What a .fig file is and which programs open it

A .fig file is a design document created by Figma, a web-based design tool used for user interface mockups, prototypes, and graphic design. If you have a .fig file on your computer, you open it by uploading it to Figma's website — .fig files do not open in traditional desktop applications like Word or Preview.

Figma stores all your work in the cloud, so the file itself is really a container that holds references to your design. When you open a .fig file, Figma reconstructs your layers, text, images, and components from that data. You cannot open .fig files offline or in other design programs without converting them first.

If someone sent you a .fig file and you do not have a Figma account, you will need to create one before you can view it. Figma offers a free tier that lets you open and view files, though some advanced features require a paid plan.

Key Takeaways

  • .fig files open only in Figma, either through the web app or the desktop process — they do not work in Photoshop, Illustrator, or other design software.
  • You need a free Figma account to open a .fig file, and the file must be uploaded to Figma's servers rather than opened from your hard drive.
  • If you need to use a design in another program, export the file as PNG, SVG, or PDF from Figma instead of trying to open the .fig file directly.
  • Figma's free plan lets you view and edit files, but limits you to three active projects at a time.

Opening a .fig file through Figma's website

Go to figma.com and sign in with your account, or create a free account if you do not have one. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then select "Open file from your computer" or drag the .fig file directly into your browser window. Figma will upload the file and display it in the editor.

The upload process usually takes a few seconds to a minute depending on file size. Once the file opens, you can view all the pages, layers, and components inside it. If the file was shared with you by a link instead of as a downloaded file, you can open it by clicking that link directly — no upload needed.

Opening a .fig file with the Figma desktop app

read the Figma desktop process from figma.com/downloads for Mac or Windows. Install it and sign in with your Figma account. Once installed, you can double-click a .fig file on your computer and it will open automatically in the desktop app.

The desktop app works the same way as the web version — it still uploads your file to Figma's servers and displays it in the editor. The main advantage is that the desktop app runs faster than the browser version and does not depend on your internet connection staying stable during your work session. If your connection drops, the app will sync your changes once you reconnect.

Converting .fig files to other formats

If you need to use your design in another program, open the .fig file in Figma and export it as PNG, SVG, or PDF. Right-click the frame or component you want to export, select "Export", and choose your format. PNG works best for screenshots and mockups, SVG preserves the vector quality if you need to edit it later, and PDF is best for sharing a read-only version.

You can also export individual layers or entire pages. Select what you want to export, then use the export panel on the right side of the editor to set the format and read it. Figma does not have a built-in "Save as" option for other formats — export is the only way to get your design out of the .fig format.

What to do if you cannot open a .fig file

If the file will not upload to Figma, the file may be corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading it again from wherever you received it, or ask the person who created it to send you a fresh copy. If the file is very large (over 100 MB), Figma may time out during upload — in that case, ask the creator to split it into smaller files or to share it with you through a Figma team link instead.

If you do not have internet access, you cannot open a .fig file at all. Figma requires a connection to its servers. If you need to work offline, ask the file creator to export it as SVG or PDF and send you that version instead.

If you have a Figma account but the file will not open, check that your account has permission to view it. Files shared with you should open automatically, but if the creator removed your access or the share link expired, you will see an error. Contact the person who sent you the file and ask them to re-share it or grant you access.

Understanding file permissions and sharing

When someone shares a .fig file with you, they control what you can do with it. A "view only" share means you can see the design but cannot edit it. An "edit" share means you can make changes, and a "comment only" share means you can leave feedback but not change the design itself. The creator can change these permissions at any time.

If you want to edit a file but only have view access, ask the creator to upgrade your permission. If you want to keep your own copy of a design, you can duplicate it into your own Figma workspace — this creates a separate file that you own and can edit freely without affecting the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a .fig file in Photoshop or Illustrator?

No. .fig files only open in Figma. If you need to use the design in Photoshop or Illustrator, open the .fig file in Figma and export it as PNG, SVG, or PDF, then import that file into the other program.

Do I need to pay for Figma to open a .fig file?

No. Figma's free plan includes the ability to open and view .fig files. You only need a paid plan if you want to create more than three projects or use advanced team features.

What happens if the person who created the .fig file deletes it?

If you have a downloaded copy of the .fig file on your computer, you can still upload it to Figma and open it. If you only had access through a shared link, the link will stop working once the creator deletes the file. Always read a copy if you need to keep the file long-term.

Can I edit a .fig file offline?

No. Figma requires an internet connection to open and edit .fig files. The desktop app will let you continue working if your connection drops briefly, but you cannot open a .fig file without connecting to Figma's servers at least once.

Why is my .fig file so large?

.fig files include all your layers, text, images, and design history. Large files usually contain many pages, high-resolution images, or complex components. You can reduce file size by deleting unused pages and removing embedded images you do not need, then exporting the final design as PNG or PDF instead.