Polygon and star shapes in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a polygon shape in Figma?

A polygon shape in Figma is a multi-sided figure created by connecting straight lines. You can adjust the number of sides to create triangles, pentagons, hexagons, and more.

beginner

How do you change the number of points on a star shape in Figma?

You can change the number of points on a star shape by selecting the star and adjusting the 'Points' value in the properties panel.

intermediate

What does the 'Inner Radius' control do for a star shape in Figma?

The 'Inner Radius' controls how far the inner corners of the star are from the center, changing the star's sharpness or roundness.

intermediate

True or False: You can convert a polygon or star shape into a vector path in Figma.

True. You can convert polygon or star shapes into vector paths to edit individual points and customize the shape further.

beginner

Why might you use a star shape instead of a polygon in a BI dashboard design?

Star shapes can highlight important data points or ratings visually, making them stand out more than regular polygons.

In Figma, what property do you adjust to change the number of sides on a polygon?

A Points

B Sides

C Inner Radius

D Corner Radius

The 'Sides' property controls how many edges the polygon has.

What happens when you increase the 'Inner Radius' of a star shape in Figma?

A The star points become rounder

B The star changes color

C The star points become sharper

D The star rotates

Increasing the 'Inner Radius' moves the inner corners farther from the center, making the star look rounder.

Which shape would you use to create a 5-pointed star in Figma?

A Star with 5 points

B Polygon with 5 sides

C Ellipse

D Rectangle

A star shape with 5 points creates a classic 5-pointed star.

Can you edit individual points of a polygon after converting it to a vector path in Figma?

A Only on star shapes

B No

C Yes

D Only if it has less than 6 sides

Converting to vector paths allows editing each point individually.

Which property controls the sharpness of star points in Figma?

A Stroke Weight

B Sides

C Points

D Inner Radius

'Inner Radius' adjusts how sharp or rounded the star points appear.

Explain how to create and customize a star shape in Figma for a BI dashboard.

Think about how star points and inner radius affect the shape's look.

Describe the difference between a polygon and a star shape in Figma and when to use each in data visualization.

Consider shape structure and visual impact.

Practice

1. What does increasing the number of sides in a polygon shape in Figma do to its appearance?

easy

A. It changes the color of the shape.

B. It makes the shape look more like a star.

C. It makes the shape look more like a circle.

D. It adds more points to the star shape.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand polygon sides effect

   Increasing sides adds more edges, making the polygon smoother and closer to a circle.

2. Step 2: Compare with star points

   Stars add points outward, polygons add sides around evenly; more sides mean rounder shape.

3. Final Answer:

   It makes the shape look more like a circle. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   More polygon sides = closer to circle [OK]

Hint: More polygon sides = smoother, circle-like shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing polygon sides with star points
• Thinking color changes with sides
• Assuming star points increase with polygon sides

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a 5-point star shape in Figma?

easy

A. Select the star tool and set points to 5.

B. Select the polygon tool and set sides to 5.

C. Draw a circle and add 5 lines inside.

D. Use the rectangle tool and round corners to 5.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify star creation method

   Figma's star tool lets you set the number of points directly, so setting points to 5 creates a 5-point star.

2. Step 2: Differentiate polygon and star tools

   Polygon tool sets sides, not star points; circle and rectangle tools do not create stars.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the star tool and set points to 5. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Star tool + 5 points = 5-point star [OK]

Hint: Use star tool, set points for star shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using polygon tool instead of star tool
• Trying to create star from circle or rectangle
• Confusing sides with points

3. If you create a polygon with 6 sides and then increase the corner radius to half the side length, what shape will you see?

medium

A. A hexagon with sharp corners.

B. A star with 6 points.

C. A circle.

D. A hexagon with rounded corners.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand polygon sides and corner radius

   A polygon with 6 sides is a hexagon. Increasing corner radius rounds its corners.

2. Step 2: Effect of corner radius size

   Setting corner radius to half the side length rounds corners but keeps hexagon shape, not a circle or star.

3. Final Answer:

   A hexagon with rounded corners. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   6 sides + corner radius = rounded hexagon [OK]

Hint: Corner radius rounds polygon corners, doesn't change shape type [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it becomes a circle
• Confusing polygon with star shape
• Ignoring corner radius effect

4. You tried to create a star shape but it looks like a polygon. What is the most likely mistake?

medium

A. You used the polygon tool instead of the star tool.

B. You set the star points to 3.

C. You increased the corner radius too much.

D. You changed the fill color to transparent.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify tool used

   Using the polygon tool creates polygons, not stars. To get a star shape, the star tool must be used.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Setting star points to 3 still creates a star, corner radius affects corners but not shape type, fill color doesn't change shape form.

3. Final Answer:

   You used the polygon tool instead of the star tool. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Polygon tool ≠ star shape [OK]

Hint: Use star tool for stars, polygon tool for polygons [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing polygon and star tools
• Thinking corner radius changes shape type
• Assuming fill color affects shape form

5. You want to create a dashboard icon combining a 7-sided polygon and a 5-point star in Figma. Which steps correctly describe how to do this?

hard

A. Create a star with 7 points, create a polygon with 5 sides, then overlap them.

B. Create a polygon with 7 sides, create a star with 5 points, then group them.

C. Create a polygon with 5 sides, create a star with 7 points, then merge shapes.

D. Create two polygons with 7 sides, then rotate one by 36 degrees.

Solution

1. Step 1: Create polygon and star with correct sides and points

   Create a polygon shape and set sides to 7, then create a star shape and set points to 5.

2. Step 2: Combine shapes properly

   Group the two shapes to keep them together as one icon without merging paths.

3. Final Answer:

   Create a polygon with 7 sides, create a star with 5 points, then group them. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Polygon 7 sides + star 5 points + group = icon [OK]

Hint: Create shapes separately, then group to combine [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing up polygon sides and star points
• Merging shapes instead of grouping
• Rotating polygons instead of using star shape