corner.
      2. Click the Login with with SAML SSO link.
      3. Enter your Email in the field provided and click **Log in in.**This will perform a check to ensure the domain is registered to an Organization.
      4. If the domain is registered, you can enter your Password.
      5. Click Log in to complete the process and access your account.

      Forgot your Password?

      1. Click the Forgot password link in the log in modal.
      2. Enter your Email address and click Reset password.
      3. We'll send an email to your address. Click the Reset your password link the email.
      4. Choose a new password and then Confirm password in the field provided.
      5. Click Submit to reset the password.

       

    • Use the File Browser

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Starter, Student and Professional plans

      Part of an Organization? Your File Browser will look at little different. Check out our Navigate your Organization with the File Browser article.

      When you first open Figma, we'll take you to the File Browser.

      The File Browser allows you to navigate through your account. You can use it to access Personal Files, Create and Join Teams, and connect with the wider Figma Community.

      On the left side of the page is the sidebar. This provides the main method of navigation for getting around Figma.

      We'll display everything else - your Files, Teams and Projects - in the main body of the File Browser. Explore each aspect of the File Browser below.

      Account

      To access your account, click your name in the top-left corner of the File Browser. 

      Your account allows you to access your Public Community profile, your Team or Organization Activity, and your account Settings.

      You can navigate between these tabs using the Toolbar at the top of the Page:

      Tip! Notifications help keep you in loop with what's happening in your Figma account. You can access your notifications in the File Browser, by clicking the bell icon next to your name. Learn more in our Stay in the loop with Notifications article.

      Community Profile

      Community profiles showcase your contributions to the Figma Community. Specifically, any Plugins or Files you've published to Community.

      You can preview and update your Community profile by clicking on the Public tab. This allows you to preview what other Figma community members will see, and make any changes.

      Settings

      The account Settings page allows you to update any global settings that apply across your entire Figma account.

      There are also a few settings there for customizing your Figma experience. Or, for removing integrations from your account. 

      Search

      The Search bar at the top of the File Browser allows you to find and view Files that you have access to. In Starter, Student or Professional Teams you can search for Files across:

      • Your own Drafts
      • Your Recents
      • Teams and Projects of which you are a Member
      • Any Shared Projects or Files outside of Teams

      Learn more about finding Files in our Search, Sort and View Files article.

      Recent Files

      Open your Recent Files to check out any Files you have recently viewed or edited. This will include any:

      • Personal Files from your Drafts folder.
      • Files from any Teams you're a part of.
      • Files from other Teams or Projects.
      • Files from other people's Drafts.
      • Files you've accessed via Link sharing.

      Want to manage what appears in your recent files? Check out our Manage your Recent Files article.

      Plugins

      Plugins are third-party scripts or applications that extend the functionality of another application. You can use plugins to customize your experience, or create more efficient workflows.

      The Plugins link in the File Browser allows you to explore Plugins shared with the Community. Learn more in our Browse, Install and Run Plugins article.

      Drafts

      Within the Drafts page you access both your Drafts and any Deleted Files. Use the tabs to switch between views.

      Drafts

      Every Figma user has a Drafts. You can think of your Drafts like a sketchbook or notebook. It's a place where you can jot down your ideas and experiment with different concepts.

      Drafts are separate from any teams or projects. Any files you create here are your own. There are no limits in the Drafts folder, so create as many files as you like!

      • Click the [+] button next to Drafts in the sidebar to create a new file in your Drafts.
      • Or, click the New File button in the File Browser.

      Ready to collaborate? Figma encourages an open and collaborative design environment. It's never too early to share your ideas and collaborate with others. Invite collaborators to your Personal Files or Move Files from your Drafts into team projects.

      Deleted Files

      Looking for your Deleted Files? We moved Deleted Files from the sidebar, to a tab in your Drafts.

      The Deleted Files tab is an archive of your Deleted Files. 

      When you delete a File in your account, we will move the File here. If anyone else deletes a File or Project that you are the Owner of, we will add it here. Files remain in the Deleted Files folder indefinitely.

      It's not possible to open a Deleted File. But you can restore, delete, or duplicate Deleted files. Learn more about managing Deleted Files in our article.

      Tip! You can use the Created by... setting to choose which Files to include in the results. You can choose between Files created by Anyone, You, or Others.

      Shared Files and Projects

      You can find any Files or Projects shared with you in the  Shared Files folder.

      This will include:

      • Drafts that another collaborator has invited you to.
      • External Projects that another collaborator has invited you to.

      Tip! You will find a Sort selector in the top-right corner of the File Browser This allows you to change the order that Files appear. Learn more about sorting Files in our Search, Sort and View Files article.

      Teams

      We list every Team you are a member of in the sidebar of the File Browser. This allows to switch between those teams in the File Browser. We show any projects you've favorited underneath the Team name in the sidebar.

       Manage every aspect of your Team - from projects to billing - from theTeam Page. Click on the Team name to open the Team page. 

      Tip! Choose the order that your Teams appear in the File Browser:

      1. Click on the Team name and drag it up or down.
      2. A black line will show where you can move the Team.
      3. Drag the Team to a new location. Release to confirm the order.
    • Navigate the Toolbar in the Editor

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Any  plan can access the Toolbar in the Editor

      Users will need Edit access to use every tool in the toolbar. Users with View access will be able to use some functions in the toolbar.

      The toolbar contains a variety of tools and functions you might use while designing in Figma. What appears in the toolbar depends on what you have selected on the canvas. From left to right we have...

      Menu

      The Menu contains Figma's search feature and various other functions organized in the menu. Search by name, or browse by general section (e.g. File, Edit, View, etc). If there is a keyboard shortcut for the function you're trying to perform, it will be listed in here as well. 

      Move Tool / Scale Tools

      The Move Tool (V) is selected by default when you open files in Figma. This tool allows you to select and reorder layers in the Layers Panel, as well as move elements around on your Canvas. Click the drop down icon to the right of the Move Tool (or use the K keyboard shortcut) and you'll find the Scale Tool. 

      Shape Tools

      In addition to drawing your own shapes using the Pen Tool, there are a number of default shapes you can use in Figma. Click the dropdown menu next to the rectangle to see the available Shape Tools and shortcuts.

      Frame Tool

      In Figma, Frames are like Artboards. You can use the Frame tool using either the A or F keyboard shortcut. With the Frame Tool active, you'll be able to select pre-defined Frame dimensions from the Properties Panel on the right.

      Pen Tool

      Draw custom shapes and icons with the Pen Tool using Figma's Vector Networks.

      Text Tool

      Use the T keyboard shortcut to add text objects to your designs.

      Comment Tool

      The Comment Tool (C) allows you to quickly exchange ideas with other team members. Comments are accessible to anyone with view or edit permissions to the file. 

      Edit Object

      Once you've drawn a shape on the canvas, use the Edit Object tool to quickly enter vector edit mode.

      Reset Instance

      Clear any overrides you may have added to instances with the Reset Instance button.

      Create Component

      Design reusable pieces of UI elements by turning them into Components.

      Use as Mask

      Hide and show specific portions of other layers using Masks. 

      Boolean Operations and Flatten Selection

      Combine shape layers through one of four formulas: Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude. Boolean operations are then treated as a single shape. 

      Multiplayer and Observation Mode

      This displays the avatars of other collaborators who are also editing or viewing the same File. Click on a users' avatar to enter Observation Mode and view their actions in real-time. This is great for presentations and design critiques.

      Share

      Clicking this button opens the Share dialog so you can invite people to your File directly, create a public link, copy live embed code, and more.

      Present

      Clicking the Present icon will enter Presentation View where you can view your finished prototypes.

      View Settings

      From here you can change the zoom level, and toggle other view preferences like Snap to Pixel Grid, Pixel Preview, Layout Grids, Rulers, Outlines and Multiplayer Cursors. Learn more.

    • Adjust your view settings in the Editor

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Any plan can use Frames

      Users with at least View access to a File can adjust their view settings. These settings on apply to your view of the file.

       You can customize your Editor preferences in the View Settings menu. You can find this by clicking the Zoom dropdown in the top-right corner of the Editor:

      From here you can toggle your Global settings like viewing Layout or Pixel Grids and Multiplayer Cursors. You can also find your Zoom Settings here.

      Each setting in this list can be toggled off or on. If there is a check next to the setting then it is currently enabled. If there isn't a check, then it is currently disabled.

      You can then click on the setting from the menu to enable it.

      Zoom Settings

      When you first open a File, the default Zoom level will be set to Zoom to Fit.

      You may want to update this to a specific percentage, or use the controls to Zoom In or Zoom Out on the canvas. Any changes you make to the Zoom settings will only apply to the current File.

      You have a number of Zoom settings available:

      1. You can use the field provided to enter a specific Zoom percentage.
      2. Use the Zoom In and Zoom Out options to adjust the Zoom level at pre-determined increments.

        Or, you can also use the Keyboard Shortcuts: Zoom In + Zoom Out -
      3. You can use the Zoom to Fit option Shift  1 to fit the entire working area of the canvas in screen.

        Tip! You can also Zoom to Selection by using the Keyboard Shortcut Shift  2

      4. You can also Zoom to a specific percentage. This will display the canvas at the percentage of the virtual/actual pixel size.
        1. Zoom to 50%
        2. Zoom to 100%
        3. Zoom to 200%

      Tip! If you are opening a Figma URL that links to a specific node, the canvas will be zoomed to fit that specific node.

      You can also use your Trackpad or Mouse to Zoom in and out on the canvas:

      Trackpad

      Mouse
      MacOS + Windows:
      • Pinch two fingers together to Zoom out
      • Stretch two fingers apart to Zoom in
      • Windows: Scroll the mouse wheel up (Zoom In) or down (Zoom Out).
      • Apple Magic Mouse: Double-tap with one finger to zoom in and back out of a webpage or PDF.


      Pixel Preview

      By default, vectors in Figma are rendered as resolution-independent. This means that there aren't fixed resolutions for the paths you create in the canvas.

      To support pixel-precise editing, you can enable Pixel Preview. This allows you to preview vector objects in their rasterized format.

      You can view Pixel Preview in either 1x or 2x mode. This allows you to preview how objects will appear on both low and high resolution displays.

      1. Open the View Settings menu.
      2. Hover over the Pixel Preview option. This will open a menu that shows the setting as Disabled: 
      3. Select either 1x or 2x from the options: 

      4. A tick will appear next to the setting in the menu. You will also receive a notification in the canvas: 

      To disable:

      1. Head back to the View Settings menu.
      2. Hover over the Pixel Preview option.
      3. Select Disable from the options: 

      Tip! You can also use the Keyboard Shortcut to toggle Pixel Preview off and on:

      • MacOS: Control P
      • Windows: Control Alt P

      Pixel Grid

      For greater accuracy when placing and aligning objects, you can enable the Pixel Grid. 

      Each square in the Pixel Grid represents a single pixel, when exported at 1x resolution.

      1. Click on the View Settings menu:
      2. If there is no check next to it, you can select Pixel Grid to toggle this on:
      3. If there is already a check next to Pixel Grid, you can click it again to toggle it off.
      4. You can also use the Keyboard Shortcuts to toggle the Pixel Grid off and on:
        1. MacOS: ⌘ '
        2. Windows: Ctrl '

      Snap to Pixel Grid

      The Pixel Grid itself will only be visible at zoom levels of 400% or higher. If you want to use the Pixel Grid while zoomed out, the Snap to Pixel Grid setting is a great tool.

      When you enable this functionality we will align objects to the underlying grid when placing or moving them. This can help to prevent mis-aligned pixel errors when exporting elements.

      1. Click on the View Settings menu.
      2. Select Snap to Pixel Grid to toggle this on.
      3. If there is already a check next to Snap to Pixel Grid, click it again to toggle it off.
      4. You can also use the Keyboard Shortcuts to toggle the Pixel Grid off and on:
        1. MacOS: ⌘  '
        2. Windows: Ctrl Shift '

      Note: It's still possible to place Objects on sub-pixel values when using the Scale tool.

      Limitations of the Pixel Grid

      Both your browser and your hardware determine what 1 pixel corresponds to on your display.

      As you can use Figma on most operating systems and browsers - with a multitude of hardware options - "1 pixel" is not always the same as the next.

      For this reason, any pixels in Figma are really "virtual pixels".

      If you're wanting to work in a more resolution-independent manner, we recommend using Layout Grids to control placement and alignment of objects. Learn more about creating and using Layout Grids in our Layout Grids article.

      Layout Grids

      You can toggle the visibility of all Layout Grids in your Files, from the View Settings menu.

      This is great if you'd like to preview how a design will look, without having to remove or hide Layout Grids for individual objects.

      1. Click on the View Settings menu:
      2. If there is no check next to the Layout Grids option, click to display them:
      3. If there is a check already showing, clicking Layout Grids will hide them:
      4. You can also use the Keyboard Shortcut Shift   G to toggle Layout Grids.

      Learn more about creating and using Layout Grids in our Layout Grids article.

      Multiplayer Cursors

      If you're collaborating with other Team members in a File, you will be able to see their actions via the Multiplayer cursors.

      Your Team member's name and cursor will be shown next to their location on the canvas.

      If you don't want to be distracted by other Team member's actions, you can hide their cursors from your view.

      1. Click on the View Settings menu.
      2. If there is no check next to the Multiplayer Cursors option, click to display them.
      3. If there is a check already showing, click Multiplayer Cursors again to hide.
      4. You can also use the Keyboard Shortcut Option-Command-\to toggle Multiplayer Cursors.
    • Explore the Canvas

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Any plan

      Users with View access to a File can explore and move around the Canvas

      The Canvas in Figma is the backdrop on which all of your Frames, Groups, and other Layers live. It has a finite size of -65,000 through +65,000 on each axis.

      By default, vectors are rendered as resolution-independent paths in the canvas though you can turn on Pixel Preview at 1x and 2x resolutions to enable pixel-precise editing for raster assets.

      The default background color of the Canvas will be #E5E5E5, but you can change the background color in the Properties Panel by de-selecting any Layers and clicking the color picker labeled “Background.”

      If you like having Rulers visible on your canvas, you can use the Shift + R shortcut to enable them. You can also use the search feature under the menu icon to search for rulers. 

    • Design, Prototype and view Code in the Properties Panel

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Any Plan

      Users with Edit access to a File can access all of the Properties Panel

      Users with View access to a File can only access the Code section

      When you're in the Editor, you will see a sidebar on each side of the canvas. Along with the Toolbar, these sidebars make up the Figma UI.

      The Figma UI allows you to access, create and adjust elements of your design.

      • The sidebar on the Left gives you access to the Layers, Assets and Pages included in your File. We call this the Layers Panel. Learn more about navigating the Layers Panel in our Layers Panel article.
      • The sidebar on the Right allows you to view and adjust the Properties of any object. You can also access the File's Prototype settings and view the Code of any selected object(s). We refer to this as the Properties Panel.

      In this article, we're going to take you on a tour of the Properties Panel. There are three heading at the top the panel. You can use these to switch between each tab.

      Design

      The Design tab allows you to view, add, remove or change the properties of Objects within your design.

      When you have nothing selected in the Design Panel, you will be able to view any Styles that are local to the File. You'll also be able to update the Background color of the canvas.

      Once you select a layer, the Design tab will consist of many different settings. The type of Layer you've selected will determine what settings are available in the Properties Panel.

      For example: When you select a Text object, you will be able to view and adjust the Text formatting. When you select a Component, you will be able to view, detach or swap Instances in the Instance settings.

      Any properties that are currently active will show up in black. Inactive properties that aren't applied to the selected layer will show as greyed out.

      The following properties are available in the Design tab. You can click the links below to find out more about each property:

      Prototype

      The Prototype Panel gives you access to all the Prototyping functionality.

      This allows you to establish connections between Frames in your design. You can then apply transitions that simulate how a user might interact with them.

      The Prototype tab consists of five sections:

      1. Choose an Interaction

        Allows you to define the Trigger, Action and Destination for any Interactions.

      2. Apply an Animation

        Allows you to define the Transition that moves the users between Frames. You can also adjust the Direction, Easing, Duration and Smart Animation.

      3. Customize an Overlay

        Allows you to create tool-tips, interactive menus, alerts or confirmations.

      4. Define the Overflow Behavior

        Allows you to define how your Prototype responds to scrolling. This allows you to create more advanced user interactions e.g. carousels, galleries or interactive maps.

      5. Adjust the Prototype Settings

        Allows you to adjust the Device, Background and Starting Frame of your Prototype.

      Learn more about the Prototype tab and creating Prototypes in our Getting Started with Prototyping article.

      Code

      The third option in the Properties Panel is the Code tab. This allows you to see how to express elements of your design in code.

      You can choose from the following formats:

      1. CSS (Web Development)
      2. iOS
      3. Android

      You can also toggle between a Code and List view, using the icons provided:

      Learn more about translating your designs to code in our Share designs with developer handoff article.

    • Give feedback with comments

      Before you Start

      Who can use this feature

      Users on Any plan can use comments

      Users with at least View access to a File can use comments

      Comments takes collaboration to the next level. You can use comments to respond to feedback, tweak your designs and iterate faster - all from the original design File.

      You can add comments to Files or Prototypes.

      To view, make and respond to comments you will need to enter Comment mode. Learn more about comments in the articles linked below!

      Make comments

      Manage comments

      Edit comments

      To enter Comment mode, click the Comment icon in the toolbar:

      Note: You won't be able to make any changes to Objects in the Canvas while you are viewing Comments. You will need to select another tool in the Toolbar to continue editing a File.