11-2 Keyboard Shortcuts and Productivity Tips in Figma
Key Concepts
- Basic Keyboard Shortcuts
- Navigation Shortcuts
- Selection and Manipulation Shortcuts
- Layer Management Shortcuts
- Text Editing Shortcuts
- View and Zoom Shortcuts
- Copy and Paste Shortcuts
- Undo and Redo Shortcuts
- Grouping and Ungrouping Shortcuts
- Alignment and Distribution Shortcuts
- Custom Shortcuts
Basic Keyboard Shortcuts
Basic keyboard shortcuts in Figma include commands like Ctrl+N (New File), Ctrl+O (Open File), and Ctrl+S (Save File). These shortcuts help designers quickly create, open, and save files without using the mouse.
Think of basic keyboard shortcuts as the foundation of a house. Just as a strong foundation supports a building, basic shortcuts support efficient design workflows.
Navigation Shortcuts
Navigation shortcuts in Figma allow designers to move between different parts of the design quickly. For example, Spacebar + Drag allows you to pan the canvas, and Ctrl+ (backtick) toggles between open files.
Consider navigation shortcuts as a map. Just as a map helps you navigate a city, navigation shortcuts help you move around your design efficiently.
Selection and Manipulation Shortcuts
Selection and manipulation shortcuts in Figma enable designers to select and modify elements with ease. For example, V (Select Tool) allows you to select elements, and Ctrl+D (Duplicate) creates a copy of the selected element.
Think of selection and manipulation shortcuts as tools in a toolbox. Just as tools help you build and modify structures, these shortcuts help you build and modify designs.
Layer Management Shortcuts
Layer management shortcuts in Figma help designers organize and manage layers efficiently. For example, Ctrl+G (Group) groups selected elements, and Ctrl+Shift+G (Ungroup) ungroups them.
Consider layer management shortcuts as folders in a filing cabinet. Just as folders help you organize documents, these shortcuts help you organize layers in your design.
Text Editing Shortcuts
Text editing shortcuts in Figma streamline the process of editing text. For example, Ctrl+B (Bold) applies bold formatting, and Ctrl+I (Italic) applies italic formatting.
Think of text editing shortcuts as shortcuts in a word processor. Just as shortcuts help you format text quickly, these shortcuts help you format text in your design efficiently.
View and Zoom Shortcuts
View and zoom shortcuts in Figma allow designers to adjust the view of their design. For example, Ctrl+0 (Fit to Screen) fits the design to the screen, and Ctrl+1 (Zoom In) zooms in on the design.
Consider view and zoom shortcuts as a magnifying glass. Just as a magnifying glass helps you see details, these shortcuts help you see different parts of your design clearly.
Copy and Paste Shortcuts
Copy and paste shortcuts in Figma enable designers to duplicate and reuse elements. For example, Ctrl+C (Copy) copies selected elements, and Ctrl+V (Paste) pastes them.
Think of copy and paste shortcuts as photocopying. Just as photocopying allows you to duplicate documents, these shortcuts allow you to duplicate design elements.
Undo and Redo Shortcuts
Undo and redo shortcuts in Figma allow designers to reverse and repeat actions. For example, Ctrl+Z (Undo) reverses the last action, and Ctrl+Shift+Z (Redo) repeats it.
Consider undo and redo shortcuts as a time machine. Just as a time machine allows you to go back and forth in time, these shortcuts allow you to go back and forth in your design process.
Grouping and Ungrouping Shortcuts
Grouping and ungrouping shortcuts in Figma help designers organize elements. For example, Ctrl+G (Group) groups selected elements, and Ctrl+Shift+G (Ungroup) ungroups them.
Think of grouping and ungrouping shortcuts as packing and unpacking boxes. Just as packing boxes help you organize items, these shortcuts help you organize design elements.
Alignment and Distribution Shortcuts
Alignment and distribution shortcuts in Figma allow designers to align and distribute elements evenly. For example, Ctrl+Alt+A (Align Left) aligns selected elements to the left, and Ctrl+Alt+D (Distribute Horizontally) distributes them evenly.
Consider alignment and distribution shortcuts as a carpenter's level. Just as a level helps you align objects, these shortcuts help you align and distribute design elements.
Custom Shortcuts
Custom shortcuts in Figma allow designers to create personalized shortcuts for frequently used actions. For example, you can create a custom shortcut for exporting assets or toggling layers.
Think of custom shortcuts as personalized tools. Just as personalized tools help you work more efficiently, custom shortcuts help you streamline your design process.