21

    Using Boolean Operations in Figma

    By Nitin Khatri (Senior UI/UX Designer & Educator)
    Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Principal Product Designer (Reviewer))
    Updated
    Video Lesson: 10:15
    Level: Advanced
    Official References:
    Figma Help CenterFigma YouTube Channel

    Create complex custom shapes by combining simple primitives. This lesson covers Boolean Operations (Union, Subtract, Intersect, Exclude) and non-destructive editing.

    Complete tasks and quiz to finish this lesson.
    Tasks
    Quiz

    Lesson Video

    Lesson Content

    Learning Objectives

    • •Identify the four primary Boolean operations and their uses
    • •Perform non-destructive shape combining for flexible editing
    • •Flatten complex Boolean shapes into single vector paths
    • •Create professional-grade custom icons using shape subtraction

    What You'll Learn

    1. Understanding Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude
    2. The Boolean groups panel and layer organization
    3. When to keep shapes live vs. when to 'Flatten Selection'
    4. Advanced icon construction workflow

    Key Concepts

    Boolean Operations
    Non-destructive Editing
    Layer Flattening
    Geometric Construction

    Key Takeaways

    • ✓Boolean operations allow you to build complex shapes from basic circles and squares.
    • ✓Operations are non-destructive, meaning you can still move original shapes inside the group.
    • ✓Subtract is commonly used to create 'cut-outs' in icons and UI elements.
    • ✓Flattening is useful when you are finished and want a clean SVG export.

    Practice Tasks

    Compound Graphic Creation

    Construct a complex icon using foundational shapes and boolean subtraction/union.

    • Create a 'Search' icon using a circle and a rectangle
    • Use the 'Subtract' operation to hollow out the circle
    • Use 'Union' to combine the handle and the ring into a single boolean group
    • Verify you can still move the handle independently within the group

    Flattening for Output

    Finalize your complex shapes for clean SVG exports and simplified layer management.

    • Select a boolean group with at least 3 layers
    • Apply 'Flatten' (Cmd+E) to convert it into a single vector path
    • Identify the 'Path' icon in the Layers panel
    • Export the flattened shape as an SVG and inspect the code cleanliness

    Knowledge Check

    Pass with 75% or higher

    1. What is the primary advantage of Figma's Boolean Operations being 'non-destructive'?

    2. Which Boolean operation would you use to create a 'donut' shape from two overlapping circles?

    3. What does the 'Exclude Selection' operation do?

    4. When should you use the 'Flatten' command on a Boolean group?

    5. Which operation keeps only the area where all selected shapes overlap?

    Lesson FAQ

    Q: How can I practice what I learned in this lesson?

    We highly recommend opening your own Figma workspace in a side window and repeating the steps shown in the video. Utilize the tasks checklist above for specific practice targets.

    Q: What should I do if my layout behaves differently from the walkthrough?

    Double-check parent-child constraints and resizing values (e.g. Hug vs Fill). Ensure Auto Layout direction is correct and check the related guidebooks below for step-by-step visual references.

    Lesson Resources & Connections

    Prerequisites

    No prerequisites required. This is a foundational starter lesson.

    Related Guidebook

    How to create responsive layouts in Figma using Auto Layout

    Read Guidebook →

    How to use Auto Layout for cards and lists in Figma

    Read Guidebook →

    Relevant Design Tool

    Image Compressor

    Reduce asset size before export.

    Open Companion Tool →

    Next Lesson

    Working with Effects and Shadows