Eyedropper tool in Figma - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data represents color samples with their hex codes in cells A2 and B2. Cell C2 is where the eyedropper tool will output the selected color hex code.

Cell	Value
A1	Color Sample 1
A2	#FF5733
B1	Color Sample 2
B2	#33C1FF
C1	Selected Color
C2

Formula Trace

EyedropperTool_SelectColor(CellReference)

Step 1: User activates Eyedropper tool

Step 2: User clicks on cell A2 (#FF5733)

Step 3: EyedropperTool_SelectColor(A2)

Step 4: Set C2 = #FF5733

Cell Reference Map

   A       B       C
1 Color Sample 1  Color Sample 2  Selected Color
2 #FF5733 #33C1FF #------

Arrow: Eyedropper picks color from A2 to C2

The eyedropper tool references the color hex code in cell A2 and outputs it into cell C2.

Result

   A       B       C
1 Color Sample 1  Color Sample 2  Selected Color
2 #FF5733 #33C1FF #FF5733

After using the eyedropper tool on cell A2, the selected color hex code #FF5733 appears in cell C2.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the eyedropper tool do in this example?

A Deletes the color from the selected cell

B Changes the color of the selected cell

C Copies the color hex code from a selected cell

D Creates a new color in the sheet

Key Result

Eyedropper tool picks a color value from a selected cell and outputs it to a target cell.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Eyedropper tool in Figma?

easy

A. To pick and reuse colors from anywhere on the screen

B. To create new shapes and icons

C. To add text to your design

D. To export your design as an image

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Eyedropper tool function

   The Eyedropper tool is used to select colors from any visible pixel on the screen.

2. Step 2: Identify the correct purpose

   It helps keep colors consistent by reusing exact colors from designs or images.

3. Final Answer:

   To pick and reuse colors from anywhere on the screen -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Eyedropper tool = pick colors [OK]

Hint: Eyedropper picks colors from screen pixels fast [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Eyedropper with shape or text tools
• Thinking it exports images
• Assuming it creates new colors

2. Which of the following is the correct way to activate the Eyedropper tool in Figma?

easy

A. Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac)

B. Press Ctrl + I (Windows) or Cmd + I (Mac)

C. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)

D. Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac)

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Figma shortcut for Eyedropper

   The Eyedropper tool shortcut is Ctrl + E on Windows and Cmd + E on Mac.

2. Step 2: Match shortcut to options

   Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac) matches the correct shortcut for activating the Eyedropper tool.

3. Final Answer:

   Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac) -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Eyedropper shortcut = Ctrl/Cmd + E [OK]

Hint: Remember E for Eyedropper shortcut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing with shortcuts for other tools
• Using Ctrl + I which is for Italic text
• Using Ctrl + P which is for Print

3. You use the Eyedropper tool on a complex image with many colors. What will happen when you click on a pixel?

medium

A. The pixel is deleted from the image

B. A random color from the image is selected

C. The entire image is converted to grayscale

D. The exact color of that pixel is selected and applied to your current object

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Eyedropper behavior on images

   The Eyedropper tool picks the exact color of the pixel you click on, no matter how complex the image is.

2. Step 2: Identify the effect on the current object

   The selected color is applied to the object you are editing, ensuring color accuracy.

3. Final Answer:

   The exact color of that pixel is selected and applied to your current object -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Eyedropper picks exact pixel color [OK]

Hint: Click pixel to get its exact color instantly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it picks random colors
• Assuming it changes the whole image
• Believing it deletes pixels

4. You try to use the Eyedropper tool but it does not pick the color from a hidden layer. What is the likely problem?

medium

A. You need to restart Figma to enable Eyedropper

B. The Eyedropper tool cannot pick colors from images

C. The Eyedropper tool only works on visible pixels

D. You must unlock the layer before using Eyedropper

Solution

1. Step 1: Check Eyedropper tool limitations

   The Eyedropper tool only picks colors from pixels that are visible on the screen.

2. Step 2: Understand hidden layers effect

   If a layer is hidden, its pixels are not visible, so the Eyedropper cannot pick colors from it.

3. Final Answer:

   The Eyedropper tool only works on visible pixels -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Eyedropper needs visible pixels [OK]

Hint: Make sure layer is visible before picking color [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking restart fixes Eyedropper issues
• Believing Eyedropper can't pick from images
• Assuming locked layers block Eyedropper

5. You want to keep your brand colors consistent across multiple designs in Figma. How can the Eyedropper tool help you achieve this?

hard

A. By exporting your brand colors as a color palette file

B. By picking exact colors from your brand logo and applying them to new designs

C. By automatically generating new colors similar to your brand colors

D. By locking colors so they cannot be changed

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how Eyedropper maintains color consistency

   The Eyedropper tool picks exact colors from any visible pixel, such as your brand logo.

2. Step 2: Apply picked colors to new designs

   Using the picked colors ensures your new designs use the exact brand colors, keeping consistency.

3. Final Answer:

   By picking exact colors from your brand logo and applying them to new designs -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Eyedropper picks brand colors for consistency [OK]

Hint: Pick brand colors from logo to reuse exactly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking Eyedropper generates new colors
• Confusing with exporting palettes
• Assuming it locks colors automatically