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    Vector Editing Essentials

    By Nitin Khatri (Senior UI/UX Designer & Educator)
    Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Principal Product Designer (Reviewer))
    Updated
    Video Lesson: 09:45
    Level: Intermediate
    Official References:
    Figma Help CenterFigma YouTube Channel

    Unlock the power of custom iconography and graphics with vector editing. This lesson covers the Pen and Pencil tools, along with vector networks.

    Complete tasks and quiz to finish this lesson.
    Tasks
    Quiz

    Lesson Video

    Lesson Content

    Learning Objectives

    • •Navigate the Edit Object mode for vector manipulation
    • •Use the Pen tool to create custom paths and icons
    • •Understand Vector Networks for complex multi-handle points
    • •Apply Paint Bucket tool to fill custom vector areas

    What You'll Learn

    1. Introduction to vector points and paths
    2. Creating paths with the Pen Tool vs. the Pencil Tool
    3. Manipulating handles and nodes for perfect curves
    4. Building a custom SVG icon from scratch

    Key Concepts

    Vector Networks
    Bézier Curves
    Node Manipulation
    SVG Production

    Key Takeaways

    • ✓Vectors are resolution-independent and perfect for logos and icons.
    • ✓Figma's vector networks allow more flexibility than traditional vector paths.
    • ✓The Pen tool (P) is used for precision, while the Pencil (Shift + P) is for freehand.
    • ✓Cleaning up nodes and paths makes your graphics easier to style and export.

    Practice Tasks

    Custom Vector Drawing

    Use the Pen tool to create a unique geometric icon from scratch.

    • Select the Pen Tool (P) and enter 'Edit Object' mode
    • Draw a closed path consisting of at least 5 points
    • Use the 'Bend Tool' (Cmd/Ctrl) to turn straight lines into curves
    • Apply a fill and stroke to your custom vector path

    Vector Network Manipulation

    Simplify and refine complex vector networks for clean SVG production.

    • Add a new point to an existing vector line
    • Delete a point and observe how the path automatically heals
    • Use the 'Paint Bucket' tool to fill an enclosed area within a complex network
    • Join two separate vector paths into a single object

    Knowledge Check

    Pass with 70% or higher

    1. How do you enter 'Edit Object' mode to manipulate individual vector nodes?

    2. What is the primary difference between Figma's 'Vector Networks' and standard vector paths?

    3. Which tool is used to create and manipulate Bézier curves in vector mode?

    4. What does 'Joining' two vector points achieve?

    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

    Using Boolean Operations in Figma