Basic Tools and Features in Figma

1. Selection Tool (V)

The Selection Tool (V) is one of the most fundamental tools in Figma. It allows you to select and manipulate elements on the canvas. With this tool, you can click on individual elements to select them, or you can click and drag to create a selection box that encompasses multiple elements. Once selected, you can move, resize, or rotate the elements.

For example, if you have a set of shapes on your canvas and you want to move them together, you can use the Selection Tool to drag a box around all the shapes, then click and drag the group to a new location. This tool is essential for organizing and refining your design layout.

2. Auto Layout

Auto Layout is a powerful feature in Figma that automatically adjusts the spacing and alignment of elements within a frame. When you enable Auto Layout on a frame, any elements inside that frame will automatically resize and reposition based on predefined rules, such as padding, spacing, and alignment settings. This feature is particularly useful for creating responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes.

Imagine you are designing a navigation bar with multiple buttons. By applying Auto Layout to the navigation bar frame, you can ensure that the buttons stay evenly spaced and aligned, even if you add or remove buttons later. This saves time and ensures consistency across your design.

By mastering these two basic tools and features, you'll be well-equipped to handle the foundational aspects of design in Figma. The Selection Tool (V) provides the flexibility to manipulate individual and grouped elements, while Auto Layout streamlines the process of creating responsive and dynamic designs.