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• Log in to your Figma account

  Before you Start

  Who can use this feature

  Users on Any  Figma plan

  Users will need to have already signed up for a Figma account using their chosen method

  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 on

  • 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. 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. 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, Education, 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.

  • Discover Files and Plugins in the Figma Community
  • Create a Community Profile
  • Publish a File to the Community
  • Make Plugins for Figma

  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. 

  • Update your Email Address or Password
  • Update your Name or Profile Picture
  • Add Two-Factor Authentication to your Account
  • Enable or Disable Notifications
  • Delete your Figma Account

  Universal Search

  Select the search option in the top-left corner of the File Browser. This will open a search bar in the main body of the File Browser.

  

  In Starter, Education or Professional teams you can search for the following resources.

  Files

  • Files in your Drafts
  • Files in your Recents
  • Files from any teams and projects of which you are a member
  • Any other files that have been shared with you

  Projects

  • Projects in teams that you're a member of
  • Shared projects that you contribute to

  Profiles

  Search for collaborators and view their contributions to teams you're a member of

  View and sort results

  Figma separates search results based on the type of resource you're looking for. Click on the tabs to switch between results.

  

  In the File Browser, there are two views available when viewing files, projects, and search results. Use the icons in the top-right corner to switch between grid and list views.

  

  Choose how Figma sorts your search results using the sort field. You can find this next to the view icons. The options you see here will depend on which resource results you are viewing.

  Learn more about interacting with files in the File Browser.

  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 the Team 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.
• Access tools in the Editor with the toolbar

  Before you start

  Who can use this feature

  Users on any team or plan can access the toolbar in the Editor.

  Users will need can edit access to use every tool in the toolbar. Users with can view access can use some functions in the toolbar.

  The toolbar contains a variety of tools and functions you might use when in Figma. What appears in the toolbar depends on what you have selected on the canvas.

  Access the toolbar at the top of your screen in Figma.

  

  Menu

  Click the menu icon to access the main 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, Figma will list it next to the setting.

  • Back to Files: Open the file Browser in the current location.
  • File: Perform file-level permissions, including importing and exporting.
  • Edit: Access undo/redo, copy/paste, and advanced selection functions.
  • View: Control view settings for layout grids and rulers, perform zoom functions, and navigate within a file.
  • Object: Apply object-level functions like grouping, framing, rotating, and more.
  • Text: Format text with bolds or italics, and set size, height, and spacing.
  • Arrange: Tidy up objects with alignment and distribution functions.
  • Plugins: View, manage, and run any plugins you have installed.
  • Integrations: View, manage, and use any applications you have connected.
  • Preferences: Adjust your preferences.
  • Libraries: Open the Library modal.

  Tools

  Move and Scale tools

  When you open files in the Editor, Figma will select the Move Tool V by default .

  The Move tool allows you to select and reorder layers in the Layers Panel, or move objects around on the canvas.

  Click the arrow to the right of the Move Tool to access the Scale tool K. This allows you to resize entire objects or layers.

  Frame and Slice tools

  If you've used design tools before, you'll be familiar with Artboards. Like Artboards, frames allow you to choose an area of the canvas to create your designs in.

  Use the keyboard shortcuts A or F to select the frame tool. Create a frame with your own dimensions in the canvas, or select a frame size from Figma's presets in the right-hand panel.

  Click the arrow next to the frame tool to access the Slice tool. The Slice tool allows you to specify a region of the screen you want to export.

  Use the keyboard shortcut S to select the Slice 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 drop down menu to choose from:

  • Rectangle R
  • Line L
  • Arrow Shift L
  • Ellipse O
  • Polygon
  • Star
  • Place Image ⌥ Option ⌘ Command K

  Pen and Pencil tools

  The Pen tool P allows you create custom shapes and icons. Build complex Vector Networks using vector paths, anchor points, and bezier curves.

  The Pencil tool allows you to add freehand drawings or annotations to your design files.

  Figma will apply some basic smoothing to any paths you create with the Pencil tool. Press the Enter / Return key to edit the path and any anchor points in Vector Edit mode.

  MacOS: ⌥ Option P

  Windows: Shift P

  Text tool

  Text is one of the crucial components of interface design. Everything from the placement and arrangement of text, to the choice of font, has a part to play.

  Select the Text tool from the Toolbar, or press the T key to add text layers to your file.

  • Click once in the canvas to add a text layer that grows horizontally
  • Click and drag to create a text layer that is fixed in size

  Learn more about creating text layers.

  Hand tool

  The Hand Tool allows you to click around within a file without accidentally activating hover outlines, making selections, or moving objects.

  If you're using Figma on a device with a touch screen, the Hand Tool allows you to pan around a file using your fingers.

  Tip! Press and hold the Space bar to activate the Hand Tool.

  Comment tool

  The Comment tool allows you to quickly exchange ideas with collaborators. Use comments to respond to feedback, tweak your designs and iterate faster - all from the original design file.

  Comments are accessible to anyone with view or edit permissions to the file.

  Contextual tools

  When you have a layer or object selected, you will see the Contextual tools in the center of the toolbar. Which tools you see here will depend on your specific selection.

  Edit Object

  Click the Edit Object icon to enter Vector Edit mode. This allows you to add, remove, or adjust the individual anchor points within a vector path.

  This option will only be available when you select a single vector path. Learn more about working with Vector Networks.

  Or, click the Enter / Return key to enter Vector Edit mode.

  Reset Instance

  You will see this option when your selection includes a Component Instance with overrides. Click the Reset instance icon to reset any Overrides and restore the Master Component.

  Create Components

  Components are elements that you can reuse across your designs. They help to create and manage consistent designs across projects. Click the Create Component icon to create a Component out of your selection.

  If you select more than one layer or frames, use the arrow next to the icon to choose how to create Components:

  • Create Component: Create a single Component from your selection.
  • Create Multiple Components: Create a Component for each layer or frame in your selection.

  MacOS: Control Commmand K

  Windows: Ctrl  Alt K

  Use as Mask

  Masks let you show or hide specific portions of a layer or object. Click the Mask icon to create a mask out of the current selection.

  When you create a mask, Figma will place every layer within that selection inside a Mask group. Figma will use the outline of the current layer to determine what you can see of any layers underneath.

  MacOS: Control Commmand M

  Windows: Ctrl  Alt M

  Boolean Operations and Flatten Selection

  Combine shape layers using Boolean operations, or by flattening the selection:

  • Union Selection: Combine overlapping vector paths into a single path.

  • Subtract Selection: Remove any overlapping paths from the base layer.

  • Intersect Selection: Create a single path from any overlapping paths.

  • Exclude Selection: Create a single path from the part of the layers that don't overlap.

  • Flatten selection: Create a single layer from the selection.

    MacOS: Commmand E

    Windows: Ctrl E

  Note: This option is only available when you have more than one layer selected.

  When you have no layers selected, Figma will show the project and the file name in the middle of the toolbar. This lets you access the following file-level actions:

  • Publish Styles & Components: Open the Library modal
  • Show Version History: Open Version History in the right-hand panel
  • Export: Open the Export List
  • Duplicate: Make a copy of the file in it's current location
  • Rename: Give the file another name
  • Delete: Delete the file for you any collaborators
  • Move to Project: Change the file's location

  Share and view settings

  Multiplayer and observation mode

  See who else is active on the file. This includes anyone who is currently viewing or editing the 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

  Click the Share button to open the share modal. This lets you manage who has access to your file. From the share modal you can:

  • Invite Viewers or Editors to a file
  • Share files with others using Link Sharing
  • Transfer ownership of a file
  • Adjust permissions on a file
  • Remove a collaborator from a file
  • Prevent Viewers from copying, sharing, or export from files

  Present

  Click the Present icon to open the file in Presentation View. This lets you preview your designs and interact with any prototypes you've created.

  View Settings

  Adjust your view settings on your file, including:

  • Zoom Settings
  • Pixel Preview
  • Pixel Grid
  • Layout Grids
  • Multiplayer Cursors

  When you update these settings, they will only apply to your view of the current file.

• 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:

  • Alignment and Distribution
  • Frame Size and Orientation 
  • Position on the Canvas (X and Y) 🔗
  • Dimensions of the Object (Width and Height) 🔗
  • Instance 
  • Constraints 
  • Layout Grid
  • Layer (Blend Modes)
  • Text 
  • Fill 
  • Stroke
  • Effects 
  • Export Settings 

  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.

• Getting started 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

  • Comment on files
  • Comment on prototypes
  • Mention a collaborator 
  • Add emoji to a comment

  Manage comments

  • View comments
  • Sort and filter comments
  • Reply to comments
  • Resolve comments
  • Delete comments 
  • Adjust comment notification settings

  Edit comments

  • Edit the content of a comment
  • Change the location of a comment

  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.