Create and manage symbols and shapes in Adobe XD

The design of user interfaces often requires the use of shapes and symbols to create an appealing and user-friendly experience. In this tutorial, you will learn how to create shapes in Adobe XD yourself and use them symmetrically to make your design more efficient. We will discuss handling the basic tools to quickly create various icons and symbols that you can reuse in your projects.

Key Insights

• Symbols and shapes can be created or imported directly in Adobe XD.
• Using the Pathfinder tool allows for efficiently connecting lines to create complex shapes.
• Symbols should be used for objects that are needed multiple times to save time and ensure consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Activate the grid and start with the line tool

To begin creating shapes, first activate the grid by zooming into the workspace. The grid helps align elements precisely. The line tool can already achieve a lot. Click on it and hold the Shift key to draw a straight line.

2. Creating arrows with Pathfinder

You can now adjust the drawn lines to the same size. Select all the lines you have drawn to use the Pathfinder tool. Use the “Add” function to merge the lines into a single arrow. If the corners are too sharp, enable the option for rounded corners.

3. Creating a hamburger icon

For the hamburger icon, first draw a line with a specific thickness. Then select the repeat grid and add two more lines to create the three lines for the icon. Group the lines afterward to keep the icon stable.

4. Using the path tool for creative shapes

Now we will use the path tool to create more creative shapes. Draw a circle and then add a few additional anchor points with the Pathfinder. This allows for the creation of curved shapes like in the Wi-Fi symbol. Remember to adjust the stroke weight and group the entire shape.

5. Creating buttons and text adjustment

To create a button, draw a rectangle and choose an appropriate color or gradient for it. Then add a text field to label the button. Don’t forget that text changes do not apply globally to all buttons when they are saved as a symbol.

6. Creating and saving symbols

To create symbols, select the elements you want to use as a symbol and use the shortcut Command (Control) + K to transfer them to the symbol bar. This allows you to reuse the same elements multiple times without having to recreate them each time.

7. Utilizing symbol editing capabilities

If you want to change a symbol in your design but don’t want the change to be global, you can ungroup the symbol or convert it into a regular shape. This allows you to customize it individually without affecting other instances of the symbol.

8. Utilizing the handy search function

If you have many elements in your design, the search function in the symbol bar allows you to quickly find a specific symbol. Simply use the filter to browse the symbols and manage them more easily.

Summary - Adobe XD: Using symbols and shapes effectively

In summary, Adobe XD provides you with the tools to efficiently create and manage shapes and symbols. With the techniques and shortcuts presented, you can optimize your design processes and create consistent designs.