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How to Insert Arrows and Shapes in Figma Designs

Figma is a popular design and prototyping tool that allows users to create vector graphics, UI designs, diagrams, and more. One of Figma’s most useful features is the ability to insert different arrows, lines, and shapes into designs. These visual elements can help communicate connections, flows, boundaries, containers and much more.

Introduction to Shapes and Arrows in Figma

Shapes and arrows are vector graphic objects that can be inserted onto any Figma canvas. They can be used for:

  • Connecting different elements with arrows to show flow
  • Drawing attention to a specific part of a design
  • Organizing related elements into bounded shapes or boxes
  • Decorative elements and visual interest
  • Diagrams, flowcharts, sitemaps, and more

Figma offers a wide variety of basic and specialty shapes, arrows, lines, and text boxes to choose from. These objects are completely customizable in terms of size, color, positioning, and more.

Accessing the Shapes Menu in Figma

To start inserting any shapes or arrows:

  1. Open a Figma file and ensure you have a frame or object selected. You must select a frame first before you can add shapes.
  2. In the toolbar to the left of the canvas, click on the Shapes icon (circle with square inside). This will open the Shapes menu.
  3. The Shapes menu contains several categories of shapes and arrows to select from:
    • Basic Shapes
    • Arrows
    • Lines
    • Stickers
    • More
  4. Hover over any category to view thumbnails of available shapes. Click on a shape to select it.
  5. With the shape selected, click anywhere on the canvas to place the shape.

Customizing Shapes and Arrows

Once placed on the canvas, shapes and arrows can be customized and edited:

Resizing

Click and drag the circular handles on the corners and edges of a shape to resize it. Hold Shift while resizing to maintain proportion.

Color

Select one or multiple shapes. In the Fill color palette, choose a color, gradient, or image texture to change the fill. Outline and stroke colors can also be changed here.

Layer positioning

Shapes and arrows can be reordered by dragging to different spots in the Layers panel, or organized into Groups.

Adding text

Double click on any shape to start typing text. Customize fonts, color, alignments and more.

Converting to outlines

Text and vector shapes can be converted to outlines only by right-clicking and selecting “Convert to Outlines”. This fixes fonts and prevents further editing.

Duplication

Copy and paste any shape, or select it and click the Duplicate icon in the toolbar.

Examples of Using Shapes and Arrows

Here are some examples of how shapes and arrows are commonly used in Figma projects:

Connecting elements with arrows

Arrows are extremely useful for demonstrating connections, relationships, flows, steps in a sequence, and more. For example:

  • User flows and journey maps
  • Process flows and diagrams
  • Pointing to related UI elements
  • Indicating input and output
  • Before and after comparisons
  • Pointing out key features or annotations

To connect elements, add an arrow shape and stretch it to extend between objects. Group the arrow and elements together.

Bounding related items into shapes

Shapes like rectangles and frames can corral related elements together for better organization. For example:

  • Group versions of a component or layout together
  • Indicate sections or modules of a page
  • Link related elements like text and icons
  • Draw attention to a particular area of the canvas

Position shapes to surround or contain related content. Resize as needed.

Decorative backgrounds and textures

Shapes can also be used decoratively to add visual interest or textures to designs. For example:

  • Geometric background shapes
  • Abstract header shapes
  • Creative dividers between sections
  • Custom illustrations and decorations

Experiment with solid, gradient, and image fills for unique textures. Use opacity to create overlays.

Diagrams and sitemaps

Figma’s extensive shape tools make it easy to create diagrams like flowcharts, sitemaps, org charts, and more.

Use rectangles, lines, arrows, text, and more to accurately represent concepts and relationships. Connect shapes to indicate flow order, hierarchy, and connections in the diagram.

Tips for Working with Shapes and Arrows

Here are some top tips for mastering shapes and arrows in Figma:

  • Use vector networks to quickly create interconnected arrows between many objects
  • Hold Shift while drawing an arrow or line to lock rotation at 45 degree angles
  • Align shapes under the Design tab for organized spacing and layouts
  • Name shapes and arrows using the Layers panel for easy identification
  • Lock important shapes in place so they don’t get accidentally moved
  • Use shapes to mask images or obscure areas of the canvas
  • Install the Shapes and Arrows plugin to access more options

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