To intersect shapes in Figma, you arrange multiple overlapping shapes, select them, and then use the Intersect selection option found within Figma's Boolean operations menu.
This fundamental process allows you to combine two or more overlapping vector shapes into a new single shape, retaining only the area where all original shapes overlap. It's a key technique for creating complex and custom forms from simpler primitives in your designs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Intersect Shapes in Figma
Follow these precise steps to effectively intersect your designs, ensuring clean and accurate results:
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Arrange Your Shapes: Begin by placing two or more shapes (e.g., rectangles, circles, custom paths) on your Figma canvas. The crucial part is to ensure there is a certain overlap between these shapes. This overlapping area is what will become your new shape after the intersection operation.
- Tip: Visualizing the common area between your shapes before applying the intersect function can help predict the final outcome.
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Select All Overlapping Shapes: Using your mouse, either drag a selection box around all the shapes you intend to intersect, or hold down the
Shiftkey and click on each shape individually to select them both (or all of them).- Practical Insight: Double-check that only the desired shapes are selected to prevent accidental operations on other design elements.
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Apply Intersect Selection: With your shapes actively selected, navigate to the toolbar positioned at the top of the Figma interface. Look for the Boolean operations icon, which typically resembles a combination of overlapping shapes (like a square overlapping a circle). Click on this icon, and from the dropdown menu that appears, select the "Intersect selection" option.
- The original reference highlights this action as "go to here and click intersect selection," with "here" referring directly to the Boolean operations menu.
Understanding Intersect within Figma's Boolean Operations
The "Intersect" function is one of several powerful Boolean operations in Figma. These operations are vital for advanced vector editing, enabling designers to create intricate geometries by precisely combining, subtracting, or finding common areas of simpler shapes.
| Boolean Operation | Description | Resulting Area |
|---|---|---|
| Union Selection | Combines all selected shapes into a single, cohesive shape. | All areas of the original shapes merged together. |
| Subtract Selection | Removes the top shape(s) from the bottom shape. | The bottom shape, with the overlapping parts of the top shape(s) cut out. |
| Intersect Selection | Creates a new shape exclusively from the overlapping area of all selected shapes. | Only the region where all selected shapes perfectly overlap. |
| Exclude Selection | Creates a new shape from all areas of the selected shapes, except for their overlapping parts. | All areas, excluding where shapes intersect. |
Enhancing Your Workflow with Intersect
- Non-Destructive Editing: Figma's Boolean operations are non-destructive. This means you can always expand the Boolean group in the Layers panel to access and modify the original component shapes, giving you flexibility to refine your design.
- Common Use Cases:
- Crafting unique icons and logos from basic geometric forms.
- Creating custom cutouts or complex masks for images or other shapes.
- Developing intricate patterns or textures by finding common areas between repeating elements.
