How to Use Figma for Beginners

Learn Figma basics: create designs, use tools, collaborate with teams. Complete beginner guide to the popular design platform.

1. Create your Figma account. Go to figma.com and click Sign Up. Enter your email address and create a password, or sign up with Google. Verify your email address when prompted. The free plan includes 3 design files and unlimited personal projects.
2. Start a new design file. Click the + button in your dashboard and select Design File. Choose a frame size from the right panel — iPhone 14 Pro (393×852) for mobile or Desktop (1440×1024) for web designs. Your canvas appears with a device frame ready for design.
3. Master the essential tools. Press V for the selection tool, R for rectangles, O for circles, and T for text. The toolbar on the left contains all design tools. Click and drag to create shapes, then adjust properties like fill color, stroke, and corner radius in the right panel.
4. Add and style text. Select the text tool (T) and click anywhere to start typing. Choose fonts from the right panel — Figma includes Google Fonts by default. Adjust size, weight, and color using the typography controls. Press Cmd+T (Mac) or Ctrl+T (Windows) to quickly change fonts.
5. Work with layers and organization. The left panel shows all layers in your design. Rename layers by double-clicking them — use clear names like Button Primary or Header Navigation. Group related elements by selecting them and pressing Cmd+G (Mac) or Ctrl+G (Windows). Drag layers to reorder them.
6. Create reusable components. Design a button or interface element, then select it and press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows) to create a component. Components appear with a purple outline and diamond icon. Copy components throughout your design — changes to the main component update all copies automatically.
7. Share and collaborate. Click Share in the top-right corner and adjust permissions — View Only for clients, Edit for team members. Copy the link and send it to collaborators. Team members can comment by clicking anywhere and typing, or edit directly if they have permissions.