What you’ll learn

How to create an account and install the desktop app

<aside> 📌

If you already have an account and Figma is installed, you can jump ahead: 1.2. Files, Projects, and Teams.

</aside>

Sign up and login: it’s easier via Log in with Google

1. To get started, create a free account at figma.com → click Get started for free.

1. If you have a Google account, it’s more convenient to sign up and then log in to Figma via Continue with Google.

Desktop apps for macOS and Windows

Even though you can use Figma in your browser, the macOS and Windows desktop apps are much more comfortable to work in. You can download them from the official page.

This is what Figma looks like the first time you open it in the macOS desktop app:

Here and below, I’ll use screenshots in dark mode to reduce eye strain.

Opening links in the desktop app

When you open a Figma file link, it may open in the browser. Since we want to work in the desktop app, this can get annoying. In this case, use Open in desktop app to launch the client.

At the same time, a dialog will appear with Always open in the desktop app, which lets you always open links in your desktop client.