Boolean Operations in Figma

Boolean Operations in Figma allow you to combine, subtract, intersect, or exclude shapes to create complex designs. Understanding these operations can significantly enhance your ability to create intricate and precise vector graphics. Here are the key concepts related to Boolean Operations:

1. 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. This is useful for creating composite shapes from simpler ones.

Example: Imagine you have two overlapping circles. Using the Union operation, you can combine them into a single shape that includes both circles, effectively merging their areas into one.

2. Subtract

The Subtract operation removes the area of one shape from another. The shape that is subtracted acts as a "cutter" and removes the overlapping area from the base shape. This is helpful for creating cut-out effects or negative spaces.

Example: Consider a rectangle and a circle that overlaps it. Using the Subtract operation, you can remove the area of the circle from the rectangle, leaving a rectangular shape with a circular cut-out.

3. Intersect

The Intersect operation creates a new shape that includes only the overlapping area of two or more shapes. This is useful for isolating specific parts of a design that share common areas.

Example: Imagine two overlapping rectangles. Using the Intersect operation, you can create a new shape that includes only the area where the two rectangles overlap, effectively isolating the intersection.

4. Exclude

The Exclude operation removes the overlapping area of two shapes, leaving only the non-overlapping parts. This is useful for creating complex shapes with intricate negative spaces.

Example: Consider two overlapping circles. Using the Exclude operation, you can remove the overlapping area, leaving two crescent-shaped parts that represent the non-overlapping areas of the original circles.

5. Combining Operations

You can combine multiple Boolean Operations to create even more complex shapes. For example, you can first use the Union operation to combine two shapes and then use the Subtract operation to remove a part of the combined shape.

Example: Imagine you have a logo design that requires combining a circle and a square, then removing a triangular section from the combined shape. You would first use the Union operation to combine the circle and square, and then use the Subtract operation to remove the triangular section, resulting in a unique and intricate shape.

By mastering Boolean Operations in Figma, you can create sophisticated and detailed vector graphics, enhancing your design capabilities and allowing for more creative freedom.