Create custom shapes with the shape builder tool

Written by Figma Man

Updated at June 19th, 2025

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Table of Contents

Use the shape builder tool Shape builder options Merge regions Extract a region Subtract a region

Before you Start

Who can use this feature

Available on any plan

Anyone with can edit access to a file can use the Shape builder tool

You can use the Shape builder tool to combine two or more vector layers into a single shape. This is useful for creating unique shapes for logos, icons, illustrations, and more.

Use the shape builder tool

You can access the shape builder tool while in vector edit mode.

Select one or more vector layers.
Press Enter to open vector edit mode.
Select the Shape builder tool from the secondary toolbar.

Once enabled, you can can hover your cursor over the individual regions of the selected layers. You can then use one of the shape builder options to create your new shape.

using the shape builder tool

Note: Unlike using boolean operations, using the Shape builder tool is a destructive action, meaning any layers you modify will be permanently changed. If you modify a layer on accident, you can use the file’s version history to restore a previous version or use the undo shortcut:

Mac: Command Z
Windows: Control Z

Shape builder options

Merge regions

Click and drag your cursor to select multiple regions, and merge them into a single layer.

merge regions with the shape builder tool

Extract a region

Click on a specific region to extract it from the selection and move it to its own layer.

Extract regions with the shape builder tool

Subtract a region

Hold down the modifier key and click on a region to remove it from the canvas:

Mac: Option
Windows: Alt

subtract regions with the shape builder tool