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Basic Layer Operations

Learn how to work with layers in Figpea, from basic selection and visibility controls to essential transformations. This guide covers the fundamental operations you'll use most frequently.

Creating New Layers

Shape Layers

  • Press 'A' or click the "New Shape" button in the toolbar
  • Select from three basic shapes:
    • Rectangle (default: 100x50 pixels)
    • Ellipse (default: 50px radius)
    • Line (default: 100px length)
  • Click anywhere on the canvas to place the shape
  • Shapes inherit styles from previously created layers

Text Layers

  • Press 'T' or click the "New Text" button
  • Click on the canvas to place text
  • Start typing immediately in edit mode
  • Text layers are named "Text" by default

Layer Placement

  • Click inside a folder/group to add as child
  • Click outside page boundaries to add to project root
  • Click inside page to add to current page
  • Layers automatically position based on cursor location

Learn more: Creating Shape and Text Layers in Figpea

Layer List Navigation

The layer list is your primary tool for organizing and managing design elements:

Finding Layers

  • Use the search bar to quickly locate layers
  • Navigate the hierarchy with expand/collapse controls
  • Filter layers by type (shape, text, group, etc.)

Selection Techniques

  • Single click for individual selection
  • Cmd/Ctrl + click for multiple selection
  • Shift + click for range selection
  • Click parent folders to select groups

Learn more: Layer Hierarchy Operations in Figpea

Essential Layer Controls

Visibility

  • Toggle layer visibility with the eye icon
  • Hide/show multiple layers at once
  • Quick isolation mode for focused editing
  • Temporarily hide other layers

Layer Order

  • Drag and drop to reorder layers
  • Move layers between groups
  • Bring forward/send backward
  • Arrange relative to other layers

Grouping

  • Create groups to organize layers (Cmd/Ctrl + G)
  • Nest groups for complex hierarchies
  • Ungroup when needed (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G)
  • Groups help organize related elements
  • Groups maintain layer relationships while moving
  • Groups can be nested for complex structures

Basic Transformations

Move Tool

  • Drag layers on canvas
  • Arrow keys for precise movement
  • Snap to other elements
  • Align to guides

Resize Operations

  • Drag handles to resize
  • Maintain aspect ratio (hold Shift)
  • Scale from center (hold Alt)
  • Numeric input for exact dimensions

Learn more: Transform Tool in Figpea

Layer Properties

Opacity

  • Adjust layer transparency
  • Quick opacity presets
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Group opacity settings

Blend Modes

  • Normal blending
  • Multiply and Screen
  • Overlay and Soft Light
  • Other common modes

Basic Effects

  • Drop shadows
  • Inner shadows
  • Basic blur effects
  • Color overlays

Learn more: Layer Operations in Figpea

Working with Text

Text Editing

  • Double-click to edit text
  • Basic formatting options
  • Font selection
  • Size adjustments

Text Properties

  • Alignment controls
  • Line height
  • Letter spacing
  • Color settings

Shape Operations

Basic Shapes

  • Rectangle
  • Ellipse
  • Line
  • Polygon

Shape Properties

  • Fill color
  • Border style
  • Corner radius
  • Path operations

Quick Actions

Common Operations

  • Copy/Paste (Cmd/Ctrl + C/V)
    • Copy and paste layers with properties
    • Paste images directly from clipboard
    • Paste images from other applications
    • Support for various image formats
  • Duplicate (Cmd/Ctrl + D)
  • Delete (Delete/Backspace)
  • Undo/Redo (Cmd/Ctrl + Z/Shift + Z)

Learn more: Copy & Paste Feature in Figpea

Selection Shortcuts

  • Select All (Cmd/Ctrl + A)
  • Deselect (Cmd/Ctrl + D)
  • Select Parent (Cmd/Ctrl + Up)
  • Select Child (Cmd/Ctrl + Down)

Tips for Efficiency

  1. Organization:

    • Name layers clearly
    • Use logical grouping
    • Maintain clean hierarchy
    • Delete unused layers

  2. Selection:

    • Learn keyboard shortcuts
    • Use search effectively
    • Master multiple selection
    • Utilize isolation mode

  3. Transformations:

    • Use snap guides
    • Learn modifier keys
    • Practice with handles
    • Master numeric input

  4. Visibility:

    • Use isolation mode
    • Toggle groups efficiently
    • Manage complex hierarchies
    • Quick show/hide techniques

For more detailed information about specific layer operations, check our blog posts or move on to Advanced Layer Operations.