Linear gradient in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a linear gradient in design?

A linear gradient is a smooth transition between two or more colors along a straight line. It creates a gradual blend from one color to another.

beginner

How do you control the direction of a linear gradient in Figma?

You control the direction by adjusting the angle or dragging the gradient handles on the object. This changes where the colors start and end.

intermediate

Why use linear gradients in business dashboards?

Linear gradients add depth and focus to visuals. They help highlight important data areas and make dashboards more visually appealing without clutter.

beginner

What is the difference between a linear gradient and a radial gradient?

A linear gradient blends colors along a straight line, while a radial gradient blends colors outward from a center point in a circle.

intermediate

How can you ensure accessibility when using linear gradients?

Use high contrast colors and test readability. Avoid gradients that make text or important visuals hard to see for people with vision impairments.

What does a linear gradient do?

A Adds a shadow effect

B Creates a pattern of dots

C Changes the font style

D Creates a smooth color transition along a straight line

A linear gradient smoothly blends colors along a straight line.

In Figma, how do you change the angle of a linear gradient?

A By dragging gradient handles or setting an angle value

B By changing the font size

C By adding a new layer

D By using the pen tool

You adjust the angle by dragging the gradient handles or entering an angle number.

Which is NOT a good use of linear gradients in dashboards?

A Making text unreadable

B Adding depth to visuals

C Highlighting key data areas

D Creating smooth color transitions

Making text unreadable is bad design and should be avoided.

What is the main difference between linear and radial gradients?

A Linear uses only two colors; radial uses many

B Linear is only black and white; radial is colored

C Linear blends colors in a line; radial blends colors from a center point

D Linear is for text; radial is for images

Linear gradients blend colors along a line; radial gradients blend outward from a center.

How can you improve accessibility when using gradients?

A Use very light colors only

B Use high contrast colors and test readability

C Avoid using any colors

D Use random colors without testing

High contrast and readability testing help make gradients accessible.

Explain what a linear gradient is and how you can adjust it in Figma.

Think about how colors blend and how you move the gradient line.

Describe why linear gradients are useful in business dashboards and how to keep them accessible.

Consider both design and user experience.

Practice

1. What does a linear gradient do in a Figma design?

easy

A. Adds a shadow effect to objects

B. Rotates the object by a certain angle

C. Changes the font style of text

D. Creates a smooth blend of colors in one direction

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of linear gradients

   Linear gradients blend two or more colors smoothly along a straight line.

2. Step 2: Identify the effect in Figma

   In Figma, linear gradients create color transitions in one direction, enhancing visual appeal.

3. Final Answer:

   Creates a smooth blend of colors in one direction -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Linear gradient = smooth color blend [OK]

Hint: Linear gradient blends colors smoothly in a line [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing gradient with shadow effects
• Thinking it changes text font
• Assuming it rotates objects

2. Which of the following is the correct way to set a linear gradient angle in Figma?

easy

A. linear-gradient(45deg, #FF0000, #0000FF)

B. linear-gradient(45, #FF0000, #0000FF)

C. linear-gradient(45rad, #FF0000, #0000FF)

D. linear-gradient(45%, #FF0000, #0000FF)

Solution

1. Step 1: Recognize the angle unit for linear gradients

   Figma uses degrees (deg) to specify the angle of a linear gradient.

2. Step 2: Check each option's syntax

   linear-gradient(45deg, #FF0000, #0000FF) uses '45deg' which is correct; others use invalid units like '45', '45rad', or '45%'.

3. Final Answer:

   linear-gradient(45deg, #FF0000, #0000FF) -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Angle unit = deg [OK]

Hint: Use 'deg' for angles in linear gradients [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting 'deg' unit for angle
• Using radians or percentages incorrectly
• Confusing angle with color stop values

3. What will be the visual result of this Figma linear gradient code?
linear-gradient(90deg, #00FF00 0%, #0000FF 100%)

medium

A. A solid green color with no gradient

B. A gradient from blue on the left to green on the right

C. A gradient from green on the left to blue on the right

D. A gradient from green at the top to blue at the bottom

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the angle 90deg in linear gradients

   90 degrees means the gradient goes horizontally from left (0%) to right (100%).

2. Step 2: Analyze the color stops

   Color starts with green (#00FF00) at 0% (left) and transitions to blue (#0000FF) at 100% (right).

3. Final Answer:

   A gradient from green on the left to blue on the right -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   90deg = left to right gradient [OK]

Hint: 90deg means left to right gradient [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing up start and end colors
• Confusing horizontal with vertical gradient
• Ignoring color stop percentages

4. Identify the error in this Figma linear gradient code:
linear-gradient(180, #FF0000, #00FF00)

medium

A. Gradient must have at least three colors

B. Missing 'deg' unit for the angle

C. Gradient direction cannot be 180

D. Colors are not valid hex codes

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the angle syntax

   The angle '180' must include the unit 'deg' to be valid in Figma.

2. Step 2: Verify color codes and gradient rules

   Colors '#FF0000' and '#00FF00' are valid hex codes; 180deg is a valid direction; two colors are allowed.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing 'deg' unit for the angle -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Angle unit required = deg [OK]

Hint: Always add 'deg' after angle number [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Leaving out 'deg' unit
• Thinking colors are invalid
• Assuming gradient needs 3+ colors

5. You want to highlight a sales dashboard header with a linear gradient that fades from transparent to blue horizontally. Which Figma code achieves this best?

hard

A. linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,0,255,0) 0%, rgba(0,0,255,1) 100%)

B. linear-gradient(0deg, #0000FF 0%, #FFFFFF 100%)

C. linear-gradient(180deg, #0000FF 0%, transparent 100%)

D. linear-gradient(45deg, #0000FF, #00FFFF)

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the requirement for horizontal fade from transparent to blue

   The gradient should go left to right (90deg) starting transparent blue to solid blue.

2. Step 2: Analyze each option

   linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,0,255,0) 0%, rgba(0,0,255,1) 100%) uses rgba with alpha 0 to 1 horizontally, matching the requirement. Others have wrong directions or colors.

3. Final Answer:

   linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,0,255,0) 0%, rgba(0,0,255,1) 100%) -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Horizontal transparent to blue = linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0,0,255,0) 0%, rgba(0,0,255,1) 100%) [OK]

Hint: Use rgba with alpha for transparency in gradients [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using wrong angle for horizontal fade
• Using hex colors without transparency
• Reversing color stops order