Text tool basics in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Text tool in Figma lets you add words and numbers to your designs. This helps you label charts, add titles, or explain data points clearly.

When you want to add a chart title to explain what the data shows

When you need to label axes on a graph for clarity

When you want to add a note or comment on a dashboard design

When you need to create buttons or menu labels in a report prototype

When you want to highlight key numbers or insights in your visualization

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Text tool icon in the toolbar (looks like a T)

The cursor changes to a text insertion point

💡 You can also press the T key as a shortcut

Step 2: Click

- anywhere on the canvas

A blinking cursor appears where you clicked, ready for typing

Step 3: Type

- the blinking cursor on the canvas

Your text appears as you type

Step 4: Select

- the text box

The text box shows selection handles for resizing

Step 5: Drag

- the selection handles of the text box

The text box resizes and text reflows inside it

Step 6: Use

- Text section in the right sidebar

You can change font, size, color, alignment, and spacing of the text

Before vs After

Before

Canvas with no text elements, only shapes and charts

After

Canvas shows a clear title above the chart reading 'Sales by Region' in bold, size 24 font

Settings Reference

Font family

📍 Text section in the right sidebar

Choose the style of the letters to match your design

Default: Roboto

Font size

📍 Text section in the right sidebar

Set how big or small the text appears

Default: 16

Text color

📍 Fill section in the right sidebar when text is selected

Change the color of the text for visibility or style

Default: Black

Text alignment

📍 Text section in the right sidebar

Control how text lines up inside the text box

Default: Left

Line height

📍 Text section in the right sidebar

Adjust space between lines of text for readability

Default: Auto

Common Mistakes

Clicking and dragging to create a text box before typing

This creates a fixed-size box that may cut off text if too small

Click once to create a point text box for short labels, or drag to create a box for paragraphs

Not selecting the text box before changing font or color

Changes won't apply if the text box is not selected

Always click the text box to select it before adjusting settings

Summary

The Text tool adds words and numbers to your Figma designs for clear communication.

You can create point text by clicking or paragraph text by dragging to size the box.

Use the right sidebar to style your text with fonts, sizes, colors, and alignment.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Text tool in Figma?

easy

A. To add and style words in your design

B. To create shapes and icons

C. To write code for automation

D. To import images into the project

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Text tool function

   The Text tool is designed to add and style text elements in a design.

2. Step 2: Compare options with the tool's purpose

   Only To add and style words in your design correctly describes adding and styling words, while others describe unrelated functions.

3. Final Answer:

   To add and style words in your design -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Text tool = add and style words [OK]

Hint: Text tool = add and style text elements quickly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Text tool with shape or image tools
• Thinking Text tool writes code
• Assuming Text tool imports images

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a new text box in Figma?

easy

A. Select the Text tool and click anywhere on the canvas

B. Select the Rectangle tool and drag to create a box

C. Right-click and choose 'Insert Image'

D. Use the Pen tool to draw a text shape

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to create text in Figma

   Using the Text tool and clicking on the canvas creates a new text box.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Rectangle tool creates shapes, not text; right-click insert image adds images; Pen tool draws paths, not text boxes.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the Text tool and click anywhere on the canvas -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Text box creation = Text tool click [OK]

Hint: Click with Text tool to start typing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using shape tools instead of Text tool
• Trying to insert images for text
• Confusing Pen tool with Text tool

3. Given a text box with font size 16 and color black, what happens if you change the font size to 24 and color to blue?

medium

A. Text size stays 16 but color changes to blue

B. Text becomes larger and changes color to blue

C. Text size changes to 24 but color stays black

D. Text disappears from the box

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand font size and color changes

   Changing font size to 24 makes text bigger; changing color to blue updates text color.

2. Step 2: Analyze each option

   Only Text becomes larger and changes color to blue correctly states both size and color change; others miss one or cause incorrect effects.

3. Final Answer:

   Text becomes larger and changes color to blue -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Font size and color change = bigger blue text [OK]

Hint: Font size and color changes affect text appearance directly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming only one property changes
• Thinking text disappears after style change
• Confusing color and size effects

4. You typed text but it is not visible on the canvas. What could be the reason?

medium

A. Text tool was not selected before typing

B. Font size is set to a very large number

C. Text color is set to white on a white background

D. The canvas is locked

Solution

1. Step 1: Check text visibility factors

   If text color matches background (white on white), text is invisible.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   Large font size makes text visible; typing without Text tool is impossible; locked canvas prevents editing but not visibility.

3. Final Answer:

   Text color is set to white on a white background -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Invisible text = color matches background [OK]

Hint: Check text color vs background for visibility issues [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring color contrast
• Assuming large font hides text
• Not realizing canvas lock affects editing, not visibility

5. You want to create a clear dashboard title using the Text tool. Which combination is best for readability?

hard

A. Font size 24, underline style, red color on red background

B. Font size 12, italic style, light gray color on white background

C. Font size 16, thin weight, bright yellow on white background

D. Font size 32, bold weight, dark color on light background

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify readability factors for titles

   Large font size, bold weight, and strong color contrast improve readability.

2. Step 2: Compare options for best readability

   Font size 32, bold weight, dark color on light background uses large size, bold, and dark on light background, ideal for clarity; others have poor contrast or small size.

3. Final Answer:

   Font size 32, bold weight, dark color on light background -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Readable title = large, bold, high contrast [OK]

Hint: Use big, bold, high-contrast text for titles [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing small or light-colored text for titles
• Ignoring contrast between text and background
• Using styles that reduce clarity like underline on same color