Basic Shapes and Objects in Figma
1. The Rectangle Tool
The Rectangle Tool is one of the fundamental tools in Figma, used to create rectangular shapes. This tool is essential for building basic UI elements like buttons, cards, and containers. To use the Rectangle Tool, simply select it from the Toolbar and click and drag on the Canvas to create a rectangle of your desired size.
Think of the Rectangle Tool as the foundation block in a LEGO set. Just as you start building a LEGO structure with basic blocks, you begin your UI design with simple shapes like rectangles. These shapes can then be transformed into more complex elements through resizing, coloring, and layering.
2. The Ellipse Tool
The Ellipse Tool allows you to create circular and oval shapes in Figma. This tool is useful for designing elements like icons, buttons, and decorative elements. To use the Ellipse Tool, select it from the Toolbar and click and drag on the Canvas to create an ellipse of your desired size and shape.
Imagine the Ellipse Tool as a cookie cutter for your design. Just as you use different cookie cutters to create various shapes in baking, you can use the Ellipse Tool to add rounded and circular elements to your design. These shapes can be used to create a sense of softness and continuity in your UI.
3. The Line Tool
The Line Tool is used to create straight lines in Figma. This tool is essential for drawing dividers, borders, and other linear elements in your design. To use the Line Tool, select it from the Toolbar and click and drag on the Canvas to create a line of your desired length and direction.
Think of the Line Tool as the ruler in your design toolkit. Just as you use a ruler to draw straight lines on paper, you can use the Line Tool to add precision and structure to your design. Lines can be used to separate sections, create emphasis, and guide the user's eye through the interface.
By mastering these three basic shapes and objects, you will have the essential skills needed to start creating simple yet effective UI elements in Figma. These tools form the building blocks of more complex designs, making them indispensable for any UX/UI designer.