How to Set Opacity in Figma: Quick Guide

To set opacity in Figma, select the object and adjust the Opacity slider in the right-hand Properties panel or enter a percentage value. You can also press Shift + 0-9 keys to quickly set opacity from 0% to 90%.

Syntax

In Figma, opacity is controlled through the Opacity property in the Properties panel. You can set it by:

• Using the slider to pick a value between 0% (fully transparent) and 100% (fully opaque).
• Typing a number directly into the opacity input box.
• Using keyboard shortcuts: Shift + 0-9 to set opacity in increments of 10% (e.g., Shift+5 sets 50%).

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Opacity: 0% to 100%
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + 0-9 (0 = 0%, 9 = 90%)

Example

This example shows how to set the opacity of a rectangle shape to 50% using the Properties panel and keyboard shortcut.

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1. Draw a rectangle on the canvas.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right Properties panel, find the <strong>Opacity</strong> slider and drag it to 50%.
4. Alternatively, select the rectangle and press <code>Shift + 5</code> to set opacity to 50%.

Output

The rectangle becomes semi-transparent, showing 50% opacity.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when setting opacity in Figma include:

• Trying to set opacity on a locked or hidden layer, which won't show changes.
• Confusing fill opacity with overall object opacity; fill opacity affects only the fill color, while overall opacity affects the entire object including strokes and effects.
• Not noticing that keyboard shortcuts set opacity in 10% steps only, so precise values require manual input.

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Wrong: Trying to set opacity on a locked layer (no effect).
Right: Unlock the layer first, then adjust opacity.

Quick Reference

Action	How to Set Opacity
Use slider	Drag the Opacity slider in Properties panel
Type value	Enter a number 0-100 in Opacity input box
Keyboard shortcut	Press Shift + 0-9 for 0%-90% opacity
Fill opacity	Adjust fill color opacity separately in Fill settings

Key Takeaways

Use the Opacity slider or input box in the Properties panel to set transparency.

Keyboard shortcuts Shift + 0-9 quickly set opacity in 10% increments.

Opacity affects the whole object; fill opacity affects only the fill color.

Unlock layers before adjusting opacity to see changes.

Use manual input for precise opacity values beyond 10% steps.