How to Create Custom Shapes in Figma Quickly and Easily

To create a custom shape in Figma, use the Pen tool or combine basic shapes with Boolean operations. You can draw freeform paths or merge, subtract, intersect, and exclude shapes to form your unique design.

Syntax

Creating custom shapes in Figma involves these main steps:

• Pen tool: Draw points and curves to form any shape.
• Basic shapes: Use rectangles, circles, polygons as building blocks.
• Boolean operations: Combine shapes using Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude.

Each tool lets you build or modify shapes to fit your design needs.

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1. Select the Pen tool (P) to draw points and curves.
2. Use shape tools (R for rectangle, O for ellipse) to add basic shapes.
3. Select multiple shapes and use Boolean operations from the top menu:
   - Union: Combine shapes into one.
   - Subtract: Remove top shape from bottom.
   - Intersect: Keep overlapping area.
   - Exclude: Remove overlapping area.

Example

This example shows how to create a custom star shape by combining a polygon and subtracting a circle:

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1. Use the Polygon tool to draw a 5-point star.
2. Draw a circle overlapping the star's center.
3. Select both shapes.
4. Click the Subtract Boolean operation to cut the circle shape out of the star.
5. Adjust points with the Node tool if needed.

Output

A star shape with a circular hole in the center.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating custom shapes in Figma include:

• Not closing paths when using the Pen tool, which causes shapes not to fill.
• Forgetting to select all shapes before applying Boolean operations.
• Overlapping shapes incorrectly, leading to unexpected results.
• Not converting shapes to vectors before editing points.

Always check your paths are closed and selections are correct.

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Wrong way:
- Draw a pen path but leave it open.
- Try to fill it; fill won't appear.

Right way:
- Close the path by connecting last point to first.
- Fill will apply correctly.

Quick Reference

Tool/Operation	Shortcut	Description
Pen tool	P	Draw custom points and curves
Rectangle	R	Draw rectangles and squares
Ellipse	O	Draw circles and ellipses
Polygon	No default shortcut	Draw polygons with adjustable sides
Union	Ctrl+Alt+U (Win) / Cmd+Option+U (Mac)	Combine shapes into one
Subtract	Ctrl+Alt+S (Win) / Cmd+Option+S (Mac)	Subtract top shape from bottom
Intersect	Ctrl+Alt+I (Win) / Cmd+Option+I (Mac)	Keep overlapping area
Exclude	Ctrl+Alt+X (Win) / Cmd+Option+X (Mac)	Remove overlapping area

Key Takeaways

Use the Pen tool to draw any custom shape by placing points and curves.

Combine basic shapes with Boolean operations to create complex shapes.

Always close paths when drawing with the Pen tool to enable fills.

Select all shapes before applying Boolean operations to get correct results.

Adjust vector points after Boolean operations for precise shape control.