How to Use Color Picker in Figma: Simple Steps

In Figma, use the Color Picker by selecting an object, clicking the fill or stroke color square, then clicking the eyedropper icon to pick a color from anywhere on your screen. You can also press I as a shortcut to activate the color picker quickly.

Syntax

The color picker in Figma is accessed through the fill or stroke color controls in the right sidebar. The main parts are:

• Fill/Stroke Color Square: Click to open the color panel.
• Eyedropper Icon: Click to activate the color picker tool.
• Shortcut Key I: Press to quickly activate the color picker.

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1. Select an object.
2. Click the fill or stroke color square in the right panel.
3. Click the eyedropper icon or press 'I'.
4. Click anywhere on your screen to pick a color.
5. The selected color applies to the object.

Example

This example shows how to pick a color from an image on your screen and apply it to a rectangle in Figma.

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1. Draw a rectangle on the canvas.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right sidebar, click the fill color square.
4. Click the eyedropper icon or press 'I'.
5. Move your cursor over an image or color on your screen.
6. Click to pick that color.
7. The rectangle fill updates to the chosen color.

Output

The rectangle's fill color changes to the color you picked from anywhere on your screen.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using the color picker in Figma include:

• Not selecting an object first, so the color picker has no target to apply the color.
• Clicking outside the Figma window without activating the eyedropper, which won't pick colors.
• Confusing the fill and stroke color squares, leading to applying color to the wrong property.

Always ensure the object is selected and the eyedropper is active before picking a color.

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Wrong way:
1. Press 'I' without selecting an object.
2. Pick a color.
Result: No color change.

Right way:
1. Select an object.
2. Press 'I'.
3. Pick a color.
Result: Color applies to the object.

Quick Reference

Action	How to Do It
Open Color Picker	Click fill/stroke color square in right sidebar
Activate Eyedropper	Click eyedropper icon or press 'I'
Pick Color	Click anywhere on your screen
Apply Color	Ensure object is selected before picking
Cancel Picker	Press 'Esc' or click outside

Key Takeaways

Always select the object before using the color picker to apply colors.

Press 'I' as a shortcut to quickly activate the color picker tool.

Use the eyedropper icon in the fill or stroke color panel to pick colors from anywhere on your screen.

Be careful to pick colors only when the eyedropper is active to avoid no changes.

Remember to choose between fill and stroke color squares depending on which property you want to change.