Boolean Operations in Figma

Boolean Operations in Figma allow you to manipulate shapes by combining, subtracting, or intersecting them. These operations are essential for creating complex shapes and designs efficiently.

Key Concepts

• Union
• Subtract
• Intersect

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 that are not easily drawn with basic tools.

Example: Imagine you are designing a logo that requires a combination of a circle and a square. Using the Union operation, you can merge these two shapes into one, creating a unique design element.

Subtract

The Subtract operation removes the area of one shape from another. The shape that is subtracted acts as a "cookie cutter," removing parts of the other shape where they overlap. This is helpful for creating cut-out effects and complex shapes.

Example: Consider designing a badge that has a circular cut-out in the center. You can use the Subtract operation to remove the circle from the main shape, leaving a ring-like structure.

Intersect

The Intersect operation retains only the overlapping area of two or more shapes. The non-overlapping parts are removed, leaving a new shape that represents the intersection of the original shapes. This is useful for creating intricate designs with precise overlaps.

Example: Imagine designing a Venn diagram where you need to show the intersection of two circles. Using the Intersect operation, you can isolate the overlapping area, highlighting the common ground between the two concepts.