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What Is Open Overlay in Figma?

Last updated on September 28, 2022 @ 7:55 pm

Open Overlay is a feature in Figma that allows you to view and work on multiple files at the same time. This can be useful when you need to reference another file or when you want to work on two files side-by-side. To open an overlay, select the file you want to open from the File Browser and then click the Open Overlay button in the top-right corner of the file preview.

You can also open an overlay by dragging a file from the File Browser and dropping it into the canvas. When you open an overlay, it appears as a new tab in the editor.

You can move between tabs by clicking on them, or by using the keyboard shortcutCtrl + Tab (Windows) / Cmd + Tab (macOS). To close an overlay, click the Close button in the top-right corner of the tab, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W (Windows) / Cmd + W (macOS).

PRO TIP: Open Overlay is a powerful but dangerous tool in Figma. It can be used to quickly create complex designs, but it can also be used to easily create inconsistencies and errors in your design. Use Open Overlay with caution and be sure to check your work carefully before sharing it with others.

If you want to keep an overlay open while you’re working on another file, you can pin it by clicking the Pin button in the top-right corner of the tab. A pinned overlay will stay open even if you close all other tabs. To unpin an overlay, click the Pin button again.

Overlays are a great way to reference other files while you’re working, or to work on two files at the same time. Give them a try next time you’re working in Figma!

Open Overlays are a great way to reference other files while working in Figma, or to work on two files at once! Give them a try next time you’re working in Figma!

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.