Text tool basics in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the primary purpose of the Text tool in Figma?

The Text tool allows you to add and edit text elements on your design canvas, helping you communicate information clearly.

beginner

How do you create a new text box using the Text tool in Figma?

Click the Text tool icon or press 'T', then click anywhere on the canvas to start typing your text.

intermediate

What happens when you click and drag with the Text tool instead of just clicking?

Clicking and dragging creates a fixed-size text box where the text will wrap inside the box boundaries.

beginner

How can you change the font size of a text element in Figma?

Select the text element, then use the font size dropdown in the right sidebar or type a new size directly.

intermediate

Why is it important to use semantic and accessible text in your designs?

Using clear, readable, and well-structured text helps all users understand your design and supports accessibility tools.

Which keyboard shortcut activates the Text tool in Figma?

A T

B V

C R

D P

Pressing 'T' quickly switches to the Text tool for adding text.

What does dragging with the Text tool do?

A Deletes text

B Selects multiple text elements

C Creates a fixed-size text box

D Changes font color

Dragging creates a text box with set width and height where text wraps inside.

How do you edit existing text in Figma?

A Double-click the text element

B Right-click and choose 'Delete'

C Drag the text element

D Press 'Esc'

Double-clicking allows you to edit the text content directly.

Which panel lets you change font size and style?

A Assets panel

B Right sidebar properties panel

C Layers panel

D Pages panel

The right sidebar shows text formatting options like font size and style.

Why should text in designs be accessible?

A To hide information

B To make designs colorful

C To increase file size

D To help all users read and understand content

Accessible text ensures everyone, including those with disabilities, can use your design.

Explain how to create and edit text using the Text tool in Figma.

Think about the steps from starting to type to changing existing text.

Describe why using the Text tool properly is important for design clarity and accessibility.

Consider how text affects user understanding and inclusiveness.

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