Key takeaways:
- Figma allows you to easily change the background color of your canvas, frames, and shapes
- You can use solid colors, gradients, or even images as background fills
- Changing background colors can help create visual hierarchy, improve readability, and reinforce your brand identity
Figma is a powerful design tool that enables you to create stunning user interfaces, illustrations, and more. One of the essential aspects of designing in Figma is working with colors, particularly background colors. Whether you’re creating a new design from scratch or updating an existing one, knowing how to change the background color in Figma is crucial.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the background color of your canvas, frames, and shapes in Figma. We’ll also explore some tips and best practices for using background colors effectively in your designs.
Table of Contents
Changing the Canvas Background Color
The canvas is the main working area in Figma, and it’s the backdrop for all your designs. By default, the canvas background color is set to a light gray (#F5F5F5). However, you can easily change this to suit your preferences or design requirements. Here’s how:
- Make sure no layers or objects are selected on the canvas
- In the right sidebar, locate the “Fill” section under the “Design” tab
- Click on the color swatch to open the color picker
- Choose a color from the preset options, enter a hex code, or use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your design
- The canvas background color will update instantly
Changing the Background Color of Frames
Frames are the building blocks of your Figma designs, acting as containers for your layers and objects. Each frame can have its own background color, independent of the canvas. To change a frame’s background color:
- Select the frame you want to modify
- In the right sidebar, locate the “Fill” section under the “Design” tab
- Click on the color swatch to open the color picker
- Choose a color from the preset options, enter a hex code, or use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your design
- The frame’s background color will update instantly
You can also add multiple background colors to a frame by clicking the “+” button next to the “Fill” section. This allows you to create gradient backgrounds or stack multiple colors on top of each other.
Changing the Background Color of Shapes
Shapes are vector elements in Figma that can be used to create various design components, such as buttons, icons, and illustrations. Like frames, shapes can have their own background colors. To change a shape’s background color:
- Select the shape you want to modify
- In the right sidebar, locate the “Fill” section under the “Design” tab
- Click on the color swatch to open the color picker
- Choose a color from the preset options, enter a hex code, or use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your design
- The shape’s background color will update instantly
You can also use gradients, images, or even videos as background fills for shapes. Experiment with different fill types to create unique and engaging designs.
Tips for Using Background Colors Effectively
Now that you know how to change background colors in Figma, here are some tips to help you use them effectively in your designs:
- Use contrasting colors: Ensure that your background color contrasts well with the foreground elements, such as text and icons, to improve readability and accessibility.
- Create visual hierarchy: Use different background colors to create visual hierarchy and guide users’ attention to important elements in your design.
- Be consistent: Maintain a consistent color scheme throughout your design to create a cohesive and professional look.
- Consider your brand identity: Choose background colors that align with your brand identity and evoke the desired emotions and associations.
- Test on different devices: Make sure your background colors look good on various devices and screen sizes, as colors may appear differently on different displays.
By following these tips and experimenting with different background colors, you can create visually appealing and effective designs in Figma.
FAQ
Can I use images as background fills in Figma?
Yes, you can use images as background fills for frames and shapes in Figma. Simply select the frame or shape, click on the “Fill” section in the right sidebar, and choose the “Image” option. You can then upload an image or choose one from your existing files.
How do I create a gradient background in Figma?
To create a gradient background in Figma, select the frame or shape you want to apply the gradient to, and click on the “+” button next to the “Fill” section in the right sidebar. Choose “Linear” or “Radial” gradient, and then adjust the gradient stops and colors to your liking.
Can I apply different background colors to multiple frames at once?
Yes, you can apply different background colors to multiple frames simultaneously in Figma. Select the frames you want to modify, then use the “Fill” section in the right sidebar to change the background color. All selected frames will update with the new color.
How do I use the eyedropper tool to select a background color?
To use the eyedropper tool to select a background color in Figma, click on the color swatch in the “Fill” section to open the color picker. Then, click on the eyedropper icon and hover over the desired color in your design. Click to select the color, and it will be applied to your selected frame or shape.
By mastering the art of changing background colors in Figma, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning and effective designs. Experiment with different colors, gradients, and fill types to find the perfect combination for your project. Happy designing!
