Is Figma Desktop Compatible with Windows 11?
Introduction
Figma is a collaborative interface design tool used for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems. This article covers the compatibility of Figma’s desktop application with Windows 11, including feature support and browser-based access.
Key Takeaways
- Figma provides a desktop app compatible with Windows 11.
- The browser version offers full functionality in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
- Local font access is available through the desktop app.
- Cloud-based workflow means most features require an internet connection.
- Plugins work in both the desktop and browser versions.
Compatibility Overview
Figma offers both a desktop application and a browser-based editor for Windows 11. The desktop app provides a dedicated window experience and access to locally installed fonts, while the browser version offers the same design capabilities without installation.
Figma is cloud-based, meaning design files are stored and synced through Figma’s servers. Real-time collaboration is a core feature, allowing multiple designers to work on the same file simultaneously.
Supported Platforms and Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later (Windows 11 supported)
- Architecture: x64 natively; ARM64 via emulation or browser
- Browser: Chrome 72+, Edge 79+, Firefox 78+ (browser version)
- Internet: Required for most functionality
- Storage: Minimal local disk space for desktop app
Known Limitations or Common Issues
- Offline functionality is limited — files must be recently opened to be accessible without a connection.
- Very large design files with many components may experience performance slowdowns.
- The desktop app does not provide significant performance advantages over the browser version for most workflows.
- Some Windows 11 display scaling configurations may affect UI rendering at non-standard DPI settings.
- File export quality and format options are the same across desktop and browser.
Alternatives or Workarounds
- Use the browser version if the desktop app has installation or compatibility issues.
- Figma Font Helper enables local font access in the browser version without the desktop app.
- Adobe XD or Sketch (via VM) are alternative UI design tools on Windows.
- Penpot is a free, open-source design tool that works in the browser.
Conclusion
Figma is compatible with Windows 11 through both its desktop application and browser-based editor. The cloud-based nature of Figma means the experience is largely consistent across access methods. Compatibility may vary based on file complexity, browser version, and display configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Figma have a desktop app for Windows 11?
Yes. Figma provides a desktop application for Windows that is compatible with Windows 11. It can be downloaded from the official Figma website.
Can Figma be used in a browser on Windows 11?
Yes. Figma's full design editor runs in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Windows 11 without requiring a desktop installation.
Does Figma desktop support local fonts on Windows 11?
Yes. The Figma desktop app on Windows 11 can access locally installed fonts, which is one of its advantages over the browser version.
Does Figma support Windows 11 ARM?
Figma's desktop app may run on Windows 11 ARM through emulation. The browser-based version works natively in ARM-compatible browsers like Edge.
Is Figma free on Windows 11?
Figma offers a free tier with limited projects and collaborators. Professional and Organization plans are available as paid subscriptions. Pricing is platform-independent.
Does Figma support offline work on Windows 11?
Figma is primarily a cloud-based tool and requires an internet connection for most functionality. The desktop app provides limited offline access to recently opened files.
Does Figma support plugins on Windows 11?
Yes. Figma plugins work in both the desktop app and browser version on Windows 11, extending functionality with community-built tools and integrations.