How to Use Clip Content in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

In Figma, use the Clip content option on a frame or group to hide any parts of child layers that extend outside its boundaries. Simply select the frame or group, then check the Clip content box in the right sidebar to enable clipping.

Syntax

The Clip content feature is a toggle option available on frames and groups in Figma. It controls whether child layers that extend beyond the frame or group boundaries are visible or hidden.

• Frame or Group: The container holding other layers.
• Clip content checkbox: When checked, hides overflow outside the container.

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Select a frame or group > Look at the right sidebar > Find and check the 'Clip content' checkbox

Output

Child layers outside the frame/group boundaries become hidden

Example

This example shows a rectangle inside a frame that extends beyond the frame's edges. Enabling Clip content hides the overflowing parts.

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1. Create a frame sized 200x200 pixels.
2. Inside the frame, draw a rectangle sized 300x100 pixels, positioned so part of it extends outside the frame.
3. Select the frame.
4. In the right sidebar, check the 'Clip content' box.

Result: The rectangle parts outside the frame are hidden.

Output

The rectangle is visible only within the 200x200 frame area; overflow is clipped.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using Clip content include:

• Forgetting to select the frame or group before enabling clipping.
• Expecting clipping to work on individual shapes instead of their container.
• Not realizing that clipping hides content visually but does not delete it.

Remember, clipping only works on frames or groups, not on individual shapes.

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Wrong way:
- Select a shape alone and try to clip content (no effect).

Right way:
- Select the frame or group containing the shape and enable 'Clip content'.

Output

Only clipping on frames/groups hides overflow; clipping on shapes does nothing.

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Select frame/group	Choose the container holding layers to clip
Enable Clip content	Check the box in the right sidebar to hide overflow
Disable Clip content	Uncheck to show all child layers fully
Use for masks	Clip content can help create clean masked designs

Key Takeaways

Enable 'Clip content' on frames or groups to hide overflowing child layers.

Clipping works only on containers, not individual shapes.

Clipped content is hidden visually but still exists inside the frame or group.

Use clipping to keep designs tidy and control visible areas.

Remember to select the correct frame or group before toggling clipping.