How to Use Multiple Fills in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

In Figma, you can add multiple fills to a shape by selecting the object and clicking the '+' button in the Fill section of the right sidebar. Each fill can have its own color, gradient, or image, allowing you to layer and blend effects on a single object.

Syntax

In Figma, multiple fills are managed through the Fill panel in the right sidebar. You add fills by clicking the '+' icon, and each fill is listed separately. You can reorder fills by dragging them, change their blend mode, opacity, and type (solid color, gradient, or image).

Key parts:

• Fill List: Shows all fills applied to the object.
• + Button: Adds a new fill layer.
• Fill Type: Choose solid, linear/radial gradient, or image.
• Blend Mode: Controls how fills blend with each other.
• Opacity: Adjust transparency of each fill.

figma

Select object > Right sidebar > Fill section > Click '+' to add fill > Choose fill type and color > Adjust blend mode and opacity

Example

This example shows how to add two fills to a rectangle: a blue solid fill and a red gradient fill on top with 50% opacity to create a layered color effect.

figma

1. Draw a rectangle.
2. Select the rectangle.
3. In the right sidebar, under <code>Fill</code>, click '+'.
4. Set the first fill to solid blue (#0000FF).
5. Click '+' again to add a second fill.
6. Change the second fill to a linear gradient from red (#FF0000) to transparent.
7. Set the second fill's opacity to 50%.
8. Drag the second fill above the first to layer it on top.

Output

A rectangle with a blue base color and a semi-transparent red gradient layered on top, creating a blended purple effect in overlapping areas.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using multiple fills in Figma include:

• Not reordering fills properly, so the top fill hides the ones below.
• Forgetting to adjust opacity or blend mode, resulting in unexpected solid colors.
• Adding fills but not selecting the correct fill type (e.g., leaving default solid when a gradient is needed).
• Overusing fills which can make the design heavy and harder to edit.

Always check the fill order and experiment with blend modes like Multiply or Screen for better effects.

figma

/* Wrong way: */
Fill 1: solid red
Fill 2: solid blue (on top, 100% opacity)

/* Right way: */
Fill 1: solid red
Fill 2: solid blue (opacity 50%, blend mode Multiply)

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Add Fill	Click '+' in the Fill section to add a new fill layer.
Change Fill Type	Select solid color, gradient, or image for each fill.
Reorder Fills	Drag fills up or down to change layering order.
Adjust Opacity	Set transparency for each fill to blend effects.
Set Blend Mode	Choose how fills blend (Normal, Multiply, Screen, etc.).

Key Takeaways

Use the '+' button in the Fill panel to add multiple fills to one object.

Reorder fills to control which colors or effects appear on top.

Adjust opacity and blend modes for creative layering effects.

Each fill can be a solid color, gradient, or image.

Avoid stacking too many fills to keep designs simple and editable.