Locking and Hiding Layers in Figma

Locking and hiding layers are essential features in Figma that help manage and organize your design elements effectively. These tools prevent accidental changes and allow you to focus on specific parts of your design.

Key Concepts

• Locking Layers: This feature prevents selected layers from being edited or moved. It is useful when you want to protect certain elements from accidental changes.
• Hiding Layers: This feature makes selected layers invisible on the canvas. It helps declutter the workspace and focus on specific elements without deleting them.

Detailed Explanation

To use locking and hiding layers, follow these steps:

1. Locking Layers:
   1. Select the layer or group of layers you want to lock.
   2. Click on the lock icon in the Layers panel. The locked layers will have a small lock icon next to them.
   3. Locked layers cannot be selected or edited. To unlock, click the lock icon again.
2. Hiding Layers:
   1. Select the layer or group of layers you want to hide.
   2. Click on the eye icon in the Layers panel. The hidden layers will have a small eye icon with a slash through it next to them.
   3. Hidden layers are not visible on the canvas but still exist in the file. To unhide, click the eye icon again.

Examples and Analogies

To better understand locking and hiding layers, consider the following examples:

• Locking Layers:

  Imagine you are working on a complex puzzle. You have completed certain pieces and want to ensure they do not get moved or altered. Locking these pieces is like placing a protective cover over them, preventing any accidental changes.

• Hiding Layers:

  Consider a cluttered workspace where you need to focus on a specific project. Hiding unrelated items is like clearing your desk to create a clean and focused environment. The items are still there but out of sight, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand.

By mastering locking and hiding layers, you can maintain control over your design elements, prevent accidental changes, and create a more organized and efficient workflow in Figma.