How Do You Cut a Shape in Figma?

Are you looking to cut a shape in Figma? Whether you're a newbie or an experienced designer, knowing how to cut shapes is an essential skill. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Select the Shape

Before we can cut a shape, we need to select it. In Figma, you can choose from a variety of shapes such as rectangles, circles, triangles, and more. Simply click on the desired shape tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side of your screen.

Step 2: Draw the Shape

Once you've selected the shape tool, it's time to draw your shape on the canvas. Click and drag your mouse to create the shape of your choice. Don't worry too much about precision at this stage. You can always adjust and refine later.

Step 3: Cut the Shape

To cut a shape in Figma, we'll use the powerful Boolean operations. These operations allow us to combine or subtract shapes from one another.

To start cutting, select both the shape you want to cut and another shape that will act as the cutter. You can select multiple shapes by holding down Shift and clicking on each one.

Next, right-click on one of the selected shapes and choose "Boolean Operations" from the context menu that appears. A list of options will pop up.

• Add: This option combines two or more shapes into one.
• Subtract: This option cuts out one shape from another.
• Intersect: This option keeps only the overlapping area between two shapes.
• Exclude: This option removes the overlapping area between two shapes.

In our case, we want to cut out one shape from another. Therefore, choose the "Subtract" option from the list.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

After performing the Boolean operation, you'll notice that the shape has been cut as desired. However, you might want to make some final adjustments to ensure everything looks just right.

Use Figma's selection and transformation tools to resize, rotate, or move your cut shape. You can also apply additional styling elements like gradients, shadows, or borders for a more polished look.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few handy tips and tricks to help you master cutting shapes in Figma:

• Grouping: If you're working with multiple shapes and want to cut them all at once, group them together first. To group shapes, select them all and press Ctrl+G (Windows) or Cmd+G (Mac).
• Alignment: To align your shapes precisely before cutting, use Figma's alignment tools. You can access these options from the toolbar at the top of your screen.
• Layer Order: The layer order determines which shape will be on top during the Boolean operation. If you're not getting the desired cut result, try changing the layer order of your shapes.

Congratulations! You've successfully learned how to cut a shape in Figma using Boolean operations. With this skill in your toolkit, you'll be able to create intricate designs with ease.

Remember to experiment and have fun while exploring different combinations of shapes and cuts. Happy designing!