Color picker and hex values in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The color picker in Figma helps you choose and apply colors to your designs easily. Hex values let you use exact colors by typing their code, ensuring your visuals match perfectly every time.

When you want to match your brand colors exactly in your design.

When you need to pick a color from an image or another part of your design.

When you want to share a specific color with your team using its hex code.

When you want to create consistent color themes across multiple design elements.

When you want to adjust colors precisely by changing their hex values.

Steps

Step 1: Select the design element you want to color

- Canvas area

The element is highlighted and its properties appear in the right sidebar

Step 2: Click the Fill color box

- Right sidebar under the Fill section

The color picker panel opens showing color options and the hex input field

Step 3: Click the eyedropper icon

- Color picker panel

Your cursor changes to an eyedropper allowing you to pick any color on the screen

💡 Use this to pick colors from images or other elements in your design

Step 4: Type or paste a hex value in the hex input box

- Color picker panel at the bottom where it shows # followed by six characters

The fill color updates immediately to the exact color of the hex code

Step 5: Click outside the color picker panel

- Anywhere outside the panel on the canvas or sidebar

The color picker closes and your selected color is applied to the element

Before vs After

Before

The selected rectangle has a default gray fill color (#808080)

After

The selected rectangle fill color changes to bright blue (#007AFF) after entering the hex code

Settings Reference

Fill color

📍 Right sidebar under Fill section

Sets the main color or pattern that fills the selected element

Default: Solid color

Hex input box

📍 Color picker panel at the bottom

Allows precise color selection by entering hex color codes

Default: #000000

Eyedropper tool

📍 Color picker panel icon

Lets you pick colors from anywhere on your screen

Default: Inactive

Common Mistakes

Typing an invalid hex code like #12345 or missing the # symbol

Figma does not recognize invalid hex codes and will not change the color

Always enter a 6-digit hex code starting with #, for example #123456

Not clicking outside the color picker panel after selecting a color

The color picker stays open and might block other UI elements

Click anywhere outside the panel to close it and apply the color

Summary

The color picker lets you choose colors visually or by hex code for exact matches.

Use the eyedropper to pick colors from anywhere on your screen.

Always enter valid 6-digit hex codes starting with # to apply colors correctly.