Editing text in Figma is a fundamental skill for UI/UX designers seeking efficiency and precision in their design workflows.
Whether you’re adjusting font styles, modifying text layers, or experimenting with typography, Figma’s text tools facilitate seamless and dynamic text customization.
This article dives into the practical steps, from changing font families to aligning and resizing text, ensuring your designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
By mastering how to edit text in Figma, you’ll enhance your ability to deliver polished designs, collaborate effectively with team members, and maintain design consistency across projects.
We will cover essential features like the text properties panel, text boxes, and layers control. Additionally, we’ll explore advanced techniques for using Figma‘s typography tools and implementing font management strategies.
Get ready to enhance your digital design skills. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to master every aspect of text editing in Figma, from basic adjustments to more complex typography settings. Let’s dive in.
How to Edit Text in Figma: Quick Workflow
- Enter Edit Mode: Double-click on the text layer you want to edit or select it and press the Enter/Return key.
- Modify Text: Once in edit mode, you can click to place the cursor and change the text as needed. Use the right sidebar to adjust formatting, such as font, size, color, and alignment.
- Exit Edit Mode: After making your changes, press Escape or click outside the text layer.
Fundamentals of Text Editing in Figma
Creating Text Layers
Using the Text Tool (T shortcut)
Grab the Text Tool by tapping the T key. It’s your primary way to create text within Figma. Once you have it, get ready to make text layers. This tool is essential for any text manipulation, taking you straight to the blueprint of your design’s text element.
Methods to Create Text Layers: Click-to-create vs. Click-and-drag
There are two efficient ways to summon text layers. First, simply click on the canvas and start typing—this click-to-create method is ideal for labels or single lines. For more control, click and drag to form a text box with defined boundaries. Each method serves different design needs—use click-to-create for quick tasks and click-and-drag when you need predefined text spaces.
Basic Text Editing Techniques
Selecting and Entering Text Edit Mode
Entering text edit mode is straightforward. Double-click on the text layer you want to modify. The cursor appears, and you can start typing. Alternatively, select the text layer and hit Enter. This puts you in direct control, ready to alter the content as required.
Highlighting, Modifying, and Formatting Text Content
Highlighting text is as intuitive as it gets—click and drag across the characters you need to adjust. With the text highlighted, the formatting options become visible. Adjust the font, tweak the size, or even change the color. Bold or italicize sections for emphasis, and modify alignment for better structure. The control panel offers all the text properties you need, from line height to letter spacing and even paragraph spacing.
Exploring Text Properties and Styles
Understanding Text Properties
Font selection and size adjustments
Choosing the right font sets the tone. In Figma, head to the Text Properties panel. From there, pick a font that complements your design. Adjust the size to fit your layout—whether you’re working with tiny captions or big, bold headings. Experiment with different types to match the mood. Simple and clear or ornate and stylish—it’s all there.
Line height, letter spacing, and paragraph spacing
Precision in text appearance goes beyond just the font. Adjust the line height for readability, whether tight or loose. Modify letter spacing to give your text breathing room or make it compact. Playing with paragraph spacing helps to separate ideas visually, ensuring every piece has its own space. Each tweak makes text clearer and improves user experience.
Text alignment and formatting options
Align your text depending on the layout needs—left, right, center, or justify. Each option has its place. Formatting doesn’t end there; make text bold to stand out, italicize for emphasis, or underline for links. Combine these tools to structure your text visually and contextually. It’s about clarity and style.
Creating and Managing Text Styles
Saving text properties as reusable styles
Efficiency is key. Save commonly used text properties as reusable styles. Head to the Styles panel and hit the plus button. Name your style—think ahead for consistency across projects. This step turns a one-time effort into a productivity win, making design smooth.
Applying styles to multiple layers
Once you’ve got your styles, applying them is quick. Select your text layer, go to the Styles dropdown, and choose from your saved options. This method ensures uniformity, sparing you the repetitive adjustments. Multiple layers adopting the same style maintains harmony across your design.
Editing and updating text styles across projects
Need to update a style? No problem. Go to your Styles panel, find the one to modify, make the needed changes, and voilà—every instance using that style updates automatically. It’s about keeping your design adaptable and current. This automatic update ensures consistency without manually editing every layer, saving time and maintaining integrity.
Advanced Text Editing Techniques
Multi-Editing Text Layers
Selecting multiple text layers for batch editing
Let’s say you’ve got a bunch of text layers that need the same tweak. Select them all with a simple drag or click while holding Shift. This method allows you to enter batch editing mode. Now you’re in full control, making bulk changes at once. Efficiency at its best.
Adjusting shared properties efficiently
Once you’ve got your layers selected, change shared properties in one go. Adjust the font, set a new color, or tweak line height. You’re done without touching each layer individually. This approach ensures consistency and saves heaps of time.
Using OpenType and Variable Fonts
Enhancing typography with OpenType features
OpenType features are a game-changer. Dive into Typography settings and explore these options. Ligatures, alternates, and small caps—these features refine your design. Enable them to elevate the typography, adding a touch of class and polish.
Exploring the flexibility of variable fonts
Variable fonts? Yes, they’re flexible and efficient. One typeface adjusts across various parameters like weight and width. No more loading multiple font files. Experiment with the axes sliders to find the perfect mix. These fonts adapt, a blessing for responsive design.
Resizing and Scaling Text Layers
Using text resizing options (Auto Width vs. Fixed Dimensions)
Resizing text isn’t just about dragging corners. Deciding between Auto Width and Fixed Dimensions influences your design flow. Auto Width expands the text box as you type, great for seamless text scaling. Fixed Dimensions, on the other hand, keeps the box size firm. Choose based on your layout needs.
Scaling text layers uniformly for layout adjustments
Uniform scaling ensures proportional resizing. Grab the corners of your text layer while holding Shift. This technique keeps everything balanced. Whether increasing for a header or shrinking for a caption, it maintains harmony across your layout.
Enhancing Text with Decorations and Effects
Text Decorations
Applying underline, strikethrough, and capitalization styles
Decorating text isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making certain bits stand out. In Figma, head over to the Text Properties panel. Want to make something pop? Apply an underline. Need to indicate a completed task or a discarded idea? Slap on a strikethrough. Capitalization styles? Transform text to uppercase for emphasis or lowercase for a softer look. These tweaks are about drawing attention and guiding the reader’s eye.
Customizing decorative elements for emphasis
Beyond the basics, you can get creative with custom decorations. Adjust the thickness of your underline to make it bolder. Change the color of a strikethrough for contrast. Combine italic and bold to emphasize key points dynamically. Each adjustment is a tool for visual hierarchy.
Adding Shadows and Effects
Drop shadows and inner shadows for depth
Depth brings your design to life. Drop shadows are your go-to for creating that effect. Head to the Effects panel, choose drop shadow, tweak the blur, opacity, and offset to find the perfect depth. Inner shadows can add subtle indents, making the text appear embedded. They’re perfect for giving a layered look.
Blurs and gradients for artistic enhancements
Blurs and gradients kick things up a notch. Apply a background blur to enhance readability against busy backgrounds. Or use a text blur for artistic touches. Gradients? Apply a smooth color gradient for a modern look. Adjust the angles, colors, and spans to make text visually captivating. These effects can transform flat designs into engaging visuals.
Integrating Text with Design Systems
Establishing Consistent Text Libraries
Creating centralized libraries for styles and components
Creating centralized libraries is paramount. Start with your Text Properties. Define your font, size, color, and spacing. Save these as styles. Head to the Assets panel, create a new library. Drag your text styles and components in. Voilà, you’ve got a centralized hub for your text assets. Every team member can now pull consistent typography from here.
Sharing and collaborating with team libraries
Sharing these libraries boosts teamwork efficiency. In Figma, click the Share button. Invite your team, giving them access to the centralized text styles. Collaborative interface tools make it seamless. Now everyone works with the same design system, avoiding inconsistencies. Collaborative editing in real-time ensures everyone is on the same page, literally.
Leveraging Text in Design Systems
Applying reusable text assets across projects
Reusable text assets streamline projects. When you create headlines, body text, or captions, you’re not starting from scratch. Instead, apply previously saved text styles. Open your Assets panel, select the text style needed, and apply it. This method maintains consistency and speeds up the process. Whether it’s for a website mockup or a vector network interface, your text is uniform.
Updating text system-wide for seamless consistency
Updating text across an entire project should be painless. Modify your text style in the Style panel. Every instance where this style is used will update automatically. This feature is crucial when making global changes—altering a font size, tweaking alignment, or adjusting color. Your entire design system stays in sync, ensuring that everyone sees the most current version. It’s a game-changer for maintaining typographic consistency.
Optimizing Workflows with Formatting Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts for Text Formatting
Commonly used shortcuts (bold, italic, alignment, etc.)
Speed matters. Formatting text quickly relies on knowing your shortcuts:
- Bold: Command/Ctrl + B
- Italic: Command/Ctrl + I
- Underline: Command/Ctrl + U
These shortcuts are your bread and butter. Then there’s alignment—left, center, right.
- Left Align: Shift + Command/Ctrl + L
- Center Align: Shift + Command/Ctrl + C
- Right Align: Shift + Command/Ctrl + R
Master these, and you’ll spend less time clicking around.
Shortcut combinations for quicker edits
Combine shortcuts to multitask. Need to bold and center-align? Hit Command/Ctrl + B, then Shift + Command/Ctrl + C.
- Increase Font Size: Command/Ctrl + Shift + >
- Decrease Font Size: Command/Ctrl + Shift + <
Stack these combos for rapid fire formatting. Blitz through edits without losing momentum. Your text layers snap into place just like you envision in your design system.
Streamlining Processes with Plugins and Tools
Useful plugins for typography and text editing
Plugins save serious time. Type Scale helps define typography scales effortlessly. Text Courier copies text properties from one layer to another in a flash. These plugins integrate seamlessly with Figma’s interface, elevating your text editing capabilities.
Automating repetitive tasks with Figma’s tools
Automation is key. Figma’s built-in tools streamline repetitive chores. Use Component Instances to update multiple texts at once.
Apply Auto Layout for dynamic text changes within containers. Adjust one, and the rest follow.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Aligning Text with Layout and Design Goals
Maintaining hierarchy and readability
Hierarchy and readability. These are your cornerstones. For headlines, pick a larger font and bold weight. Subheaders? Slightly smaller for clarity. Body text, keep it simple and clear. Your readers need to navigate effortlessly.
Use paragraph spacing to separate different blocks of text. Line height should be enough to breathe but not too much that it feels disconnected.
Consistency is key. Apply your text styles consistently across the project. This is how to edit text in Figma effectively.
Balancing aesthetics and functionality
Aesthetics vs. functionality. Striking that balance can be tricky. Sure, that funky font looks cool, but is it readable? Keep your design system in check. Functional text is always a priority.
Color matters. Choose a contrast that’s easy on the eyes. Dark text on a light background or vice versa. Integrate typography settings into your design system to maintain a professional look without sacrificing creativity.
Troubleshooting Text Issues
Resolving missing font alerts and text rendering issues
Missing fonts? Nightmare. When Figma throws these alerts, your design crumbles. Fonts are missing or not rendered correctly. Stay ahead. Keep your font libraries updated. Embed fonts in your design system.
If an alert pops up, replace the missing font with a similar one from your font selection. Stick to web-safe fonts to avoid rendering issues across different systems.
Ensuring compatibility across systems and platforms
Cross-platform compatibility. Critical. Your text should look the same everywhere—desktop, tablet, mobile. Achieving this? Not as easy as it sounds. Stick with common fonts. Avoid custom ones unless absolutely necessary.
Test on multiple devices. Emulators can help but nothing beats the real thing. Check for text wrapping issues and ensure your line heights and spacings adapt gracefully.
FAQ on How To Edit Text In Figma
How do I change the font in Figma?
To change the font, select the text layer, head to the right-hand properties panel, and find the Text section.
Click on the font name to open the dropdown menu, then choose your desired font family. The change will apply instantly to your selected text.
How do I resize text in Figma?
Resizing text is simple. Select the text layer and then adjust the font size in the Text section of the properties panel.
Alternatively, drag the bounding box handles of the text layer to resize manually, and Figma will scale the text proportionally.
How do I align text in Figma?
Align text by selecting your text layer and navigating to the Alignment options in the properties panel.
You can choose options like left, center, or right alignment. For vertical alignment, you can adjust the text’s position within its bounding box using the alignment tools.
How do I edit text within a shape in Figma?
Double-click on the shape to enter text editing mode. Type or paste your text within the shape.
You can then adjust the text’s font, size, and alignment just like you would with any other text layer, using the properties panel.
How do I change text color in Figma?
Select the text layer, go to the Fill section in the properties panel, and click on the color swatch.
Choose your desired color from the color picker, or enter a specific hex code to match your design’s color palette.
How do I add text styles in Figma?
To add text styles, select the text layer you want to style. In the properties panel, click the four dots next to Text to open the Text styles modal.
Here, you can create new styles, apply existing ones, and manage all your design’s typographic settings.
How do I edit text layers in Figma?
For editing text layers, double-click the text you want to change. You’ll enter text edit mode.
Make your changes directly in the canvas, or use the properties panel to adjust fonts, sizes, and other text settings for more precise control.
How do I use Figma typography tools?
Figma offers robust typography tools. Access them via the properties panel where you can tweak font-family, size, weight, line height, and letter spacing.
Utilize these tools to ensure your text is both readable and visually appealing, allowing for detailed typographic customization.
How do I manage font styles in Figma?
Go to the Style panel in the properties section. Here, you can create, edit, and apply font styles to maintain consistency across your projects.
This feature is particularly useful for maintaining brand guidelines and streamlining collaborative efforts in design projects.
How do I collaborate on text edits in Figma?
Collaboration on text edits is seamless in Figma. Multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously.
Text changes are reflected in real time, making it easier to collaborate on design projects. Use comments to provide feedback and suggest text edits.
Conclusion
Mastering how to edit text in Figma is essential for creating polished, professional designs. With the right techniques, you can easily change fonts, resize text, align content, and manage text within shapes. Use the text properties panel effectively to adjust color, apply styles, and leverage Figma’s typography tools for precise control.
Coupled with efficient font management and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with team members, you can enhance design consistency and streamline your workflow. Whether adjusting text layers or applying text styles, knowing these methods will make your design process more agile and collaborative.
By implementing these practices, you’ll improve your overall design efficiency. From text boxes to text properties, Figma provides comprehensive tools for all your digital design needs. Incorporate these insights into your projects, and you’ll see significant improvements in both the quality and consistency of your work.
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