Our verdict: Figma is the standard tool for designing app and website interfaces, and the free Starter plan is enough to learn it and work on personal projects. Real-time collaboration is its biggest strength. Teams quickly hit the Starter limits on files and shared libraries.
About Figma
Figma runs in the browser, and the Windows desktop app gives you the same editor in its own window with local font support. Your files are stored in Figma's cloud, so you need an account and an internet connection, and several people can edit the same file at once.
The free Starter plan includes unlimited drafts, one team with one folder and three files, components, auto layout, interactive prototypes, community templates and plugins, and 30 days of version history. Paid plans add unlimited files, team libraries, Dev Mode and more AI credits.
What it does well
- Components and auto layout. Reusable elements that resize and update across a design.
- Interactive prototypes. Link screens with transitions and overlays to test flows.
- Real-time collaboration. Several people edit and comment in the same file at once.
- Community resources. Free UI kits, templates, plugins and widgets.
- AI tools. The Starter plan includes up to 500 AI credits per month.
Who it is for
Good fit
Students, freelancers and designers creating app and website interfaces.
Look elsewhere
People who need offline work or local files, and teams unwilling to pay for shared libraries.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Industry-standard UI design tool
- Real-time collaboration
- Large library of free community resources
- Same editor in the browser and the desktop app
Cons
- Starter plan is limited to one team folder with 3 files
- Requires an account and an internet connection
- Team libraries, Dev Mode and unlimited version history need a paid plan
How to install Figma
The button downloads the Windows desktop installer for x64 PCs; a separate Arm build is on the downloads page. Sign in with a free Figma account; the app opens your files from the cloud. The desktop app also installs the font helper, so local fonts appear in the browser version as well.
Questions about Figma
Is Figma free?
Yes, on the Starter plan. It includes unlimited drafts, one team with one folder and three files, and 30 days of version history. Professional and higher plans are paid per seat.
Does Figma work offline?
No. Figma stores files in its cloud, so the desktop app needs an internet connection to open and save your work.
Is there a free plan for students?
Figma for Education offers free access for eligible students and educators.
