How to apply boolean operations on Figma

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Boolean operations in Figma combine multiple vector shapes using Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude operations. Select two or more vector shapes, then choose the desired boolean operation from the toolbar or use keyboard shortcuts.

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Prerequisites

Basic Figma interface knowledge
Understanding of vector shapes
Familiarity with layer selection
Knowledge of shape tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create or select vector shapes

Create at least two overlapping vector shapes using the Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, or Pen tools from the toolbar. Ensure your shapes are vector objects and positioned so they overlap in the areas where you want the boolean operation to take effect.

Boolean operations only work on vector shapes, not images or text objects.

Select multiple shapes

Hold Shift and click each shape you want to include in the boolean operation, or drag to create a selection box around all target shapes. You'll see all selected shapes highlighted with blue selection handles in the canvas.

The order of selection matters for Subtract operations - the top shape in the layers panel will be subtracted from the bottom shape.

Access boolean operations

With your shapes selected, look for the boolean operations icons in the top toolbar. You'll see four icons representing Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude operations. These appear only when multiple vector shapes are selected.

If you don't see the boolean icons, ensure all selected objects are vector shapes and not groups or other object types.

Choose Union operation

Click the Union icon (overlapping circles) to combine all selected shapes into a single shape. This creates one unified vector that includes all areas covered by any of the original shapes, removing any internal dividing lines.

Union is perfect for creating custom icons or combining simple shapes into complex ones.

Apply Subtract operation

Select Subtract (circle with cut-out) to remove the top shape from the bottom shape. The topmost shape in the layers panel will be cut out from all shapes below it, creating holes or cutouts in your design.

Use Subtract to create donut shapes, punch holes in objects, or create complex cutout patterns.

Use Intersect operation

Click Intersect (overlapping area only) to keep only the areas where all selected shapes overlap. This operation removes all non-overlapping portions and creates a new shape from the intersection areas.

Intersect is useful for creating precise overlapping areas or cropping shapes to specific boundaries.

Apply Exclude operation

Select Exclude (inverse overlap) to remove overlapping areas and keep only the non-overlapping portions of your shapes. This creates the opposite effect of Intersect, leaving hollow areas where shapes previously overlapped.

Exclude is great for creating frames, borders, or complex patterns with cutout areas.

Edit boolean groups

After applying a boolean operation, you can double-click the resulting shape to enter edit mode and modify individual components. Use the Layers panel to select specific shapes within the boolean group and adjust their properties or positions.

Boolean operations in Figma are non-destructive - you can always modify the original shapes or change the operation type later.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Boolean operation icons don't appear in toolbar

Ensure you've selected only vector shapes (not groups, text, or images). Convert any non-vector objects to vectors using Object > Flatten or recreate them with vector tools.

Unexpected results from Subtract operation

Check the layer order in the Layers panel. The topmost shape will be subtracted from shapes below it. Reorder layers by dragging them up or down in the panel.

Boolean operation creates unwanted complexity

Simplify your shapes before applying boolean operations. Use Object > Flatten to convert complex objects to simple vectors, or break down complex operations into multiple simpler steps.

Cannot edit individual shapes after boolean operation

Double-click the boolean group to enter edit mode, or select the specific shape in the Layers panel. You can also right-click and choose Ungroup to separate the boolean operation if needed.

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