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Can't hold arrow keys to quickly move image within crop boundary

  • June 23, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 11 views

Cammy Hogg

When cropping an image, it’s not always possible to hold down the arrow keys to reposition the image within the crop boundary. Sometimes it doesn’t move more than one step. It’s a little frustrating and inconsistent.

It seems to have something to do with what’s in focus - when I click the image and it becomes focussed in the Properties panel (under Fill), then holding the arrow keys works. When it’s not focussed in the Properties panel (but still selected on the canvas) it doesn’t allow you to hold the arrow keys, yet you can still move one step at a time.

I’ve only noticed this behaviour happening recently.

Of course, you can drag to quickly move the image within the cropped area, but this doesn’t snap to the pixel grid (even when snap to pixel grid is turned on) - but this is besides the point.

1 reply

  • Figmate
  • 2099 replies
  • June 24, 2025

Hi ​@Cammy Hogg

 

I understand you're having some trouble repositioning a cropped image fill, especially with the arrow keys. 

 

I just tested this on my end, and I was able to reposition the image as expected by following these steps:

  1. Select the cropped image fill layer.
  2. Click the image thumbnail in the Fill section of the Properties panel.
  3. If the image mode dropdown isn't set to "Crop," select "Crop."
  4. Then, you'll see the 8 blue handles around the image.
  5. From there, you can drag the image or use your arrow keys to reposition it on your canvas.

So, it sounds like to get those arrow keys working, you need to click that image thumbnail in the Fill section to see those blue handles – not just select the layer itself. This is actually the intended behavior and it aligns with your observation about it needing to be "focused" there. Please check the details in this guide: Crop an image 


Now, you mentioned that even if you just select the layer with the image fill, you can still reposition the cropped image one step at a time. I actually can't reproduce that behavior on my end. That sounds like unexpected behavior.

If you'd be open to investigate this more, could you share a video showing us what's happening?  Please include your full Figma screen and explain the exact steps you're taking.

That'll really help us understand exactly what you're seeing, try to reproduce it on our end, and connect you with the right team to get it sorted.

 

Thanks,


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