What is Figma? Explore the Advantages and Key Use Cases Here

Figma is a powerful design tool used to create user interfaces (UI) and prototypes, working directly in your browser without the need for installations. If you’re curious about what is Figma, it’s a cloud-based platform that allows designers to create scalable designs and build interactive prototypes easily. It simplifies the design process by offering real-time collaboration, making it perfect for project teams. Figma’s flexibility ensures you can work from any device at home or on the go. Its intuitive interface and collaborative features make it the preferred choice for beginners and professional designers. 

This article will discuss Figma’s features, benefits, main uses, and the relevant courses for learning UI/UX and graphic design. 

What is Figma?

Figma is a popular web-based tool for designing user interfaces (UI) and creating prototypes. If you’re wondering what is Figma, it’s a browser-based platform that eliminates the need for downloads or installations. Figma allows you to create scalable designs quickly, add images, and build interactive prototypes. You can export your designs in JPG, PNG, SVG, and PDF formats. The platform has two main views – the canvas view for designing and the prototype view for testing. Its real-time collaboration feature allows multiple people to work on the same project, making Figma ideal for teamwork and UI design.

Here are the key features of Figma:

1. Auto-Layout – It automatically adjusts and resizes elements for responsive designs on any device.
2. Smart Selection – It lets you edit multiple objects at once to save time and effort.
3. Instant Collaboration – It allows teams to work on the same project together.
4. Component Libraries – This enables the reuse of design elements for consistent and faster work.
5. Prototyping Tools – It helps create interactive designs to test and get feedback easily.
6. Cross-Platform Access – It works in a browser so that you can access designs from any device.

Why Does Figma Stand Out?

Figma has become a popular tool among designers, and understanding what is Figma can help explain why it’s so highly regarded. It is a popular UI design tool because it’s easy to use and great for teamwork. Its browser-based platform makes it accessible from any device, and its prototyping features help designers easily create interactive designs. It also supports immediate collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project. With its simple interface and powerful tools, Figma is perfect for beginners and professional designers.

Here are the reasons why Figma stands out amongst all tools:

1. Real-Time Collaboration – Figma lets multiple designers work on a project at the same time, making teamwork smooth and hassle-free.
2. Cloud-Based Access – Figma is a browser-based tool that allows you to access your designs from any device without installing software.
3. Easy Prototyping – Figma’s built-in tools let you quickly create interactive mockups, making testing and sharing ideas simple.
4. Works on All Platforms – Figma is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it can be used on any operating system.
5. No Need for Installation – Since it’s online, Figma doesn’t require downloads, saving you time and space on your device.
6. Reusable Design Libraries – Figma provides ready-to-use design components to keep projects consistent and speed up workflows.
7. Supports Useful Plugins – Figma offers plugins for adding icons or creating charts, helping you work faster and smarter.
8. Automatic Version Control – Figma saves all changes automatically, letting you track edits easily and avoid losing your work.

What are the Key Use Cases of Figma?

Once you gain clarity on what is Figma, you will understand that it’s a powerful design tool that helps teams and individuals create attractive and functional designs easily. Known for its collaborative features, Figma makes designing, prototyping, and managing design systems simple and efficient. It’s a favourite among UI/UX professionals because of its flexibility and ease of use.

Here are the main use cases of Figma: 

1. UI/UX Design – Figma helps designers create simple and user-friendly layouts for websites and mobile apps. It’s easy to build wireframes and mockups to plan your designs.
2. Prototyping – Figma lets you make clickable prototypes to show how a website or app will work. This helps in understanding the design before it’s built.
3. Collaboration – Figma allows designers, developers, and clients to work on the same project simultaneously. It makes sharing ideas and getting feedback quick and simple.
4. Design Systems – Figma helps teams save and share design elements like buttons and icons. This keeps the designs uniform and consistent across projects.

Figma vs. Traditional Design Tools

Figma has become an essential tool for many digital designers and teams. When considering what is Figma, it’s easy to see how it stands out from traditional design tools. Figma enables real-time collaboration as a cloud-based platform, allowing teams to work easily from anywhere. Unlike older design tools, which often require installations and manual updates, Figma’s accessibility and collaborative features simplify workflows. These qualities make it an ideal choice for modern design projects, offering a user-friendly solution to create, collaborate, and iterate designs more efficiently.

Here is the explanation of Figma vs Traditional Design Tools:

Feature	Figma	Traditional Tools
Collaboration	It allows multiple users to work on the same project in the same period.	They often lack instant collaboration features, requiring file sharing.
Access	It is cloud-based, so you can access projects from any device with an internet connection.	They require specific devices and software installations.
Updates	It automatically updates itself with new features and improvements.	They require manual updates, which can be time-consuming.
Sharing Design	It enables quick sharing through links for instant feedback.	They usually involve exporting files and emailing them for feedback.
Platform Capability	It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux without installation.	They often depend on specific operating systems or installations.

Advantages of Using Figma

Figma is a popular tool for UI/UX design known for its ease of use and collaborative features. If you’re wondering what is Figma, it is a cloud-based design platform that allows designers to create, share, and collaborate on projects in real time. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it a top choice for professionals and beginners.

Here are the advantages of using Figma:

1. Free for Beginners – Figma provides a free plan, making it ideal for individuals or small teams starting with design.
2. Simple File Sharing – You can share designs easily by sending a link, making feedback and collaboration quick and straightforward.
3. Works for All Team Members – Figma isn’t just for designers; developers and other team members can also easily review and use designs.
4. Smooth Design Handover – Developers can access all design details, like colours and fonts, directly in Figma, speeding up their work.
5. Easy to Learn – Figma’s interface is simple, so beginners can start using it without needing much training.
6. Integrates with Other Tools – Figma connects with Slack and Jira, helping teams work together without switching platforms.
7. Access from Anywhere – Since it’s cloud-based, your designs are safe and can be opened from any device, anytime.
8. Great for Growing Teams – Figma’s flexible plans make it easy to add more users as your team expands.
9. Auto-Save for Changes – Figma automatically saves your work, so you never lose progress and can return to earlier versions.
10. Supportive Community – Figma has a helpful community that shares templates and tutorials to make learning and designing easier. 

Learning Figma

If you want to understand what is Figma, it’s an easy-to-use, cloud-based design tool used to create user interfaces and designs. It is popular because it’s simple for beginners, allows teams to work together, and has advanced features for professional projects. Whether you are new to design or want to improve your skills, learning Figma can be simple and fun. 

Here’s how you can get started with this fantastic tool:

1. Beginner-Friendly Steps – Start by learning the basics of Figma. Watch simple tutorials on YouTube or Figma’s website to understand how to use its tools and features. Try practising small projects like wireframes or mockups to get familiar with shapes, layers, and frames. You can also explore free templates in Figma’s community to see how professionals create designs.
2. Exploring Advanced Features – Once you know the basics, move to Figma’s advanced tools. Learn how to make prototypes by linking different screens and adding animation. Use plugins to make your designs comparatively better. This can be done by adding free images and icons. Figma also lets you work with others in real-time, leave comments, and organise design systems for your projects.
3. Enrol in Relevant Courses – Taking courses is one of the best ways to learn Figma quickly. The UI/UX and Graphic Design Course from Digital Regenesys offers practical training to help you master Figma and its features. Along with Figma, you can also learn other essential design tools, making creating professional and polished designs easier.

Thus, knowing what is figma and how it works can improve your design process. Figma makes it easy to collaborate with your team, create designs, and access your work from anywhere. It’s an excellent UI/UX design tool that can quickly help you build user-friendly interfaces. If you want to learn more about Figma and how to use it for your design projects, consider joining the UI/UX and Graphic Design Course at Digital Regenesys. Start learning today and become a skilled designer!