The possibilities to tailor your design experience with Figma tools truly are endless, but don’t just take our word for it! Join us as we unlock the secrets of Figma plugins and take your workflow to the next level!
You can install plugins in Figma’s desktop app or web app, whichever you prefer.
Then, navigate to the Community tab and find the plugin you want to install! To install a plugin, click on the plugin, then click the “Install” button.
Plugins make your design work faster and more powerful, directly in your workflow. al.
In this article, I’ve written about how to install Figma plugins easily on your device.
Table of Contents
Figma: Your Design Playground
Figma isn’t just a design tool, it’s a design playground. It’s a browser-based application, designed with collaborative teams in mind, that needs to create interfaces, prototypes, and wireframes quickly. Since you can log in from any device with an internet connection, you’re never tied to one location.
That flexibility is why it’s a favorite among designers, agencies, and small business owners who need to move fast.
Here are some key features Figma brings to the table:
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With real-time collaboration, you can have people working together on the same file—no more back-and-forth sending of files.
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Vector editing tools give you fine control to adjust every shape and line down to the pixel.
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With interactive prototyping, you can make your ideas come to life—all without additional tools.
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Design systems and reusable components help you stay organized and consistent in your work.
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Developers get an easy handoff with built-in specifications and code snippets.
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Figma Community has thousands of libraries, plugins, templates, and playground files available to help you get inspired and get started quickly.
What Makes Figma Special?
Figma’s vector editing tools are super precise, great for making pixel-perfect adjustments. Design systems in Figma help ensure your buttons, fonts, and colors are consistent across the board.
Using interactive prototyping, you can connect screens and create flows directly in the environment you design in, and no exporting is required.
The uncluttered interface and intuitive design reduce learning time significantly. You receive unlimited inspiration and free-to-download files in the Figma Community.
Handoff to devs is seamless, with specs and assets organized for you.
Each of my teammates can leave feedback right on the design. Further, they can mitigate changes through version control and share files through a shared link.
No additional downloads required. Playground files allow you to test plugins without risk, and anyone with edit access can safely run plugins.
This hands-on approach is a major reason why services like Graphically.io make Figma their go-to choice for client projects.
Plugins: Figma’s Secret Sauce
Plugins serve as magical extensions that allow Figma users to accomplish so much more, from minor tasks to major transformations. These third-party scripts and small apps make quick work of tasks, like renaming layers and handling assets.
In turn, they make work that once took hours only a few clicks! A toast notification appears at the bottom during a plugin’s execution, letting you know it’s in action. You can only execute one plugin at a time, and you must have “can edit” rights to run plugins.
Top plugin features include:
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Easy batch editing
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Auto asset import
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Fast color or font swaps
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Bertrand’s helpful export tools.
A few plugins even leverage user data, such as your avatar or cursor location. For people who need to run tight design projects, plugins, then unlimited graphic design service like Graphically.io can be total lifesavers.
Plugin Prep: Know Before Installing
Preparing for Figma plugins goes beyond just clicking “install.” A short list of prechecks will save you from the usual costly slowdowns, getting your projects built, not stalled. Here’s a quick roadmap before you start:
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Make sure your Figma account is active
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Log in to Figma on your device
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Update your Figma app if needed
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Check your internet connection
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Review your network and firewall settings
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Understand plugin permissions and access scopes
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Keep security in mind and review plugins often
Figma Account & App Ready?
Make sure your Figma account is set up and ready to go! You’ll need it just to be able to access the plugin library at all. One thing that is crucial is being logged in on the Figma app or browser, or you will run into a wall quickly.
Updating your app is important, you’ll often find new plugins can’t be installed or trigger strange bugs if you’re using an outdated app. That’s true if you’re working from your Brooklyn headquarters or a café in Tokyo.
Check Your Network Access
An inconsistent internet connection can make plugin downloads impossible. If your network connection isn’t reliable, plugins can hang up or crash completely.
Networks with high security firewalls, such as those in large corporations, can prevent plugins from being able to access the resources they require. If something is not right, troubleshoot with your firewall or reach out to your IT department.
Understand Plugin Permissions
Each plugin requests different permissions, such as the ability to read the location of your mouse or your user ID. Watch out for these scopes, they should be listed out in advance of you installing.
Both free and paid plugins (those labeled with “In-app purchases”) can request access. Only users with “can edit” privileges can execute plugins, so be aware of your team’s responsibilities.
Rule #1: Always use plugins from well-known sources— I recommend plugins that request access to the bare minimum and nothing more.
Quick Security Mindset
Perform a reality check on your installed plugins from time to time. Uninstall the ones you don’t need anymore.
If a plugin seems fishy or requests more than necessary, report it. You’re the boss—plugins can only execute when you permit it, and a toast notification appears when they succeed.
Watch out for the network scope labels and save your workspace from danger.
How to Install Figma Plugins
The process of adding plugins in Figma opens your design team to countless new opportunities to work smarter and more efficiently. Each step requires some TLC, so it’s useful to have a checklist handy. That way, you don’t miss a step.
So, how do you install Figma plugins? I’ll include some of the best practices here to increase your efficiency, particularly if you’re running a one-person agency or just trying to get your work done right the first time.
1. Find Plugins in Community
Here is where you’ll find every plugin available to the community. Enter a term into the search bar if you know what you’re looking for, or browse by categories such as Productivity or Design Systems.
Ratings and reviews matter the most. A plugin with thousands of stars and positive reviews from other users is always worth checking out. Consider it similar to looking at Yelp before choosing where to get lunch.
2. Install from Plugin Page
Once you find a plugin you’re interested in, click into its detail page. Click the blue “Install” button on the side. Occasionally, Figma will request a brief confirmation—just click “Allow” when that happens.
For paid plugins, the button will indicate as such and say “Buy.” Bookmark favorites to keep them handy, especially if you’re managing lots of client projects like we do at Graphically.io.
3. Install Inside Your File
With any Figma file open, find the “Plugins” option on the right sidebar. From there, select “Browse Plugins in Community” or begin typing the name of your plugin.
You’ll now require “can edit” access to be able to run a plugin. When you execute one, you’ll see a toast message appear at the bottom. Plugins run one plugin at a time, allowing you to build a laser-focused plugin workflow.
4. Use Quick Command Search
Simply press Cmd + / (Mac) or Ctrl + / (Windows), then start typing your plugin name or relevant keywords. This allows you to search for and launch plugins quickly, without searching through menus. This is a huge win for fast-paced design teams.
5. Fix Common Installation Issues
Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. If a plugin doesn’t work, first refresh Figma or refresh your browser if it’s a web-based plugin. Look to see if the plugin has an update available or, in exceptional situations, try reinstalling it.
Remember that plugins have access to your file data, so only install those you trust. Avoid plugins that exceed Figma’s file size limits—no image greater than 25MB or 50M pixels.
Master Your Plugin Arsenal
A carefully curated and maintained plugin arsenal can help you work faster and more efficiently in Figma while minimizing frustration. Plugins are third-party add-ons that extend and enhance what Figma can do. For busy agencies or small teams, a solid plugin mix can help you fix laggy files, save time, and keep projects moving without a hitch.
Here’s the thing, though, more plugins aren’t always better. Too many, or ones that are poorly managed, can be a drag. This is precisely why it’s important to keep your set organized and tidy.
Run Your Installed Plugins
Accessing plugins is simple: pick the “Plugins” option from the main menu. You’ll need “can edit” permissions for the file in order to successfully run them.
Tip: Always choose the correct frames or layers; plugins need to understand what to process. Since only one plugin can run at a time, don’t put yourself into a multitasking mood here. When a plugin is in action, you’ll notice a cool little toast notification at the bottom.
A few plugins even assist when files slow down or misbehave, making it worth it to discover your “essentials” as early as possible.
Keep Plugins Updated Always
Keeping your plugins updated ensures that you’re working with the latest features and a lower number of bugs. Look for new plugin updates to check against in your plugin menu or on the community page.
Many plugins allow you to enable auto-updates, freeing up even more time. Keep an eye out for trial or renewal notifications if you use paid plugins.
Uninstalling Plugins Easily
To uninstall plugins, head to the plugins management page to delete any plugins you no longer need. Removing unused or outdated plugins makes it easy to keep your workspace tidy and focus on what’s important.
Fewer plugins = less clutter = less searching for the tools you rely on daily.
My Tip: Organize Your List
Here is my personal tip: Organize your list. Sort plugins by usage and create a “favorites” list of the tools you use most often daily. Categorize the rest by function, such as exporting or mockup tools.
Check your list regularly. You’ll work more efficiently with a clean plugin arsenal, particularly when last-minute deadlines start to roll in..
My Top 5 Figma Power-Ups
Selecting the best Figma power-ups can make a huge difference in the speed and fluidity of your design workflow. I’ve watched teams—ranging from small studios to large agencies—increase velocity and overall product quality simply by adopting a better tool. Here’s my personal top 5 list of Figma power-ups.
It’s molded by the actual people contributing what they find most beneficial and useful on active projects! Experiment with them and find which ones work for you and your workflow!
Feather Icons
If you are looking for all sorts of sharp icons, Feather Icons is your go-to plugin. So easy to drop icons directly into your files! You’ll find no loss in quality, even when scaling them up or down.
Maintaining a consistent icon style between projects lets you maintain a cohesive aesthetic and on-brand appearance. Best of all, you don’t have to exit Figma to go asset hunting.
Pattern Hero
Pattern Hero allows you to create complex backgrounds and textures in a matter of seconds. Simply choose a type, define your colors, and adjust the sliders.
This is another plugin that saves a great deal of time when you need to create something that goes beyond plain colors or basic shapes. This variety keeps the inspiration flowing and allows you to present clients with new looks every iteration.
Unsplash
Unsplash for Figma brings the world’s most beautiful free images into your workspace. No more downloading and uploading stock photos—just search, select, and insert.
Projects really come alive when you can use real photos. They create magical experiences that plain mockups cannot deliver, all in an effort to help communicate and tell your story.
Content Reel
Content Reel is a great tool for finding text content. It auto-populates names, emails, and other profile details so you can display realistic layouts quickly.
This is great for maintaining consistent spacing and font usage. It’s useful when you’re trying to show your clients what things will look like with actual, legible copy.
Able
Able is a great tool to use to test your design for color contrast and other important accessibility guidelines. It helps identify accessibility issues and provides suggestions and tips so your work is accessible to everyone.
Looking to take your workflow to the next level? Let Graphically.io’s team show you the best plugin configurations and project adjustments.
Figma’s power-ups (or plugins, as they’re commonly called) can help you sort layers, modify paths, show toasts at the bottom of your file, and so much more. To get started, just click on “Plugins” in the left sidebar. Anyone with edit rights to the file can run them.
Conclusion
Using plugins in Figma is like finding an amazing little back alley shortcut in a crowded bazaar. It’s a huge time saver and a way to refresh your work! You just accomplish so much more without trudging through mile-long sub-menus. People in the US tend to enjoy the quick and easy solution, and plugins put that directly into your workflow.
I vividly recall the very first color palette plugin I used. The work could transform from dull to daring in an instant. For any small agency or shop, these tools open up the possibility that you can spend your time working on big ideas, not busywork. Don’t forget to look for exciting new plugins. The right one can revolutionize your entire workflow. Have a favorite plugin to share or a tip we missed? Reach out to Graphically.io and keep the inspiration flowing, and work together to take each other’s work to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Figma plugins?
Figma plugins are third-party extensions that supercharge your design process. They simplify processes by automating tasks, adding new features, and saving you time right within your Figma projects.
Do I need a paid Figma account to use plugins?
Plugins are available to all Figma users, regardless of whether they’re on a free or paid plan.
How do I install a Figma plugin?
Head over to the Figma Community tab, search for the plugin you’re looking for, and hit “Install.” Now the plugin is officially installed into your account, and you can start using it.
