How to Create Shape and Text Layers in Figpea

Figpea provides powerful tools for creating and manipulating both shape and text layers. This guide will walk you through the process of adding these essential elements to your designs.

Create Shape

Shape Layers

To create shape layers in Figpea, you can use either the toolbar button or the keyboard shortcut 'A'. The shape tool offers three basic shapes:

  1. Rectangle
  2. Ellipse
  3. Line

Creating a Shape Layer

  1. Press 'A' or click the "New Shape" button in the toolbar

  2. Select your desired shape type from the snackbar that appears:

    • Rectangle: Creates a rectangular shape
    • Ellipse: Creates a circular or oval shape
    • Line: Creates a straight line
  3. Click anywhere on the canvas to place your shape

    • Rectangles will be created with a default size of 100x50 pixels
    • Ellipses will be created with a radius of 50 pixels
    • Lines will be created with a default length of 100 pixels

Shape Placement Rules

When placing shapes, Figpea intelligently determines the parent container:

  • If you click inside a folder or group layer, the shape will be added to that container
  • If you click outside the current page boundaries, the shape will be added to the project root
  • Shapes inherit styles from the previously created layer, maintaining design consistency

Text Layers

Text layers can be created using the "New Text" button or by pressing the 'T' shortcut key.

Creating a Text Layer

  1. Press 'T' or click the "New Text" button in the toolbar
  2. Click anywhere on the canvas where you want to place your text
  3. The text editing mode will automatically activate, allowing you to type immediately

Text Layer Features

  • Text layers are automatically named "Text" by default
  • The text editing widget activates immediately after creation
  • Like shapes, text layers are placed based on your click position and the current context

Tips for Layer Creation

  1. Smart Positioning: Figpea automatically positions new layers based on your cursor location and the current document structure

  2. Style Inheritance: New layers inherit styles from previously created layers, making it easier to maintain consistent design elements

  3. Parent Container Selection: The system automatically determines the appropriate parent container based on where you click:

    • Inside a folder/group: Adds to that container
    • Outside page boundaries: Adds to project root
    • Inside page: Adds to the current page
  4. Quick Access: Use keyboard shortcuts ('A' for shapes, 'T' for text) for faster workflow

  5. Layer Organization: Created layers are automatically added to the layer hierarchy and can be selected immediately for further editing

Best Practices

  1. Use keyboard shortcuts for faster workflow
  2. Take advantage of style inheritance for consistent designs
  3. Pay attention to the cursor position when creating new layers to ensure proper placement
  4. Use the appropriate parent containers to maintain organized layer hierarchy
  5. Combine shape and text layers to create complex design elements

By mastering these tools, you can efficiently create and manage both shape and text layers in your Figpea projects, enabling you to build complex designs with ease.