If your Figma shortcuts suddenly stop working, don’t panic. This is a common issue — and luckily, it’s usually easy to fix!
Let’s go through each solution from the summary in more detail. Follow these steps in order for best results:
TL;DR Easy Summary
1.
Refresh your browser if you're using Figma on the web
2.
Restart the app if you're using the desktop version
3.
Check if any keys like Shift, Alt, or Command are stuck
4.
Turn off browser extensions or OS shortcuts that may cause conflicts
5.
Click on the canvas area before using shortcuts
1. Refresh Your Browser (Web Version)
1.
Press Cmd + R (Mac) or Ctrl + R (Windows) to reload the page
2.
This often clears temporary issues that block shortcuts
3.
Make sure your internet connection is stable during the reload
4.
Try opening Figma in a new tab if refreshing doesn’t help
2. Restart the Figma App (Desktop Version)
1.
Quit the app completely (not just minimize it)
2.
Wait a few seconds, then relaunch the app
3.
Check for updates and install the latest version if available
4.
If the issue persists, try restarting your computer as well
3. Check Your Keyboard
1.
Confirm that keys like Shift, Alt, Option, Command, or Ctrl are working
2.
Type into another app (like Notepad or TextEdit) to test your keyboard
3.
Plug in a different keyboard if you suspect hardware issues
4.
Gently clean your keyboard, especially if it's older or has dust buildup
4. Turn Off Conflicting Settings
1.
Open Figma in Incognito or Private Browsing mode
2.
If shortcuts work, an extension is likely interfering
3.
Disable browser extensions like ad blockers, Grammarly, or password managers
4.
On your computer, check keyboard shortcut settings in macOS or Windows
5.
Look for global shortcuts that might override Figma's commands
5. Focus on the Canvas
1.
Some shortcuts only work when the focus is on the canvas
2.
If you’re in the Layers panel or another UI element, shortcuts may not respond
3.
Click directly on the canvas area before using commands like Group or Ungroup
4.
Avoid editing inside text fields when testing layout-related shortcuts
Final Notes
1.
These steps fix most Figma shortcut issues, from minor glitches to system-level conflicts
2.
If none of the steps work, visit the Figma Forum to check for similar reports or bugs
3.
Keep your browser or desktop app updated to avoid compatibility issues
4.
Bookmark this guide or keep it handy for future reference
Figma shortcuts can dramatically improve your design speed and productivity. If they stop working, walk through this list one step at a time. Most problems have a simple solution, and you’ll be back in flow in no time! 