Boolean Operations in Figma

Boolean Operations in Figma are a set of features that can be accessed for any set of shapes or combinations on the Figma design file. They help in improvising the design by performing combinational features to create a unique design out of the existing shapes & structures. This article will teach you the different types of boolean operations and how can one improve the features of his or her design by using them.

Types of Boolean Operations in Figma

There are four different types on the basis of which you can implement Boolean Operations. They are placed in the top toolbar in the dropdown of the double square list as follows:

1. Union Operation in Figma

The Union operation helps combine two or more shapes. They result in a combination of both the shapes & this results in an addition operation.

Create a frame and add a circle in the design along with a background color & a stroke in the following manner:

The following properties must be added in the circle:

Replicate the same circle using Alt+Z and place the circle beside the first circle. Place both the circles over each other such that they overlap & then select on of the properties of boolean operations.

Overlapping the circles in the following manner:

After Performing the Union operation the shape will look like this:

2. Subtract Operation in Figma

The Subtract operation brings about a design in which only the layer present in the bottom remains & the layer of the top is removed.

Create the same circle & pair it in group and use the boolean operation of Subtract.

After performing subtract operation the shape will look like this:

3. Intersect Operation in Figma

The Intersect operation results in a design that takes the common out of the two shapes. Perform the same operation by taking a circle & replicating it, grouping it and then applying the intersect operation.

After Performing Intersect Operation the shape will look like this:

4. Exclude Operation in Figma

The Exclude operation is the opposite of intersection. It basically figures out those areas which are not common in both the shapes.

Perform the same operations by creating a circle, replicating it's design & grouping it to perform the exclude operation.

Practical Use Cases of Boolean Operations in Figma

The Boolean Operations can be used in many practical aspects of design. One such being the art of creating artistic & improvised designs that would enhance the look of the design & in turn recreate the shapes into newer unique ones.

1. Creating a background for the shape inside the container

Step 1: Create a circle

Create a circle with the same background color & stroke as specified earlier as follows:

Step 2: Duplicate the Design

Replicate the design & create two similar circles and place them side by side.

Step 3: Group the Circles

Group both the circles & perform the subtraction operation.

Step 4: Add a Background

Add a rectangle with a lighter color of the same color purple & place it on the design obtained.

Step 5: Use Exclude Option

Use the exclude operation that excludes the shapes that are not common between both the rectangle & circle. Only the stroke remains & the white color of frame regains in the circle again.

2. Creating beautiful designs

We can make small designs such as Rangolis or other beautiful aesthetic illustrations.

Step 1: Create the Pattern shown

Create two circles of the following dimensions and set the angles each one being negative of the other such that they align well.

Following are the dimensions of the above shape:

Step 2: Join the Shapes

Join the two shapes & group them together & choose Union Boolean Operation.

Step 3: Replicate and Rotate the Design

Replicate the design using Alt+Z and rotate it by 180 degrees.

Step 4: Join the Designs

Join both the above displayed designs & again apply the Union Boolean Operation to it.

Step 5: Add Background to the Design

To further improve the design, add a circle on the top of the design.

Step 6: Apply Boolean operation

Finally, apply a boolean operation, here we have used Exclude to get the final design.

Conclusion

Boolean operations in Figma are essential tools for creating complex shapes and designs easily. They help you combine, subtract, intersect, and exclude shapes, giving you more flexibility and control over your designs. By mastering these operations, you can create unique and intricate designs more efficiently, enhancing your overall design workflow in Figma.