Using the Selection Tool in Figma

Key Concepts

• Selecting Single Elements
• Selecting Multiple Elements
• Using the Direct Selection Tool
• Grouping and Ungrouping Elements

Selecting Single Elements

The Selection Tool is the most basic tool in Figma, represented by a black arrow icon. To select a single element, simply click on it with the Selection Tool. Once selected, the element will be highlighted, and you can move, resize, or modify it using the Inspector on the right side of the interface.

Example: Imagine you are picking up a single piece of a puzzle. You click on it to lift it, and you can then move it to the correct position.

Selecting Multiple Elements

To select multiple elements, click and drag the Selection Tool to create a selection box around the elements you want to select. All elements within the box will be highlighted, allowing you to move, resize, or modify them as a group. This is particularly useful when you need to make global changes to several elements at once.

Example: Think of this as grabbing multiple puzzle pieces at once. You draw a box around them, and you can then move them all together to another part of the puzzle.

Using the Direct Selection Tool

The Direct Selection Tool, represented by a white arrow icon, allows you to select and manipulate individual anchor points and paths within a vector shape. Clicking on a vector shape with this tool will reveal its anchor points, which you can then drag to adjust the shape's curves and lines.

Example: Consider this tool as fine-tuning the details of your puzzle piece. You can adjust the edges and curves to make the piece fit perfectly.

Grouping and Ungrouping Elements

Grouping elements in Figma allows you to treat multiple elements as a single unit. To group elements, select them with the Selection Tool and press Ctrl + G (Windows) or Cmd + G (Mac). Ungrouping is done by selecting a grouped element and pressing Ctrl + Shift + G (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + G (Mac).

Example: Think of grouping as bundling several puzzle pieces together to form a larger section. You can then move and manipulate this section as a whole, and ungrouping allows you to separate them back into individual pieces.