change figma background color

3 min read 08-10-2024

How to Change the Background Color in Figma: A Step-by-Step Guide

Figma's design canvas offers a versatile space for creating stunning visuals. But sometimes, the default white background isn't ideal for showcasing your designs effectively. Thankfully, Figma provides an easy way to customize the background color to suit your needs. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of changing the background color, exploring different methods and potential applications.

Changing the Background Color: The Essentials

1. Selecting the Right Canvas:

The Main Canvas: This is the primary workspace where you create and edit your designs. You can change the background color of the main canvas by following the steps below.
Frames: Frames act as containers for specific elements within your design. You can independently change the background color of individual frames.

2. Accessing the Color Picker:

The Color Picker: Figma's color picker allows you to select a wide range of colors, from pre-defined palettes to custom hex codes.

3. Applying the Color:

Canvas Background: You'll use the color picker to directly apply the desired color to the canvas background.
Frame Background: When working with frames, you'll need to select the frame and then access the color picker to change its background color.

Method 1: Using the Design Panel

This method is ideal for quickly changing the background color of the main canvas.

Open the Design Panel: Locate the design panel on the right-hand side of the Figma interface.
Locate the "Background" Option: Within the design panel, you'll find a section labeled "Background".
Click the Color Picker: The color picker icon (a small colored square) appears next to the "Background" label. Clicking it will open the color picker.
Select Your Color: Choose your desired color from the color picker. You can use the color wheel, predefined palettes, or enter a custom hex code.
Apply the Color: The selected color will immediately be applied as the background color for the main canvas.

Example:

Let's say you're designing a website mockup for a travel agency. To create a visual feel that evokes a sense of adventure, you might choose a vibrant blue as the background color for your main canvas.

Method 2: Using the "Fill" Property

This method is perfect for setting the background color of frames.

Select the Frame: Click on the frame you want to change the background color of.
Navigate to the "Fill" Property: In the design panel, locate the "Fill" property, typically situated under the "Paint" section.
Access the Color Picker: Click on the color picker icon next to the "Fill" property.
Select Your Color: Use the color picker to choose your desired background color for the frame.
Apply the Color: The selected color will automatically be applied as the background color for the frame.

Example:

Imagine you're designing a mobile app interface. You might use a frame to represent a specific screen, like the "Profile" screen. To visually differentiate this screen, you can change its background color to a subtle shade of gray using this method.

Tips for Using Background Colors Effectively

Consider the Context: The background color should complement the overall design and convey the desired mood or message. For example, a warm orange background might be suitable for a food delivery app, while a cool blue background could be appropriate for a productivity app.
Use Contrast: Ensure there's sufficient contrast between your background color and the foreground elements (text, icons, etc.) for readability.
Create Visual Hierarchy: You can use different background colors to highlight specific areas of your design and guide the user's attention.
Experiment with Gradients: Instead of solid colors, explore using gradients to add depth and visual interest to your background.

Conclusion

Changing the background color in Figma is a simple but powerful way to personalize your designs and enhance their visual appeal. By utilizing the methods and tips outlined in this article, you can effectively customize your design canvas and create engaging and impactful visual experiences.

Note: Remember to always keep accessibility in mind when choosing background colors. Ensure that there's sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments.

Attribution:

This article draws inspiration from the following GitHub resources:

By understanding the different methods and their applications, you can make informed decisions about background colors and achieve the desired aesthetic for your designs.