Interface overview (toolbar, layers, properties) in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This feature helps you understand the main parts of the Figma interface. It shows where to find tools, layers, and properties so you can start designing and organizing your work easily.

When you open Figma for the first time and want to know where to find design tools

When you need to select and manage different layers in your design

When you want to change the look or settings of an object using properties

When you want to quickly access common actions like undo, zoom, or share

When you want to organize your design elements clearly for easy editing

Steps

Step 1: Look at the top of the screen

- Toolbar

You see buttons for common actions like Move, Frame, Shape tools, Undo, Redo, Zoom, and Share

💡 Hover over each icon to see its name and shortcut

Step 2: Find the left side panel

- Layers panel

You see a list of all layers and frames in your current file, organized in a tree structure

💡 Click the arrow next to a frame to expand or collapse its layers

Step 3: Click on any object in the canvas or layers panel

- Canvas or Layers panel

The Properties panel on the right updates to show settings for the selected object

💡 Use the Properties panel to change size, color, position, and other details

Step 4: Explore the Properties panel

- Right side panel

You see sections like Design, Prototype, and Inspect with controls for the selected item

💡 Switch between tabs to adjust appearance, add interactions, or check code

Step 5: Use the zoom controls

- Toolbar top right

You can zoom in or out on your design to see details or the full page

💡 Use Ctrl + Mouse wheel as a shortcut for zooming

Before vs After

Before

The Figma window shows a blank canvas with no tools or panels highlighted

After

The toolbar is visible at the top, the layers panel shows all design elements on the left, and the properties panel displays settings for the selected object on the right

Settings Reference

Toolbar buttons

📍 Top of the Figma window

Quick access to common design and editing tools

Default: All visible

Layers panel

📍 Left side panel

Organize and manage design elements

Default: All layers visible and unlocked

Properties panel tabs

📍 Right side panel

Adjust object appearance, add interactions, or view code

Default: Design tab active

Common Mistakes

Not noticing the layers panel and trying to select objects only on the canvas

It makes it harder to select hidden or small objects

Use the layers panel to find and select any object easily

Ignoring the properties panel and not adjusting object settings

Objects stay with default styles and positions, limiting design control

Always check the properties panel to customize your selected objects

Summary

The toolbar provides quick access to main design and editing tools.

The layers panel helps organize and select design elements easily.

The properties panel lets you change settings for any selected object.