Boolean operations (union, subtract, intersect, exclude) in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Boolean operations in Figma let you combine shapes in different ways to create new shapes. This helps you build complex visuals by adding, removing, or overlapping simple shapes without redrawing them.

When you want to combine two shapes into one shape to simplify your design.

When you need to cut out one shape from another to create a hole or a unique shape.

When you want to keep only the overlapping area of two shapes for a focused design element.

When you want to exclude the overlapping area and keep the non-overlapping parts of shapes.

When you want to create icons or logos by merging or subtracting basic shapes quickly.

Steps

Step 1: Select multiple shapes

- Canvas

All selected shapes show blue outlines indicating they are selected

Step 2: Click the Union selection button

- Top menu bar, Boolean group icons

Selected shapes merge into one combined shape with a single fill color

💡 Use Union to combine shapes and keep all areas visible

Step 3: Click the Subtract selection button

- Top menu bar, Boolean group icons

The top shape cuts out from the bottom shape, creating a hole

💡 Order of shapes matters; the top shape subtracts from the bottom

Step 4: Click the Intersect selection button

- Top menu bar, Boolean group icons

Only the overlapping area of the selected shapes remains visible

💡 Use Intersect to focus on the common area between shapes

Step 5: Click the Exclude selection button

- Top menu bar, Boolean group icons

The overlapping area disappears, leaving only the non-overlapping parts

💡 Use Exclude to remove the intersection and keep outer parts

Before vs After

Before

Two separate shapes: a blue circle and a red square overlapping partially

After

One combined shape: for Union, a single shape covering both areas; for Subtract, a red square with a blue circle hole; for Intersect, only the overlapping area visible; for Exclude, the two shapes with the overlapping area removed

Settings Reference

Boolean operation type

📍 Top menu bar, Boolean group icons

Choose how selected shapes combine or subtract from each other

Default: Union

Shape order

📍 Layers panel

Determines which shape subtracts or overlaps in Boolean operations

Default: Depends on layer order

Common Mistakes

Selecting only one shape before applying Boolean operation

Boolean operations require at least two shapes to combine or subtract

Select two or more shapes before choosing a Boolean operation

Ignoring shape order when using Subtract

The top shape subtracts from the bottom shape, so wrong order gives unexpected results

Check and adjust shape order in the Layers panel before subtracting

Summary

Boolean operations let you combine or cut shapes to create new complex shapes easily.

Use Union, Subtract, Intersect, or Exclude buttons in the top menu after selecting shapes.

Shape order affects results, especially for Subtract operation.