The Introduction
Honestly, we've all been there.
You sit in front of Figma, spend 20 minutes manually aligning elements, recreate the same button for the fifth time, and get stressed when the prototype doesn't work as you wanted.
But after years of experience, I've discovered a set of simple yet very effective tricks — you won't find them in 'Figma Basics' tutorials, but in real work experience.
These tricks are not just about saving time, but about changing the way you think and move as a designer.
⚡ 1. Use 'Swap Instance' and change components magically.
Create a single component for icons with multiple states (default, filled, disabled).
Now instead of searching through the long asset list, just right-click → Swap Instance.
💡 Pro Tip:
Assign keyboard shortcuts to your most used components.
You'll thank yourself later on those stressful delivery days!
🎨 2. Copy properties... not elements.
A simple game-changing shortcut:
Ctrl+Alt+C to copy properties, and Ctrl+Alt+V to paste them onto another element.
Like 'Format Painter' in PowerPoint, but for your colours, fonts, and effects.
Save hours of unnecessary repetition, and maintain perfect consistency between elements.
🧩 3. Boolean operations are your secret friend.
Instead of drawing shapes manually, use the union, subtract, and intersect tools.
Create complex icons and shapes with complete ease — all of which are editable later.
This method combines precision and simplicity and makes you look like a Figma engineering pro.
🖱️ 4. Smart selection: don't waste your time with layers.
Press Alt + Click to select hidden elements beneath others.
Or use Ctrl + Click to select multiple elements without grouping them.
Simple moves that save you long minutes of 'Where's the element?' and 'Why can't I select it?'.
🧱 5. The design grid system that no one told you about
Create custom grids and save them as presets.
One for mobile (4 columns), another for tablet (8), and a third for desktop (12).
With one click, the frame is ready for any screen —
This is how big companies think, and this is how your designs look ready for actual production.
🎬 6. Use Smart Animate wisely
The goal of animation is not just beauty — but clarity.
Move the elements that explain the interaction, not those that distract.
For example:
🔹 A button that slightly expands on hover
🔹 A card that slides when added to favourites
Every smart movement = a clearer and more human experience.
⚙️ 7. Component Properties = the magic of productivity
Instead of creating 6 copies of the same button, create one component with properties:
Size (small, medium, large)
Type (primary, secondary, transparent)
State (default, hover, disabled)
The result?
An organised project, easy to modify, and looks like a whole design team stands behind it.
💫 8. The magical “Paste Over Selection” feature
Copy any element (Ctrl+C) then select another element and press (Ctrl+V).
It will be replaced in its place without changing the position or layer.
Great for quickly trying out new icons or images — without the mess.
🧮 9. Calculations within Figma
Did you know you can write equations directly in any numeric field?
For example, write “+20” in the padding field or “*1.5” in the size of the element.
Practical, precise, and makes design more of a science than a guess.
🧰 10. The add-on that changes everything: Content Reel
Stop using “Lorem Ipsum”!
Use Content Reel to add real content to your designs.
You will discover visual errors early and provide a realistic experience that resembles the actual product.
Real content = design taken seriously.
🔁 In summary: don't memorise... apply.
The value of these tricks is not in reading them, but in their continuous application.
Choose only two tricks from the list and apply them this week.
Once they become a habit, move on to two new ones.
The result?
Faster workflow, cleaner design, and greater confidence in every new project.
🚀 Do you want to improve your workflow or evaluate your current project?
At Echo Media, we help designers and developers assess their files and tools,
and improve the presentation and construction to look professional and cohesive in front of clients.
Whether you are at the beginning of your career or building a design system for your team —
start where you are, and elevate with clear and thoughtful steps.
🔗 Discover our services for designers at www.echo-media.co