Boolean Operations in Figma
Key Concepts
- Union
- Subtract
- Intersect
Union
The Union operation combines two or more shapes into a single shape. The resulting shape includes all the areas covered by the original shapes. To perform a Union, select the shapes you want to combine, right-click, and choose "Union" from the context menu. This operation is useful for creating complex shapes by merging simpler ones.
Subtract
The Subtract operation removes the area of one shape from another. The shape you want to subtract from should be selected first, followed by the shape you want to subtract. Right-click and choose "Subtract" from the context menu. This operation is ideal for creating cutouts or negative spaces within your design.
Intersect
The Intersect operation creates a new shape that includes only the overlapping areas of the selected shapes. To perform an Intersect, select the shapes, right-click, and choose "Intersect" from the context menu. This operation is helpful for isolating specific parts of your design that overlap.
Examples and Analogies
Union
Imagine you have two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. The Union operation is like snapping these pieces together to form a complete picture. In Figma, you can use Union to combine shapes to create more complex designs.
Subtract
Think of Subtract as carving out a piece of wood. You start with a block of wood and carve away the parts you don't need. In Figma, Subtract allows you to remove parts of a shape to create unique designs, such as cutouts or negative spaces.
Intersect
Consider Intersect as finding the common ground between two maps. You overlay the maps and highlight only the areas where they overlap. In Figma, Intersect helps you isolate and focus on the overlapping parts of your shapes, which can be useful for creating intricate designs.