08

    Working with Images and Media

    By Nitin Khatri (Senior UI/UX Designer & Educator)
    Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Principal Product Designer (Reviewer))
    Updated
    Video Lesson: 06:45
    Level: Beginner
    Official References:
    Figma Help CenterFigma YouTube Channel

    UI design often requires high-quality imagery and media. This lesson teaches you how to import, mask, and optimize images directly within your Figma projects.

    Complete tasks and quiz to finish this lesson.
    Tasks
    Quiz

    Lesson Video

    Lesson Content

    Learning Objectives

    • •Import images into files using multiple methods
    • •Apply image fills and adjust scaling/cropping settings
    • •Create complex masks to control image visibility
    • •Integrate and manage basic media elements within designs

    What You'll Learn

    1. Importing images via drag-and-drop and shortcuts
    2. Handling Fill, Fit, Tile, and Crop behaviors
    3. Using shapes and frames for simple and complex masking
    4. Basic image exports and optimization tips

    Key Concepts

    Image Masking
    Cropping Behaviors
    Scale vs. Resize
    Media Assets

    Key Takeaways

    • ✓Images are treated as fills in Figma, providing immense flexibility.
    • ✓Masks allow you to show only specific parts of an image or graphic.
    • ✓Adjusting the 'Fill' behavior (Fit/Crop) ensures images display correctly.
    • ✓Proper asset management keeps your design files efficient and fast.

    Practice Tasks

    Image Integration

    Import images and use masking techniques to frame them within specific shapes.

    • Place an image into Figma using the 'Place Image' shortcut
    • Change an image fill to 'Crop' and adjust the visible area
    • Draw a circle and use it as a 'Mask' for an imported image
    • Adjust the 'Exposure' and 'Contrast' settings of an image fill
    • Add a 10px stroke inside the masked image container

    Knowledge Check

    Pass with 70% or higher

    1. In Figma, how are images technically treated within a frame or shape?

    2. Which image scaling mode ensures the entire image is visible within the container, even if it leaves empty space?

    3. What is the primary purpose of a 'Mask' in Figma?

    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

    Layout Basics for UI Design