Mastering the skill of rounding corners in Figma can significantly enhance your design workflow. Whether you’re crafting user interfaces or creating custom shapes, knowing how to adjust corner radius is crucial.

As designers, our goal is to ensure that our shapes and elements look visually appealing and cohesive. This article covers step-by-step guidance on using Figma’s corner radius feature, editing shapes, and leveraging advanced vector editing techniques.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with practical tips for creating smooth edges, rounded corners, and even customizing complex shapes.

We’ll delve into useful tips on adjusting corners, enhancing your designs with Figma’s tools, and ensuring a polished final product. Get ready to streamline your design process and create professional, rounded UI elements that stand out.

How to Round Corners in Figma: Quick Workflow

  1. Select the Shape: Click on the shape or frame you want to modify.
  2. Access the Design Panel: Open the Design panel located on the right sidebar.
  3. Adjust Corner Radius:
    • Uniform Radius: Locate the Corner Radius field. You can either drag the corner radius icon left or right to adjust it visually or enter a specific pixel value directly into the field.
    • Independent Corners: If you want to round specific corners differently, click on the Independent Corners icon (represented by a rounded rectangle) next to the corner radius field. This will allow you to set different values for each corner individually.
  4. Corner Smoothing (Optional): For a more organic look, you can adjust the Corner Smoothing. This feature creates a continuous curve instead of a sharp corner. To access this, click on the three dots next to the independent corners option and use the slider to adjust the smoothing effect from 0% to 100%.

The Basics of Creating Rounded Corners in Figma

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Starting with Shapes and Frames

Using the Rectangle tool in Figma, you can quickly lay down the foundation for your designs. Shapes like rectangles and circles are your building blocks. Simply click the Rectangle tool and draw on the canvas to create a base shape.

When dealing with frames versus shapes, it’s essential to understand the distinction. Shapes are basic geometric elements, while frames act like containers for other elements, including shapes. Frames help organize content and can be resized without altering the position and size of the elements inside them.

Adjusting Layers and Hierarchies

Managing your layers effectively is crucial. Without proper arrangement, elements can get lost or overlap unexpectedly. Use Figma’s Layers Panel to monitor the hierarchy.

Employing shortcut keys can vastly improve your workflow. For instance:

  • Cmd/Ctrl + ] to bring a layer forward
  • Cmd/Ctrl + [ to send a layer backward
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Opt/Alt + ] to bring a layer to the front
  • Cmd/Ctrl + Opt/Alt + [ to send a layer to the back

Arranging layers efficiently ensures that visibility is maintained and elements aren’t hidden behind others.

Utilizing the Properties Panel

The Properties Panel in Figma is a powerful tool. For rounding corners of your shapes, access the corner radius settings through this panel.

You’ll see a field labeled “Corner Radius.” Inputting a value here applies a uniform radius across all corners of the selected shape. Want those sleek, rounded buttons or cards? Just use this feature.

For more intricate designs, where each corner needs a different radius, Figma has you covered. But for uniformity, this simple setting is your go-to solution.

Advanced Techniques for Corner Customization

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Adjusting Individual Corner Radii

Open your shape in Figma. Notice the Independent Corners option in the properties panel. Toggle it. This feature lets you assign specific values to each corner, radically transforming your design.

Got a rectangle? Make it quirky. Set the top-left to 10 px, the top-right to 5 px, the bottom-left to 15 px, and bottom-right to 20 px. Voila! Unique designs at your fingertips.

Visual Manipulation of Corners

Corners need love too. For a hands-on approach, use the Corner Handles. Dragging these handles allows for quick and intuitive corner rounding. Make your circles perfect, your rectangles smooth.

Zoom is your secret weapon. Zoom in to 200% or more. This clarity ensures precision. Misalignment vanishes, details pop. Perfect for creating crisp designs.

Combining Shapes for Creative Effects

Merge or subtract shapes to innovate your corners. Want a custom style?

Start with a rectangle and a triangle. Overlay the triangle on one corner. Subtract it using boolean operations. You’ve got a custom beveled corner.

Invert corners for a new twist. Add a circle to the interior of a rectangle. Subtract. Instant inward curves, adding depth to your design.

Think soft-edged image framesresponsive design elements, and interactive prototypes. Keep experimenting.

Practical Applications of Rounded Corners

Enhancing User Interface Components

Rounded corners aren’t just a design trend. They enhance user interface components. Start with buttons and call-to-action designs. Rounded buttons feel more inviting. Easier to tap, more eye-catching.

Next, consider soft-edged image frames and cards. Hard edges can seem harsh. Rounded corners present a softer, friendlier interface. Think about those sleek product cards in e-commerce sites.

Improving Accessibility and Usability

Rounded corners improve accessibility. Why? They make the UI easier on the eyes. Visually scanning a screen filled with hard edges can be tiring. Soften the experience. Your users will thank you.

Inward-pointing curves draw attention. Want users to notice a specific area? Use rounded corners. Perfect for forms and input fields. They guide the user’s eye naturally.

Creating Thematic and Brand-Consistent Designs

Consistency in design matters. Rounded corners can match your brand’s identity. For instance, if your brand is family-friendly, hard edges won’t do. Rounded styles communicate softness and approachability.

Keep your radius values consistent. Across projects, use the same radii. This uniformity ties your designs together. Reflect your brand reliably. It speaks volumes.

Enhancing Efficiency with Tips and Tricks

Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Adjustments

Shortcuts are the secret sauce. You need to be nimble. Rearranging layers is a breeze with Cmd/Ctrl + ] and Cmd/Ctrl + [ for nudging elements. Want to bring something to the forefront? Cmd/Ctrl + Opt/Alt + ], same for sending it to the back with Cmd/Ctrl + Opt/Alt + [.

Modifying corner radii? Select your shape and tap R, then use the arrow keys. Precision adjustments on-the-fly.

Don’t forget zooming. Cmd/Ctrl + Plus to zoom in, Cmd/Ctrl + Minus to zoom out. The finer the zoom, the sharper the precision.

Duplicating and Reusing Rounded Elements

Why reinvent the wheel? Duplicate those beautifully crafted, rounded buttons and shapes. Select, Cmd/Ctrl + D, and you’ve got a clone.

Maintain consistency across your wireframes. Drag and drop duplicates to different parts of your design. Uniformity without the hassle.

Think design systems. Save those elements in your components library for quick access. Rounded corners on tap.

Leveraging Figma Plugins

Plugins can be game-changers. Use Blush for whimsical, customizable illustrations with soft edges. Try Angle to visualize rounded designs in device mockups effortlessly.

Need advanced corner effects? Corners Plugin lets you add intricate bevels, scallops, and more. For specific challenges, Autoflow helps in creating rounded arrows and connectors, streamlining the prototyping.

FAQ on How To Round Corners In Figma

How do I start rounding corners in Figma?

To round corners in Figma, select your shape. Look for the corner radius control in the properties panel on the right.

Enter a value or drag the corner radius slider. This suits rectangles, buttons, and other UI elements that need a smoother look.

Can I round only specific corners in Figma?

Yes, you can. Select your shape, then click the individual corner radius icon in the properties panel.

This will allow you to enter different values for each corner, customizing the shape precisely to your design needs.

What shortcut keys are useful for corner rounding?

Use the shortcut Ctrl + R (Cmd + R on Mac) to open the corner radius input field quickly.

You can also use Shift + drag on corner handles to adjust multiple corners simultaneously, streamlining your design process.

Are there any plugins for corner adjustments?

Indeed, some plugins can enhance corner rounding. Plugins like “BetterCorners” offer more advanced control over corner radius, letting you tweak your designs with additional features that are not available by default in Figma.

How do I add rounded corners to vectors?

For vectors, select the vector shape, then click on the corner nodes. You’ll see small radius handles appear.

Drag these handles to round the corners. Alternatively, you can enter a specific value in the properties panel.

Can I animate rounded corners in Figma prototypes?

Yes, you can animate rounded corners. Use Smart Animate under the prototype tab.

adjust the corner radius between frame states, and Figma will create a smooth animation between different corner radius values, enhancing UI transitions.

Does rounding corners affect performance in Figma?

Rounding corners generally doesn’t impact Figma’s performance significantly. However, excessively high radii on complex vectors can slow down rendering.

Keep your values reasonable, especially when working with intricate designs.

How do I apply corner rounding to text boxes?

Text boxes can’t have rounded corners directly. Instead, create a rectangle with your desired corner radius and place it behind your text box.

Group them to maintain alignment, giving the appearance of rounded text box edges.

Can I see the exact radius value of a rounded corner?

Yes, select your shape and check the properties panel to see the exact radius value.

For individual corners, click the separate corner radius icon to view and edit values specifically for each corner.

Can I copy corner radius settings between shapes?

Absolutely. Copy the shape with the rounded corners, then use Ctrl + Alt + V (Cmd + Option + V on Mac) to paste the corner radius settings to another shape.

This helps maintain consistency across your design elements.

Conclusion

Mastering how to round corners in Figma boosts your design capabilities. It’s essential for creating clean, modern UI elements. Rounding corners involves selecting the shape, adjusting the corner radius in the properties panel, and utilizing individual corner options for specific adjustments.

Learning these techniques helps you produce visually appealing and professional designs. Don’t forget shortcuts like Ctrl + R for efficiency. Embrace plugins for extended functionality and explore animating rounded corners to elevate your prototypes. Rounded corners can be applied not just to basic shapes but also to vectors and text boxes (with a creative workaround).

Consistency in design can be achieved by copying corner radius settings between shapes. These steps ensure that your Figma designs stand out and maintain a polished, cohesive look. Implement these methods to streamline your workflow and enhance your design portfolio. Dive into Figma’s tools and transform your shapes with rounded perfection.

Author

Bogdan Sandu is the principal designer and editor of this website. He specializes in web and graphic design, focusing on creating user-friendly websites, innovative UI kits, and unique fonts.Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces. Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, and Speckyboy among others.