Basic Tools and Navigation in Figma

1. Selection Tool (V)

The Selection Tool is the most fundamental tool in Figma, used to select, move, and manipulate objects within your design. When you click on an object with this tool, you can drag it to a new position, resize it, or rotate it. The Selection Tool also allows you to select multiple objects by dragging a marquee around them or holding down the Shift key while clicking on each object.

Example:

Imagine you are arranging furniture in a room. The Selection Tool is like your hand, allowing you to pick up and move each piece of furniture to find the perfect layout. If you want to move a chair, you simply click on it and drag it to a new spot. If you want to move multiple pieces, like a sofa and a coffee table, you can select them all at once and move them together.

2. Hand Tool (H)

The Hand Tool is used for navigating around your canvas. When you are zoomed in on a specific part of your design, the Hand Tool allows you to pan around the canvas without changing the zoom level. This is particularly useful when you need to see different areas of your design without losing focus on the current zoom level.

Example:

Think of the Hand Tool as a virtual camera that allows you to explore a large map. If you are zoomed in on a city, you can use the Hand Tool to move around and see different parts of the city without zooming out. This helps you maintain the level of detail you need while still being able to see the broader context.