Paints can be colors, gradients, or images. In Figma, you can use the Color picker to apply paints to fills and strokes.

Paints can be applied to the following objects and shapes using the fill or stroke properties:

• Text layers
• Basic shapes
• Vector networks
• Boolean operations
• Frames

Paint types

There are three different types of paints you can apply:

• Solid: A solid color or paint.
• Gradients: Choose from four different gradients:
  • Linear (gradient): A progressive transition between two colors on a straight line. You can choose the angle of the line.
  • Radial (gradient): A circular gradient that has a color at the center which transitions to another color on the edge. This could be another color, or a fade to transparent.
  • Diamond (gradient): A gradient with four points that starts in the center of the object or layer. You can adjust the width and height of the gradient individually.
  • Angular (gradient): Creates a gradient clockwise from the starting position. You can adjust the location of both colors in the gradient to create a softer or harsher angle.
• Pattern: Pattern fills reference another object on the canvas. Learn more about using pattern fills.
• Image or GIF: A static image or animated GIF. Learn more about adding images to your designs.
• Video: Upload a .mp4, .mov, or .webm video file. Learn more about using videos.

Using gradients

To use a gradient as a fill or stroke:

1. Select the color swatch in the Fill or Stroke section of the right sidebar.
2. From the color picker, select the Gradient icon.
3. From the dropdown, select either Linear, Radial, Diamond, or Angular.

Each gradient will automatically start with two color stops. Color stops are the point where a gradient switches from one color to the next. Learn more about adjusting colors and using the color picker →

To add additional color stops to a gradient, click anywhere along the gradient color slider.

To remove a color stop from a gradient, click on the stop from the color slider and select Delete or Backspace.

Use variables with gradients

Color variables store individual, raw color values. Learn more about variables →

Gradients are a blend between two or more colors. You can use variables on color stops in a gradient to maintain consistency in your design system or to take advantage of theming, such as dark and light mode.

To apply a variable to a gradient color stop:

1. Select the color swatch in the Fill or Stroke section of the right sidebar.
2. From the color picker, select the Gradient icon.
3. Select a color swatch from the list of colors in the gradient.
4. Select the Libraries tab.
5. Select a color variable to apply to the gradient color stop.

To detach a variable from a gradient color stop:

1. Hover over the color stop that has the variable applied.
2. Click detach.

You can save gradients, which may contain variable values, as styles to be reused in your design. Learn more about creating color styles →