How to Create Effect Style in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

In Figma, create an Effect Style by selecting a layer with effects like shadows or blurs, then click the + icon in the Effects section of the right panel and choose Create style. Name your style to save it for reuse across your project.

Syntax

To create an effect style in Figma, you use the Effects panel on the right side when a layer is selected. The main parts are:

• Effect types: Shadow, Inner Shadow, Layer Blur, Background Blur.
• Effect settings: Customize color, opacity, blur, offset, and spread.
• Create style button: Saves the current effect as a reusable style.

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1. Select a layer with an effect applied.
2. In the right panel, find the Effects section.
3. Click the '+' icon next to Effects.
4. Choose the effect type (e.g., Drop Shadow).
5. Adjust settings (color, blur, offset).
6. Click the four dots icon next to Effects.
7. Select 'Create style'.
8. Name your effect style and save.

Example

This example shows how to create a drop shadow effect style and apply it to multiple layers:

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1. Draw a rectangle.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right panel, under Effects, click '+' and select 'Drop shadow'.
4. Set color to black, opacity 25%, blur 10, offset X=0, Y=4.
5. Click the four dots icon next to Effects.
6. Click 'Create style'.
7. Name it 'Soft Shadow' and save.
8. Select another shape.
9. Apply the 'Soft Shadow' effect style from the Effects styles list.

Output

The second shape now has the same drop shadow effect as the first, using the saved 'Soft Shadow' style.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating effect styles in Figma include:

• Not selecting a layer with an effect before trying to create a style.
• Forgetting to name the style, making it hard to find later.
• Applying multiple effects but only saving one as a style, causing inconsistency.
• Confusing layer styles with effect styles; they are saved separately.

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Wrong way:
- Select a layer without effects.
- Try to create an effect style (button disabled).

Right way:
- Apply an effect first.
- Then create the effect style.

Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Select layer with effect
2	Open Effects panel
3	Add or adjust effect
4	Click four dots icon next to Effects
5	Choose 'Create style'
6	Name and save style
7	Apply saved style to other layers

Key Takeaways

Always apply an effect to a layer before creating an effect style.

Use the Effects panel's four dots icon to create and manage effect styles.

Name your effect styles clearly for easy reuse.

Effect styles save settings like shadows and blurs for consistent design.

Apply saved effect styles to multiple layers to keep your design uniform.