How to Create a Frame in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a frame in Figma, select the Frame Tool (F) from the toolbar or press F on your keyboard, then click and drag on the canvas to draw your frame. Frames act like containers for your design elements and help organize your layout.

Syntax

In Figma, creating a frame uses the Frame Tool. You can activate it by clicking the frame icon in the toolbar or pressing the F key. Then, click and drag on the canvas to define the frame's size and position.

• Frame Tool (F): Activates the frame drawing mode.
• Click and Drag: Defines the frame's width and height.
• Frame: A container that holds other design elements.

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1. Press F or select Frame Tool from toolbar
2. Click and drag on canvas
3. Release mouse to create frame

Output

A new rectangular frame appears on the canvas, ready to hold design elements.

Example

This example shows how to create a simple frame and add a rectangle inside it to organize your design.

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1. Press F to activate Frame Tool
2. Click and drag to create a frame of any size
3. Select Rectangle Tool (R)
4. Draw a rectangle inside the frame
5. The rectangle is now contained within the frame

Output

You see a frame with a rectangle inside it on the canvas. The rectangle moves and resizes with the frame.

Common Pitfalls

Beginners often confuse frames with groups. Frames can contain layout properties and constraints, while groups only group layers without layout control.

Another common mistake is not selecting the Frame Tool and trying to draw a frame with the shape tools, which creates shapes, not frames.

Also, dragging outside the canvas or creating frames that are too small can cause difficulty selecting or seeing the frame.

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Wrong way:
- Using Rectangle Tool (R) to create a frame (creates shape, not frame)

Right way:
- Use Frame Tool (F) to create a frame container

Quick Reference

Action	Shortcut/Method	Description
Activate Frame Tool	Press F or click frame icon	Start drawing a frame on canvas
Draw Frame	Click and drag on canvas	Defines frame size and position
Add Elements	Use shape/text tools inside frame	Organize design inside frame
Select Frame	Click frame or layers panel	Edit or move the frame
Resize Frame	Drag edges or corners	Change frame dimensions

Key Takeaways

Use the Frame Tool (F) to create frames, not shape tools.

Frames act as containers to organize and control layout of design elements.

Click and drag on the canvas to define the frame size and position.

Frames support layout features like constraints, unlike groups.

Avoid creating frames too small or outside the visible canvas area.