Ever watch a top-tier designer move in Figma and wonder if they're using a different version of the app? The secret to their incredible speed isn't just talent; it's muscle memory built around a set of high-leverage shortcuts that eliminate repeated, low-value actions.

They spend less time fighting the interface and more time problem-solving. Here are 10 Figma shortcuts and techniques most designers don't know, turning tedious tasks into instant actions.

The Speed Levers: 10 Shortcuts for Efficiency

1. Command Palette (The Global Search)

  • Shortcut: Cmd+/ (Mac) or Ctrl+/ (PC)
  • Why it's fast: This is your cheat code. It instantly finds and runs any Figma action, setting, or plugin. Stop hunting through menus; just search and execute.

2. Paste to Replace

  • Shortcut: Shift+Cmd+R (Mac) or Shift+Ctrl+R (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Instantly swap a selected element with whatever you copied. It preserves the size and position, eliminating the need to re-align or re-size after a swap.

3. Outline View (See the Skeleton)

  • Shortcut: Cmd+Y (Mac) or Shift+Ctrl+O (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Toggles an "X-ray mode" showing outlines only. Use it to instantly spot hidden layers, fix pixel misalignments, or see the underlying structure without visual clutter.

4. Deep Select (The Nested Click)

  • Shortcut: Cmd+Click (Mac) or Ctrl+Click (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Select elements buried deep inside Auto Layout frames or nested components without tediously hunting in the Layers Panel. It dramatically speeds up complex edits.

5. Instant Frame Wrapping

  • Shortcut: Cmd+Option+G (Mac) or Ctrl+Alt+G (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Instantly wrap selected layers in a frame. This is the perfect one-step preparation for applying Auto Layout or for quick layout tidy-ups.

6. Quick Align With Keys

  • Shortcut: Option+W/A/S/D (Mac) or Alt+W/A/S/D (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Align layers left (A), right (D), top (W), or bottom (S) without leaving the keyboard. It's faster and more accurate than using the alignment tools in the panel.

7. Hug or Fill Settings (Double Click Edge)

  • Shortcut: Double Click Edge
  • Why it's fast: Double-clicking the edge of an Auto Layout frame toggles between Hug Contents and a specific resizing behavior. Alt+Double Click on the edge sets Fill Container. Change responsive behavior instantly without touching the dropdown menu.

8. Copy & Paste Properties (The Style Clone)

  • Shortcut: Cmd+Option+C then Cmd+Option+V (Mac) / Ctrl+Alt+C then Ctrl+Alt+V (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Quickly copy and paste styles (fills, strokes, effects) onto other layers. Essential for maintaining consistent styling across elements.

9. Rename in Place

  • Shortcut: Cmd+R (Mac) or Ctrl+R (PC)
  • Why it's fast: Renames selected layers fast directly from the keyboard. Crucial for keeping complex Figma files tidy, making them usable for developers and teammates.

10. Toggle Grids

  • Shortcut: Shift+G
  • Why it's fast: Show or hide layout grids instantly. Perfect for quickly checking alignment and then cleaning up the view.

Mastering these 10 commands won't just make you look faster; it will dramatically reduce your design time, allowing you to focus on the high-level strategic problem-solving that truly matters