Multiple fills on one element in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Sometimes you want to add more than one color or pattern to a single shape to make it look richer or more interesting. Multiple fills let you stack colors, gradients, or images on one element without making extra shapes.

When you want a button to have a solid color with a subtle gradient on top.

When you need a shape to have a base color plus a pattern overlay for texture.

When creating a logo that uses layered colors in one shape.

When you want to add a shadow or highlight effect using fills instead of effects.

When designing a background that blends multiple colors smoothly on one element.

Steps

Step 1: Select

- Layers panel or canvas

The element you want to edit is highlighted and its properties appear in the right sidebar

Step 2: Go to

- Fill section in the right sidebar

You see the current fill color or gradient of the selected element

Step 3: Click

- Plus (+) icon next to the Fill label

A new fill layer is added on top of the existing fill

Step 4: Adjust

- Color picker or gradient editor of the new fill

The new fill color or gradient appears layered on the element

Step 5: Drag

- Fill layers in the Fill section

The order of fills changes, affecting how they blend visually

Step 6: Change

- Blend mode dropdown for each fill

The fills blend differently, creating various visual effects

Before vs After

Before

A rectangle with a single solid blue fill

After

The same rectangle with a blue base fill and a semi-transparent white gradient fill layered on top, creating a highlight effect

Settings Reference

Fill layers

📍 Right sidebar > Fill section

Add multiple colors or patterns stacked on one element

Default: Single solid color fill

Blend mode

📍 Right sidebar > Fill section > Blend mode dropdown

Control how each fill layer mixes with layers below it

Default: Normal

Opacity

📍 Right sidebar > Fill section > Opacity slider

Adjust transparency of each fill layer

Default: 100%

Common Mistakes

Adding multiple fills but forgetting to adjust their order

The top fill may completely cover the ones below, hiding the effect

Drag fill layers to reorder them so the desired fills are visible

Using only solid colors for all fills without blend modes

The fills stack opaquely and do not create interesting effects

Use blend modes and opacity to mix fills creatively

Summary

Multiple fills let you layer colors, gradients, or images on one element for richer designs.

You can add, reorder, and blend fills in the Fill section of the right sidebar.

Remember to adjust fill order and blend modes to see the combined effect clearly.