How To Install Figma on Rocky Linux 9

Figma has become an essential tool for UI/UX designers and developers worldwide. While it’s primarily a web-based application, many users prefer the convenience of a desktop app. For Linux users, particularly those running Rocky Linux 9, installing Figma can be a bit tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing Figma on Rocky Linux 9, providing detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and alternative methods.

Understanding Figma

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s briefly discuss what Figma and Rocky Linux 9 are and why they’re important.

What is Figma?

Figma is a powerful, cloud-based design tool that has revolutionized the way teams collaborate on UI/UX projects. It offers a range of features including:

• Real-time collaboration
• Vector editing
• Prototyping
• Design systems management
• Plugin support

While Figma is primarily web-based, many users prefer a desktop application for offline access and improved performance.

Rocky Linux 9: A Robust Enterprise Linux Distribution

Rocky Linux 9 is an open-source, community-driven enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It offers:

• Long-term stability and support
• Enhanced security features
• Compatibility with a wide range of software
• Regular updates and patches

As a relatively new distribution, Rocky Linux 9 presents some unique challenges when it comes to installing software like Figma.

Prerequisites for Installing Figma on Rocky Linux 9

Before we begin the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• A Rocky Linux 9 system with internet connectivity
• Root or sudo access to your system
• At least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended)
• Minimum 1GB of free disk space
• Updated system packages

To update your system, open a terminal and run:

sudo dnf update -y

Methods to Install Figma on Rocky Linux 9

Since there’s no official Figma desktop app for Linux, we’ll explore several methods to get Figma running on Rocky Linux 9.

Method 1: Using Flatpak

Flatpak is a universal package management system that works across different Linux distributions. It’s a reliable method for installing Figma on Rocky Linux 9.

Step 1: Install Flatpak

If Flatpak isn’t already installed on your system, you can install it by running:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

Step 2: Add the Flathub Repository

Flathub is the central repository for Flatpak applications. Add it to your system with:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 3: Install Figma

Now, you can install the unofficial Figma desktop app:

flatpak install flathub io.github.Figma_Linux.figma_linux

Step 4: Launch Figma

After installation, you can launch Figma from your application menu or by running:

flatpak run io.github.Figma_Linux.figma_linux

Method 2: Using AppImage

AppImage is another universal software format for Linux. It allows you to run software without installation.

Step 1: Download the Figma AppImage

Visit the Figma-Linux GitHub releases page and download the latest AppImage file.

Step 2: Make the AppImage Executable

Open a terminal, navigate to the directory containing the downloaded AppImage, and run:

chmod +x figma-linux_*.AppImage

Step 3: Run Figma

You can now run Figma by double-clicking the AppImage file or by running:

./figma-linux_*.AppImage

Method 3: Using RPM Package

For Rocky Linux users who prefer traditional package management, the RPM method might be more familiar.

Step 1: Download the RPM Package

Visit the Figma-Linux GitHub releases page and download the latest RPM package.

Step 2: Install the RPM Package

Open a terminal, navigate to the directory containing the downloaded RPM, and run:

sudo dnf install figma-linux_*.x86_64.rpm

Step 3: Launch Figma

After installation, you can launch Figma from your application menu or by running:

figma-linux

Configuring Figma on Rocky Linux 9

After successfully installing Figma, you’ll need to configure it for optimal performance.

Setting Up Your Figma Account

When you first launch Figma, you’ll be prompted to sign in or create an account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free.

Configuring Local Fonts

To use local fonts in Figma, you may need to create a symbolic link:

sudo ln -s $HOME/.local/share/fonts $HOME/snap/figma-linux/current/.local/share/

Optimizing Performance

To improve Figma’s performance on Rocky Linux 9:

• Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
• Use a wired internet connection if possible
• Consider increasing your system’s swap space

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing and using Figma on Rocky Linux 9, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Figma Fails to Launch

If Figma doesn’t launch, try running it from the terminal to see any error messages. You might need to install additional dependencies:

sudo dnf install libatomic libgconf-2-4

Font Rendering Issues

If fonts aren’t rendering correctly, ensure you’ve set up the symbolic link for local fonts as mentioned earlier.

Performance Issues

If Figma is running slowly, try clearing the cache:

1. Click the toggle arrow in the top toolbar
2. Go to Help > Troubleshooting > Clear Cache and Restart

Updating Figma on Rocky Linux 9

Keeping Figma up-to-date ensures you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

Updating Flatpak Version

To update the Flatpak version of Figma, run:

flatpak update io.github.Figma_Linux.figma_linux

Updating AppImage Version

For the AppImage version, simply download the latest AppImage file and replace the old one.

Updating RPM Version

To update the RPM version, download the latest RPM package and run:

sudo dnf upgrade figma-linux_*.x86_64.rpm

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Figma. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Figma on Rocky Linux 9 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Figma website.