Figma

Basic Information

Figma is a collaborative web application for interface design, offering additional offline capabilities through desktop applications. It emphasizes real-time collaboration for user interface and user experience design, utilizing vector graphics editing and prototyping tools.

• Model/Version: Figma operates as a continuously updated platform. Specific desktop application versions include Windows 125.9.10 (released October 2025) and Android 25.41.0 (released October 2025).
• Release Date: Initial public release was September 27, 2016.
• Supported Operating Systems: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux (via web browser), and ChromeOS.
• Latest Stable Version: As a web-based service with continuous updates, a singular "latest stable version" is not applicable across the entire platform. Desktop and mobile applications receive regular updates.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable; Figma provides continuous support as a service.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable; Figma is a continuously evolving service.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable; web applications auto-update, and desktop applications receive regular updates.
• License Type: Proprietary.
• Deployment Model: Primarily cloud-based (web application), with dedicated desktop applications for macOS and Windows, and mobile applications for Android and iOS for viewing and interacting with prototypes.

Technical Requirements

Figma's technical requirements are generally moderate, reflecting its web-based nature, but performance benefits significantly from more capable hardware.

• RAM: A minimum of 4 GB is required, with 8 GB recommended for smooth performance. For complex projects, 16 GB or more is advisable.
• Processor: A modern dual-core CPU with a clock speed of 2 GHz or higher is recommended. Processors with high single-core performance are beneficial, and a four-core, four-thread CPU serves as a bare minimum.
• Storage: Minimal storage is required due to its browser-based operation. For desktop applications, at least 1 GB of available disk space is needed.
• Display: Figma functions with any resolution, but a higher resolution, such as 1080p or greater, enhances the user experience.
• Ports: Not specifically required by the software itself.
• Operating System:
  • Windows: Version 8.1 (64-bit) or later, including Windows 10 and 11.
  • macOS: Version 11 or later for the desktop app, with general compatibility from macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
  • Linux: Any distribution supporting modern web browsers.
  • ChromeOS: Any version supporting modern web browsers.
  • Mobile: iOS 11.4 or later (using Safari) and Android 7 or later (using Chrome) for mobile browser viewing.
• Graphics Card: WebGL 1.0 is the minimum requirement, with WebGL 2.0 or WebGPU recommended. An OpenGL 2.1 compatible graphics card or better, with at least 512 MB of VRAM, is necessary. A dedicated graphics card with 1 GB VRAM or more is recommended for optimal performance, especially with complex designs. Integrated GPUs are often sufficient, but older models may cause issues.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for syncing files and assets. A minimum of 10 Mbps is recommended, with 50 Mbps or more advised for large projects.
• Browser: Latest versions of Chrome (99+), Firefox (101+), Safari (16+), or Microsoft Edge (121+) are recommended for optimal performance.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Figma is designed for broad accessibility, primarily functioning as a browser-based application. While it can run on systems meeting minimum specifications, a more robust configuration, particularly regarding RAM and processor single-core performance, significantly enhances the user experience, especially when handling large or intricate design files. The reliance on WebGL means a capable graphics card, even an integrated one, is important for smooth rendering. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) may lead to sub-optimal performance unless provisioned with graphics card support.

Support & Compatibility

Figma offers extensive compatibility across various platforms and maintains continuous support through its service model.

• Latest Version: Figma's web application receives continuous updates. Desktop applications for Windows and Android have recent stable versions, such as 125.9.10 and 25.41.0 respectively, both from October 2025.
• OS Support: Comprehensive support for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and ChromeOS.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable; Figma operates on a continuous update and support model.
• Localization: Specific details on localization options are not publicly available, but as a global platform, it generally supports multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable for the web application. For desktop applications, Figma relies on standard operating system and graphics drivers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Figma excels in platform compatibility, ensuring accessibility across major desktop and mobile operating systems through its web interface and dedicated applications. The continuous update cycle inherent to its cloud-based nature means users consistently receive the latest features and security patches without explicit "end of support" dates. This model fosters a dynamic and well-supported environment for its users.

Security Status

Figma prioritizes security with multiple features, certifications, and authentication methods to protect user data and designs.

• Security Features: Includes granular control over file editing privileges, secure file sharing options, and the ability to restrict access to prototypes only. It supports team ownership of files and offers unlimited version history with professional plans.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Publicly disclosed known vulnerabilities are not detailed in available information.
• Blacklist Status: No indication of any blacklist status.
• Certifications: Figma is ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27018:2019 certified. It also provides a SOC 2 Type II Report and adheres to the EU Cloud Code of Conduct.
• Encryption Support: Customer personal data is encrypted in transit and at rest using TLS 1.2+ standards. Third-party plugins can offer AES-256 encryption for image uploads and password protection for shared URLs.
• Authentication Methods: Supports email and password, Google SSO, and SAML SSO (compatible with providers like Okta, OneLogin, Microsoft Entra ID, and AD FS). Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available via SMS, Google Authenticator, Duo Mobile, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator. Personal access tokens are also available for API authentication.
• General Recommendations: For enhanced security, it is recommended to invest in a professional account for finer controls, ensure all critical Figma files are owned by the team, utilize encrypted internet connections, and consider implementing IP allowlisting.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Figma maintains a robust security posture, evidenced by its adherence to international security standards (ISO, SOC 2), comprehensive encryption protocols, and diverse authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor and single sign-on options. The platform provides tools for organizations to manage access and data privacy effectively, making it a secure environment for enterprise asset management, provided recommended best practices are followed.

Performance & Benchmarks

Figma's performance is generally strong, particularly in collaborative environments, though it can be influenced by client-side factors.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific numerical benchmark scores are not widely published.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Figma generally performs well with "lightning-fast rendering" and "real-time collaboration capabilities." However, performance can be affected by internet speed, browser efficiency, and the complexity of design files. Users may experience lag with very large projects or during extended sessions, especially when running multiple browser tabs concurrently.
• Power Consumption: As a web-based application, power consumption is primarily dependent on the client device's hardware and browser efficiency.
• Carbon Footprint: Figma is committed to achieving net-zero annual carbon emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2040. The company measures its carbon footprint using Watershed Inc's Enterprise Carbon Platform and invests in carbon removal technologies.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Vs. Adobe XD: Figma is often cited for superior real-time collaboration, cloud-based accessibility, robust design systems, and efficient auto layout features. Adobe XD, while offering strong integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud and features like auto-animate, is now in maintenance mode, with Figma generally considered to offer better overall performance and workflow efficiency.
  • Vs. Sketch: Figma provides superior collaboration and platform independence due to its web-based nature, often outperforming Sketch in file editing and viewing speed. Sketch, a macOS-only native application, offers a highly polished experience for Mac users and a strong plugin ecosystem, and can be faster on macOS due to native optimization.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: Figma delivers robust performance, particularly in its core strength of real-time collaborative design and rendering. Its cloud-native architecture facilitates efficient teamwork and accessibility. While its performance can be influenced by client-side hardware and network conditions, it generally provides a smooth user experience. Figma also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility by actively working towards a net-zero carbon footprint.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback highlight Figma's strengths in collaboration and accessibility, while noting some performance considerations for very demanding use cases.

• Strengths: Users consistently praise Figma for its real-time collaboration capabilities, allowing multiple team members to work simultaneously on projects. Its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility from any device with an internet connection. The user-friendly interface, powerful prototyping tools, and extensive plugin ecosystem are also frequently cited as major advantages. Figma's ability to facilitate robust design systems and its platform independence are highly valued.
• Weaknesses: A primary concern is the reliance on a stable internet connection for optimal functionality. Some users report potential lag when working with extremely complex or large design files, or during extended sessions, especially when numerous browser tabs are open. For very large projects, it can be resource-intensive, particularly concerning RAM usage.
• Recommended Use Cases: Figma is highly recommended for UI/UX design, interactive prototyping, and building comprehensive design systems. It is particularly well-suited for teams requiring real-time collaboration, remote work, and web design projects.

Summary

Figma stands as a leading, proprietary, cloud-based design platform, initially released in September 2016, that has revolutionized collaborative UI/UX design. Its core strength lies in real-time co-editing, making it an industry standard for team-based projects. The platform is highly accessible, supporting a wide array of operating systems including macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS, primarily through web browsers but also via dedicated desktop and mobile applications.

Technically, Figma is not overly demanding, requiring a minimum of 4GB RAM and a dual-core processor, but performance significantly improves with 8-16GB RAM, a modern CPU with strong single-core performance, and a capable graphics card supporting WebGL 2.0. A stable, high-speed internet connection is crucial for its cloud-centric operations.

Figma's security framework is robust, featuring ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27018:2019 certifications, SOC 2 Type II compliance, and adherence to the EU Cloud Code of Conduct. It employs TLS 1.2+ encryption for data in transit and at rest and offers diverse authentication methods, including Google SSO, SAML SSO, and two-factor authentication.

In terms of performance, Figma is praised for its lightning-fast rendering and seamless real-time collaboration. While it generally outperforms competitors like Adobe XD in collaborative efficiency, very large or complex files can occasionally lead to performance dips depending on client hardware and internet speed. Figma also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

User feedback consistently highlights Figma's intuitive interface, powerful prototyping capabilities, and extensive plugin ecosystem as major strengths. Its platform independence and ability to streamline design workflows for distributed teams are highly valued. The main weaknesses noted are its reliance on a consistent internet connection and potential resource intensity for extremely large projects. Figma is highly recommended for any team engaged in UI/UX design, prototyping, and building scalable design systems, especially where real-time collaboration is paramount.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.