How to quickly change layer opacity in Sketch

A sketch window, with rectangles of different opacities

You can use your keyboard to very quickly change the opacity of a layer in Sketch. Using the number keys you can set the opacity to 10% increments, hide something or set the opacity to anything between 1 and 99.

Try this: select a layer and using the keyboard type 1, the layer now has a 10% opacity. The other number keys work as you would expect:

  • 2 = 20%
  • 3 = 30%
  • 4 = 40%
  • 5 = 50%

… and so on

However, tapping 0 will return the opacity back to 100%, you could also type 100 for the same result, but this is faster.

Holding 0 will reduce the opacity to 0%, which is handy for visually hiding something, while still having it selectable in Sketch.

It doesn’t end there. You can be as granular as you like — providing you use whole numbers — for example quickly typing 25, will do exactly what you’d imagine.

What’s next

If you’re looking for more Sketch tips I recently posted about the hidden ability in Sketch to make calculations without leaving the app:

How to make quick calculations in Sketch

About thoughtbot

We've been helping engineering teams deliver exceptional products for over 20 years. Our designers, developers, and product managers work closely with teams to solve your toughest software challenges through collaborative design and development. Learn more about us.