The Section tool in Figma is a powerful way to group related content, organize your canvas, and communicate intent more clearly—especially when working on multi-screen flows, large files, or handoffs to developers. Sections are not just visual dividers; they play a crucial role in improving collaboration and structure in your designs.
What Is the Section Tool?
Introduced to help designers structure their work better, the Section tool allows you to create labeled, color-coded containers that encompass frames, components, and other elements. Unlike Frames, which are structural layout tools, Sections are used primarily for organization and documentation. They’re especially helpful for:
- Grouping screens by flow or feature
- Annotating different design stages
- Keeping presentations tidy
How to Access the Section Tool
There are multiple ways to use the Section tool:
- Shortcut: Press
Shift + Sto activate the Section tool instantly. - Toolbar: Click the dropdown arrow next to the Frame tool and select “Section.”
- Right-click menu: Right-click on a selection and choose “Create section.”
Once activated, click and drag on the canvas to draw a Section. It behaves like a frame in terms of resizing and nesting, but visually separates and labels content for clearer navigation.
Using Sections Effectively
Here’s how to make the most of the Section tool in Figma:
1. Label Sections Clearly
After creating a Section, double-click its title to rename it. Use names like “Onboarding Flow,” “Mobile UI,” or “V2 Concepts” to keep things organized.
2. Customize the Color
Right-click the Section label and choose “Set section color.” This visual cue makes it easier for team members to distinguish areas of the file at a glance.
3. Nest Frames or Elements
You can move frames or other elements into a Section just like grouping. Select and drag them into the Section, or draw the Section around existing objects.
4. Combine with Dev Mode
Sections become even more useful when Dev Mode is enabled. Developers can quickly see grouped content by feature or flow, streamlining handoffs and reducing confusion.
5. Use for Presentations
In Presentation mode, Sections can help simulate flows and show progression across screens without having to prototype everything.
Section Tool vs. Frame Tool
| Feature | Section Tool | Frame Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Organizational container | Layout and component structure |
| Can contain layers | Yes | Yes |
| Can be a component | No | Yes |
| Useful for | Documentation, flows, grouping | Layout, responsiveness, nesting |
Tips and Best Practices
- Use Sections to break up large canvases.
- Name and color-code consistently across projects.
- Avoid nesting too deeply—keep it clear and scannable.
- Use Sections during design critiques to highlight different flows.
Final Thoughts
The Section tool in Figma helps make complex design files more understandable, collaborative, and manageable. Whether you’re organizing screens, preparing a walkthrough, or documenting flows, it’s a tool that improves clarity for both designers and stakeholders.
Designilo 