Polygon and star shapes in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Polygon and star shapes help you create custom geometric figures in your design. They are useful for highlighting data points or decorating dashboards with clear, simple shapes.

When you want to add a clear, symmetrical shape to highlight a key metric on your dashboard.

When you need a star shape to represent ratings or achievements visually.

When creating icons or buttons that require polygon shapes like triangles or hexagons.

When designing backgrounds or borders with repeated polygon patterns.

When you want to customize the number of sides on a shape to match your data theme.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Shape tool icon in the top toolbar

A dropdown menu appears showing shape options including Rectangle, Line, Ellipse, Polygon, and Star

Step 2: Select

- Polygon or Star from the shape dropdown menu

The cursor changes to crosshair, ready to draw the selected shape

Step 3: Click and drag

- Canvas area

A polygon or star shape appears with default sides and size

Step 4: Adjust

- Properties panel on the right under 'Polygon' or 'Star' settings

The number of sides or points changes on the shape in real time

Step 5: Use

- Corner handles on the shape

Resize the shape proportionally or non-proportionally depending on whether Shift is held

Step 6: Modify

- Inner radius slider (for star shapes) in the Properties panel

The star shape’s inner points move closer or farther from the center, changing the star’s sharpness

Before vs After

Before

Canvas is empty with no shapes

After

A star shape with 5 points and inner radius 50% appears on the canvas, sized approximately 200x200 pixels

Settings Reference

Number of sides/points

📍 Properties panel when polygon or star is selected

Controls how many edges or points the shape has

Default: 5 sides/points

Inner radius

📍 Properties panel for star shapes

Adjusts the depth of the star’s inner points

Default: 50%

Corner radius

📍 Properties panel

Rounds the corners of the polygon or star shape

Default: 0

Common Mistakes

Trying to change the number of sides by dragging the shape handles

Dragging handles only resizes the shape but does not change the number of sides or points

Use the 'Number of sides' or 'Points' setting in the Properties panel to change shape complexity

Not holding Shift while resizing to keep shape proportions

The shape can become distorted and lose symmetry

Hold Shift while dragging corner handles to resize proportionally

Summary

Polygon and star shapes let you create custom geometric figures with adjustable sides or points.

Use the Properties panel to change the number of sides, inner radius (for stars), and corner rounding.

Remember to hold Shift when resizing to keep shapes symmetrical and avoid distortion.