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What each snap setting does
- Snap to geometry only applies in vector edit mode, when you're editing points and paths.
- Snap to objects snaps to the centres and outer edges of other layers.
- Snap to pixel grid rounds positions and sizes to whole pixels. It works even when the pixel grid isn't visible.
These preferences apply to all your Figma Design files. You can also toggle Snap to pixel grid from the Zoom/view options menu or with the shortcut below.
| Action | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Snap to pixel grid on / off | Mac⌘⇧' | WindowsCtrlShift' |
| Pause snapping while dragging | Mac⌃ | WindowsCtrl |
| Small nudge (1 by default) | MacArrow key | WindowsArrow key |
| Big nudge (10 by default) | Mac⇧Arrow key | WindowsShiftArrow key |
Holding Control pauses snapping as you drag. For the pixel grid it only works in vector edit mode while zoomed in. Note it's Control on Mac, not ⌘.
Why snap to pixel grid seems to be ignored
If you turned Snap to pixel grid off and a frame still lands on whole numbers, that's by design. Frames, sections and components always snap to the pixel grid. Designers have asked Figma to change this on the forum. The workarounds:
- Group the layers instead of framing them, since groups aren't forced to whole pixels.
- Type the exact decimal value into the X, Y, W or H field in the right sidebar.
If you're not sure whether you need a frame or a group, frames vs groups explains what each one can do.
How to change the nudge amount
Go to Main menu → Preferences → Nudge amount… and set the small and big nudge. The defaults are 1 and 10. Arrow keys move the selection by the small nudge, and Shift + arrow by the big one. If your spacing system is built on 8, setting the big nudge to 8 lets you move layers one step at a time.
Snapping works alongside the other alignment aids. Rulers and guides covers dragging guides onto the canvas and measuring distances, and Figma grid shortcuts covers the pixel grid, which only shows at 400% zoom or higher. The full list of keys is in Figma keyboard shortcuts.
Ranked listThe most useful Figma plugins for everyday work in 2026Frequently asked questions
How do I stop Figma from snapping?
Hold Control while you drag to pause snapping for that move. To turn it off for good, untick Snap to objects or Snap to pixel grid in Main menu → Preferences.
Why won't snap to pixel grid turn off in Figma?
Frames, sections and components always snap to whole pixels, whatever the setting says. Group the layers instead, or type a decimal value into the position or size field.
How do I change the nudge amount in Figma?
Open Main menu → Preferences → Nudge amount and set the small and big values. The defaults are 1 for arrow keys and 10 for Shift+arrow.
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