Summarize this article with:
Grouped layers saving you time until they don’t? Learning how to ungroup in Figma takes seconds but saves hours of frustration when editing complex designs.
Whether you’re working with imported files, nested elements, or component instances, the ungroup command gives you back control over individual layers.
This guide covers three methods to separate grouped elements:
- Keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac
- Right-click context menu
- Object menu navigation
You’ll also learn how to handle nested groups, batch ungroup multiple selections, and troubleshoot common issues.
Total time needed: under 30 seconds per action.
How to Ungroup in Figma
Ungrouping in Figma separates combined layers back into individual elements using keyboard shortcuts or menu commands.
Designers need this when editing specific items within a selection, restructuring layer hierarchy, or modifying imported files.
This guide covers 3 methods requiring under 30 seconds. Works with Figma browser and desktop app (2024 version).
The ungroup command applies to both groups and frames. Components require detaching first.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:
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- Active design file with grouped elements
- Can edit access to the file
- Basic familiarity with the Layers panel
- Figma desktop app or supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Time required: 30 seconds or less per ungroup action.
Step One: How Do You Select the Grouped Elements?
Click on the grouped object directly on the canvas or locate it in the Layers panel on the left sidebar.
The selection highlights the entire group with a blue bounding box.
The Layers panel shows nested items under a folder-like group icon.
Action
- Canvas method: Single-click on any element within the group
- Layers panel method: Click the group name showing the folder icon
- Result: Blue selection border appears around the entire group
Purpose
Selecting the group container (not individual child elements inside) tells Figma which grouped set you want to separate.
Double-clicking selects individual items within the group. Single-click grabs the whole thing.
Step Two: How Do You Ungroup Using the Keyboard Shortcut?
Press Shift + Ctrl + G (Windows) or Shift + Command + G (Mac) with the group selected.
The elements separate into individual layers in the Layers panel. Each item becomes independently selectable.
Action
- Windows shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + G
- Mac shortcut: Shift + Command + G
- Alternative Windows: Ctrl + Backspace
- Alternative Mac: Command + Delete
Result: Layers panel shows each element listed separately without the parent group folder.
Purpose
Keyboard shortcuts provide the fastest method for layer separation during active design work.
Memorizing these commands speeds up your user interface design workflow significantly.
Step Three: How Do You Ungroup Using the Right-Click Menu?
Right-click on the selected group to open the context menu.
Click “Ungroup” from the dropdown options. The grouped elements separate into individual layers.
This method works identically on Windows and macOS systems.
Action
- Right-click: Opens context menu above the selection
- Menu location: Find “Ungroup” in the dropdown list
- Result: Elements appear as separate layers in the Layers panel
Purpose
The right-click method provides visual confirmation of available actions.
Works without memorizing shortcuts, making it perfect for new Figma users learning the interface.
Step Four: How Do You Ungroup Using the Object Menu?
Click Object in the top menu bar with the group selected.
Select “Ungroup” from the dropdown. The elements separate into individual layers.
Action
- Menu path: Object > Ungroup
- Location: Top menu bar in Figma interface
- Result: Group container removed, individual layers remain
Purpose
The Object menu method offers an alternative when keyboard shortcuts conflict with system settings or accessibility tools.
Some AMD software hijacks default shortcuts. This menu path bypasses that issue entirely.
Ungrouping Nested Groups
Nested groups require multiple ungroup actions. Each command removes one level of grouping.
Repeat the process until all desired elements become individual layers in the panel.
Action
- First ungroup: Removes outer group container
- Check Layers panel for remaining group icons
- Select inner group, repeat Shift + Ctrl + G (Windows) or Shift + Command + G (Mac)
Complex designs imported from Sketch or Adobe XD often contain deeply nested structures. Be patient.
Ungrouping Multiple Groups at Once
Hold Shift and click multiple groups in the Layers panel or canvas.
Apply the ungroup command once. All selected groups separate simultaneously.
Action
- Multi-select: Hold Shift + click each group
- Apply shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + G (Windows) or Shift + Command + G (Mac)
- Result: All selected groups ungroup in one action
Batch editing saves significant time when working with imported vector graphics or complex user experience layouts.
Ungrouping Frames vs Groups
The ungroup command works on both groups and frames in Figma.
Frames release their child elements when ungrouped. The frame container disappears.
Components behave differently. They require detaching before ungrouping.
Component Handling
- Select component instance
- Right-click > Detach instance
- Apply ungroup command
Need to remove a component in Figma? Detaching first converts it to a regular frame.
Learn more about how to use components in Figma for better design system management.
Verification
Check the Layers panel after ungrouping.
Individual elements appear as separate items without a parent group folder.
Each element can now be selected independently on the canvas without selecting other former group members.
If elements still move together, a nested group likely remains. Repeat the ungroup action.
Troubleshooting
Ungroup Option is Grayed Out
Confirm you selected a group (folder icon in Layers panel), not a single element or component instance.
Components show a diamond icon. Groups show a folder icon.
Keyboard Shortcut Does Not Work
Check for software conflicts. AMD Software and other apps sometimes hijack shortcuts.
Use Ctrl + Shift + G as alternative to Ctrl + Backspace. Or access Object > Ungroup from the menu.
Cannot Ungroup a Component
Components require detaching first.
Right-click > Detach instance, then apply the ungroup command.
Elements Stay Grouped After Command
Nested groups exist within your selection.
Repeat the ungroup command for each grouping level until all layers separate.
Related Actions
Master these related Figma commands for faster object management:
- Grouping elements: Ctrl + G (Windows) or Command + G (Mac)
- Undo ungrouping: Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) – learn more about how to undo in Figma
- Creating frames: Ctrl + Alt + G (Windows) or Command + Option + G (Mac) – see how to make a frame in Figma
- Detaching instances: Right-click > Detach instance
Working with prototypes in Figma? Ungrouping helps isolate interactive elements for precise connection mapping.
Building layouts? Understanding auto layout in Figma complements your layer management skills.
For precise element adjustments, learn how to scale in Figma and how to rotate in Figma after ungrouping.
FAQ on How To Ungroup In Figma
What is the keyboard shortcut to ungroup in Figma?
Press Shift + Ctrl + G on Windows or Shift + Command + G on Mac. Alternative shortcuts: Ctrl + Backspace (Windows) or Command + Delete (Mac). Both options instantly separate grouped layers into individual elements.
Can you ungroup multiple groups at once in Figma?
Yes. Hold Shift and click multiple groups in the Layers panel or canvas. Apply the ungroup shortcut once. All selected groups separate simultaneously, saving time during batch editing workflows.
Why is the ungroup option grayed out in Figma?
You likely selected a single element or component instance instead of a group. Check the Layers panel for the folder icon indicating a group. Components require detaching first before ungrouping becomes available.
How do you ungroup nested groups in Figma?
Apply the ungroup command multiple times. Each action removes one grouping level. Check the Layers panel after each ungroup to identify remaining nested structures. Repeat until all elements appear as individual layers.
Does ungrouping affect component instances in Figma?
You cannot directly ungroup component instances. Right-click the instance and select “Detach instance” first. This converts it to a regular frame. Then apply the ungroup command to separate the child elements.
Can you ungroup frames in Figma?
Yes. The ungroup command works on both groups and frames. Ungrouping a frame removes the container and releases all child elements as individual layers. The process is identical to ungrouping standard groups.
How do you regroup elements after ungrouping in Figma?
Select the elements you want to combine. Press Ctrl + G (Windows) or Command + G (Mac). The selected items merge into a new group. You can also right-click and choose “Group selection.”
What happens to layer properties when ungrouping in Figma?
Individual element properties remain intact after ungrouping. Position, styling, and constraints stay unchanged. The only difference: elements become independently selectable without the parent group container binding them together.
How do you undo an ungroup action in Figma?
Press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) immediately after ungrouping. This restores the original grouped structure. Figma maintains full undo history, so you can reverse multiple actions if needed.
Why doesn’t my Figma ungroup shortcut work?
Software conflicts often cause this issue. AMD drivers and other applications sometimes hijack keyboard shortcuts. Try the alternative shortcut or use Object > Ungroup from the top menu bar as a workaround.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ungroup in Figma gives you precise control over layer management and design organization.
Three methods get the job done: keyboard shortcuts, right-click menu, or Object menu navigation. Pick whichever fits your workflow.
The key points to remember:
- Shift + Ctrl + G (Windows) or Shift + Command + G (Mac) for quick ungrouping
- Nested groups require repeating the command
- Components need detaching before ungrouping
- Batch select multiple groups to ungroup simultaneously
These selection tools and canvas editing techniques streamline your wireframe and mockup creation process.
Practice the shortcuts until they become muscle memory. Your design iteration speed will thank you.
