Design Skills

Figma Troubleshooting Guide




1. General Figma Troubleshooting Checklist

Check Internet Connection: Figma is cloud-based, so ensure your internet connection is stable and fast.
Update Your Browser: Use the latest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance.
Switch Devices or Apps: If the browser version is laggy, try using the Figma desktop app.
Clear Cache and Cookies: Outdated or corrupted cache can cause issues with Figma. Clear browser cache via settings.
Restart Figma: Close the file, refresh your browser or desktop app, and reopen Figma.
Check Figma Status: Visit Figma Status to see if Figma is experiencing outages.


2. Common Figma Issues and Solutions

A. Figma is Lagging or Freezing

Cause: Large file sizes, too many open tabs, or low system resources.
Solutions:
1. Reduce File Complexity:
- Delete unused layers, frames, or pages.
- Flatten high-detail layers (select layers > Ctrl+E / Cmd+E to rasterize).
2. Close Unused Files and Tabs:
- Keep only essential files open to free up system memory.
3. Upgrade Hardware (if necessary):
- Figma benefits from a computer with sufficient RAM (16GB recommended) and a fast processor.


B. Unable to Save Changes

Cause: Connectivity issues or Figma's auto-save not functioning.
Solutions:
1. Duplicate the File:
- If Figma is not saving, go to File > Duplicate to save a backup.
2. Sync Files:
- Wait for the sync indicator (cloud icon) in the top-right corner to turn green.
3. Check Offline Mode:
- If working offline, Figma will save changes locally and sync once online.


C. Text Formatting Issues

Cause: Unsupported fonts, corrupted text layers, or scaling issues.
Solutions:
1. Ensure Fonts Are Available:
- For missing fonts, install the Figma Font Installer for desktop apps.
- Use Google Fonts for web compatibility.
2. Reset Text Properties:
- Select the text layer and reset line height, letter spacing, or font size to default.
3. Fix Scaled Text:
- If text is distorted, check for unwanted transformations. Go to Layer > Reset Bounding Box.


D. Prototype Links Not Working

Cause: Broken links or unconnected frames in Prototype mode.
Solutions:
1. Reconnect Frames:
- Enter Prototype mode and ensure all frames are connected with interaction links.
2. Fix Starting Frame:
- Select the first frame and set it as the starting point (blue icon on the top-left of the frame).
3. Check Animation Settings:
- Use smooth transitions like Smart Animate to avoid glitches.


E. Images Won’t Load or Appear Blurry

Cause: Large file sizes or unsupported formats.
Solutions:
1. Compress Images:
- Use tools like TinyPNG to reduce file size before uploading.
2. Replace Blurry Images:
- Ensure images are at least 2x the frame size for retina displays.
3. Reupload the Image:
- Remove the corrupted image and upload it again.


F. Components Aren’t Updating Properly

Cause: Detached instances or conflicts in the design system.
Solutions:
1. Check Component Instances:
- Ensure components are linked to their main instance. If detached, relink them.
2. Sync Components:
- Publish updates to shared libraries and ensure team members update them in their files.
3. Avoid Overriding Key Properties:
- Changes like resizing or modifying layers may prevent automatic updates.


G. Figma Crashes When Exporting

Cause: Large file sizes or unsupported export settings.
Solutions:
1. Simplify Layers:
- Flatten layers before exporting (use Ctrl+E / Cmd+E).
2. Adjust Export Settings:
- Export in smaller chunks or reduce resolution settings for large frames.
3. Test File Format:
- Use PNG or JPG for images, SVG for vector graphics, and PDF for documents.


3. Specific Troubleshooting Situations

Scenario 1: Unable to Access Shared Files

Problem: Files shared by collaborators are not visible or editable.
Solutions:
1. Check Permissions:
- Ask the file owner to ensure you have Can Edit or Can View access.
2. Check Shared Link:
- Confirm the link is still active and wasn’t revoked.
3. Join the Right Team:
- If the file is part of a team project, ensure you’ve been added to the team.


Scenario 2: Can’t Drag and Drop Layers

Problem: Layers are locked or constrained.
Solutions:
1. Unlock Layers:
- Right-click the layer and choose Unlock.
2. Disable Constraints:
- Check the Constraints Panel (right sidebar) and set constraints to "None" if necessary.
3. Reset Frame Size:
- If dragging isn’t working inside a frame, check the frame size and resizing constraints.


Scenario 3: Auto Layout Isn’t Working as Expected

Problem: Elements inside Auto Layout frames overlap or don’t align.
Solutions:
1. Check Spacing Settings:
- Adjust the padding and spacing between items in the right-hand Auto Layout settings.
2. Fix Direction:
- Ensure the Auto Layout is set to the correct direction (horizontal or vertical).
3. Reset Alignment:
- Select the frame and click Align Items > Center or adjust as needed.


Scenario 4: Missing Fonts

Problem: Fonts used in the design are unavailable.
Solutions:
1. Install Fonts Locally:
- Download and install missing fonts on your computer.
2. Use Figma Font Installer:
- Download the Figma Font Installer for desktop to access local fonts.
3. Replace Fonts:
- Go to File > Missing Fonts and replace them with similar Google Fonts.


Scenario 5: Prototype Loads Too Slowly

Problem: Large prototypes take too long to load or don’t respond.
Solutions:
1. Reduce Prototype Complexity:
- Simplify the flow by removing unused connections or frames.
2. Optimize Images and Layers:
- Compress images and rasterize unnecessary vectors.
3. Test a Smaller Prototype:
- Split the prototype into multiple files and test smaller sections.


4. Figma Performance Optimization Tips

  1. Use Components and Styles: Reuse components and shared styles to reduce complexity.
  2. Limit Pages in a File: Keep related designs together, but avoid overcrowding a single file.
  3. Use Plugins Sparingly: Disable or uninstall unnecessary plugins to avoid conflicts.
  4. Regularly Publish Updates: Update shared libraries and clean up unused components.

5. When to Contact Figma Support

If the problem persists despite troubleshooting, contact Figma’s support team:
- Submit a Ticket: Use the Figma Support Portal.
- Check Community Forums: Engage with other users for quick tips and fixes on Figma Community.


If you liked this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy