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Karla
July 12, 2024
Question

Not able to rotate gradients when I add the swatches from the Variables

  • July 12, 2024
  • 15 replies
  • 2080 views

I am not able to rotate gradients when I add the swatches from the Variables, however if they are not linked to the variables there’s no issue.

15 replies

Figmate
August 5, 2024

Hi @Karla, Thanks for reaching out about this!

I’m not entirely sure if I understand correctly, but have you attempted clicking “Rotate gradient” and found that it didn’t rotate? If you haven’t already, could you please give it a try to see if it rotates the gradient?
Screenshot 2024-08-05 at 10.45.22

I tested it on my side by assigning variables to the gradient color stops, and it looks like I can rotate it using either the “Rotate gradient” option or white handles on the element, just as it’s supposed to work.

Additionally, could you please attempt this quick fix to see if it’s resolve?

  • Close any Figma tabs you’re not using
  • Browser: Force-quit and open Figma in a new browser window
  • Desktop App: Force-quit the Figma Desktop app and restart it
    (You can see the full guide here)

I hope this provides some clarification. If there is anything I missed, please inform us. And if any members of our community have any insights, please share them here.

Thanks again for reaching out!

Tobias12
November 14, 2024

I just want to mention that I did face the same issue today (not UI3). Tested on both Firefox and Chrome. Nothing worked. I tried multiple times, but clicking the rotate button didn’t rotate the linear effect.

I tried many things, but nothing worked.

One way to work around this, if you have one horizontal linear effect already:

  1. Assign the custom color to something (like fill for a box)
  2. Now create a new color in the same context
  3. You’ll notice that Figma copies the previous color, including the rotated linear gradient 👏
Sheila_Sheikh
New Participant
March 5, 2025

This reproduces for me on desktop, but with one caveat.

The “Rotate” button works only if you edit the gradient already applied to an object.

It doesn’t work when creating or editing a style.

 

vic2222
New Member
March 6, 2025

I’m having the same issue

nynke.brandsma
New Member
March 6, 2025

Same here

 

Alcinder Coal
New Member
March 8, 2025

I’m having the same problem and have been for a long time. 
This appears to be a bug; can this be fixed? 

Lacie_Desu_Ka
New Member
May 7, 2025

Same here: I cannot rotate the gradient direction in the styles list (individual objects still works). Please fix this cuz I don’t want to manually edit every subjects.

Jesse Rosenfield
New Member
October 19, 2025

This is absurd.

This is a $27 billion dollar company that does not allow it’s users to easily rotate a godforsaken gradient. Can y’all fix your app please?

choeyos
New Member
November 26, 2025

Same issue.  When I go to the list of styles, click +, choose “color”, and go to create a gradient, clicking the “rotate gradient” button has no effect.  Come on folks… If the software is incapable of producing my required design that means I not only wasted a tremendous amount of time but I can no longer use the software.  This issue has gone unresolved for a year? You have no intention of communicating with your users on this? This is a pretty basic ask.

Jim12
New Member
December 17, 2025

I’m experiencing the same problem.  ​I commented in hopes of getting an update when this is fixed.