Selection and Transformation Tools in Figma

Key Concepts

• Selection Tool
• Direct Selection Tool
• Move Tool
• Scale Tool

Selection Tool

The Selection Tool is the default tool in Figma and is used to select and manipulate objects on the canvas. This tool allows you to click on individual elements or drag a selection box to select multiple elements. Once selected, you can move, resize, or duplicate the elements.

Think of the Selection Tool as a cursor that acts like a hand, allowing you to pick up and move objects around your design space. It's the most basic and frequently used tool for organizing and rearranging your design elements.

Direct Selection Tool

The Direct Selection Tool is used to select and manipulate individual points or paths within a vector shape. This tool is particularly useful for fine-tuning the details of your designs, such as adjusting the curves of a vector path or moving individual anchor points.

Imagine the Direct Selection Tool as a magnifying glass that lets you focus on the tiny details of your design. It's like using a fine-tipped brush to touch up a painting, ensuring that every curve and line is perfect.

Move Tool

The Move Tool allows you to move objects precisely on the canvas. When you select an element with the Move Tool, you can click and drag it to a new location. Additionally, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge the element in small increments.

Think of the Move Tool as a precise positioning device, similar to using a laser pointer to guide a piece of furniture into exactly the right spot. It ensures that your design elements are placed with accuracy and precision.

Scale Tool

The Scale Tool is used to resize objects on the canvas. When you select an element with the Scale Tool, you can click and drag the handles around the element to resize it. You can also hold down the Shift key while scaling to maintain the element's aspect ratio.

Consider the Scale Tool as a digital stretching machine, allowing you to adjust the size of your design elements while keeping them proportional. It's like resizing a photo to fit perfectly on a digital frame, ensuring that the image looks sharp and clear at any size.

By mastering these Selection and Transformation Tools—the Selection Tool, Direct Selection Tool, Move Tool, and Scale Tool—you can efficiently manipulate and fine-tune your designs in Figma. These tools are essential for creating precise and polished collaborative designs.