How to Change Color in Figma: Simple Steps for Beginners

To change color in Figma, select the object you want to edit, then go to the Fill section in the right sidebar and pick a new color. You can also change Stroke or Text colors using similar controls in the sidebar.

Syntax

In Figma, colors are changed through the Fill, Stroke, or Text color controls found in the right sidebar after selecting an object.

• Fill: The main color inside a shape or text background.
• Stroke: The outline color of a shape or line.
• Text Color: The color of the text characters.

You can pick colors using the color picker, enter hex codes, or use saved styles.

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Select object -> Right sidebar -> Fill / Stroke / Text color -> Choose color

Example

This example shows how to change the fill color of a rectangle in Figma.

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1. Draw a rectangle using the shape tool.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right sidebar, find the Fill section.
4. Click the color square to open the color picker.
5. Choose a new color or enter a hex code like <code>#FF5733</code>.
6. The rectangle's fill color updates immediately.

Output

The rectangle changes to the selected color, for example, a bright orange (#FF5733).

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when changing colors in Figma include:

• Not selecting the object first, so the color controls are disabled.
• Changing Fill but the object has no fill applied (check if fill is enabled).
• Trying to change color on locked or hidden layers.
• Confusing Stroke color with Fill color.

Always ensure the object is selected and visible before changing colors.

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Wrong way:
1. Try to change color without selecting the object.

Right way:
1. Select the object.
2. Change color in Fill or Stroke section.

Quick Reference

Action	Location	Description
Change Fill Color	Right sidebar > Fill	Sets the inside color of shapes or text background
Change Stroke Color	Right sidebar > Stroke	Sets the outline color of shapes or lines
Change Text Color	Right sidebar > Text	Sets the color of text characters
Use Color Picker	Click color square	Pick any color or enter hex/RGB values
Apply Color Style	Fill or Stroke dropdown	Use saved color styles for consistency

Key Takeaways

Always select the object before changing its color in the right sidebar.

Use the Fill section to change the main color inside shapes or text backgrounds.

Stroke color changes the outline; make sure to edit the correct property.

You can enter hex codes or use the color picker for precise colors.

Locked or hidden layers cannot have their colors changed until unlocked or shown.