Variable width strokes in design are a handy tool that allows you to make your lines and shapes change in thickness as you draw them. It's like having a magic pen that can create lines that start thin, get thick in the middle, and then taper off to be thin again.

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Using variable-width strokes on your design in Figma can make your project look more artistic and dynamic, almost as if it is hand-drawn. Learning how to do variable-width strokes can also help you create brush strokes, or in other cases, calligraphy. So if that’s what you are into, keep reading!

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How can I create Variable Width Strokes on Figma?

Creating strokes with variable widths in Figma is surprisingly easy! 

First, you will need the Variable-Width Stroke plugin in Figma.

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Simply click Try it out (and the Save button next to it), and press Run when the plugin tab pops up on your Figma project.

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To use the plugin:

1. Create a stroke with the pen tool in Figma.

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Be as creative as you want to be, or trace over already existent shapes or text. Keep in mind that you can only edit one stroke at a time.

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2. Run the Variable-width stroke plugin.

Right-click on the stroke and follow the path:

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3. Edit the stroke.

The plugin allows you to edit the stroke in other ways, not just width. You can adjust it, bend it, create new vectors, etc. It is easier than doing it within Figma’s actual canvas.

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4. Adjust the width.

Press the CTRL button on your keyboard, and keep it pressed.

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You will see the points (depicted as purple lines) where your stroke can be adjusted in width. 

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Click on one of the points, and change the width.

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You can also add new points, by clicking anywhere on the stroke. That way, you can edit the stroke in any possible shape, and showcase your creativity. You can create new calligraphy fonts if that’s what you like.

Just remember to keep the CTRL button pressed.

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5. Save the design.

There aren’t any particular buttons to save the design in the plugin, you can just close the tab.

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And that’s it! In just a few steps, you can now create amazing styles using the Variable-Width Stroke plugin.

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We hope this article aided you and answered your questions.

If you are interested in learning more about Figma, feel free to check out our other resources and articles. We have plenty of easy guides to follow!

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