How To Install Figma on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Figma is a powerful web-based design tool that has gained immense popularity among UI/UX designers for its collaborative features and versatility. While Figma primarily operates in a browser, many users prefer to have a dedicated desktop application for improved performance and offline access. This article will guide you through the process of installing Figma on Ubuntu 24.04, ensuring that you can harness its full potential on your Linux system.

Understanding Figma on Linux

What is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based interface design tool that allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. It supports vector graphics, prototyping, and collaboration, making it an essential tool for designers. The platform’s real-time collaboration features enable teams to communicate effectively, share feedback instantly, and streamline the design process.

Why Use Figma on Ubuntu?

Using Figma on Ubuntu provides several advantages:

• Performance: The desktop version can offer better performance compared to the web app, especially for larger projects.
• Offline Access: Users can work without an internet connection, which is crucial for uninterrupted workflow.
• Community Support: The Linux community actively supports and develops tools to enhance the usability of applications like Figma.

Prerequisites for Installation

System Requirements

Before installing Figma, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

• Processor: 64-bit processor with at least 2 GHz clock speed.
• RAM: Minimum of 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended).
• Storage: At least 1 GB of free disk space.
• Graphics: A graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.0 or higher.

Software Requirements

You will need to install some necessary packages and dependencies before proceeding with the installation:

• Snap: A package management system that allows you to install applications in a sandboxed environment.
• libffmpeg: A library required for media playback within Figma.

Enabling Snap Support

If Snap is not already enabled on your Ubuntu installation, follow these steps:

1. 1. Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
   2. Run the following command to ensure Snap is installed:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd

1. 3. If Snap was installed successfully, you can verify its status by running:

snap version

Installation Methods

Method 1: Installing via Snap Store

The easiest way to install Figma on Ubuntu is through the Snap Store. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Open your terminal.
   2. Run the following command to install Figma:

sudo snap install figma-linux

1. 1. The installation process will begin, and once completed, you will see a confirmation message.
   2. You can then launch Figma from your applications menu or by typing the following command in your terminal:

figma-linux

Method 2: Installing via .deb Package

If you prefer not to use Snap, you can install Figma using a .deb package available from GitHub. Here’s how:

1. 1. Navigating to the official GitHub repository for Figma.
   2. Select the latest version of the .deb package and download it.
   3. Once downloaded, open your terminal and navigate to the directory where the package is located. For example:

cd ~/Downloads

1. 4. Install the .deb package using the following commands:

sudo dpkg -i figma-linux*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error Messages During Installation

You may encounter various error messages during installation. Here are some common ones and their solutions:

• • “libffmpeg.so: cannot open shared object file”: This error indicates that the required library is missing. You can resolve this by installing it using:

sudo apt-get install libffmpeg-extra

• • “Dependency issues”: If you face dependency problems while installing via .deb package, run:

sudo apt-get install -f

• “Snap command not found”: If Snap is not recognized, ensure that it is properly installed and try rebooting your system.

Fixing Installation Errors

If you encounter issues during or after installation, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• • Purge and Reinstall: If problems persist, you may want to purge existing installations and reinstall Figma. Use these commands:

sudo snap remove figma-linux
sudo apt purge figma-linux
sudo snap install figma-linux

• Error Logging: If Figma fails to launch, check for error logs in your terminal by running:

  /snap/figma-linux/current/bin/figma-linux --verbose.

• PPA Issues: If using PPAs causes conflicts during installation, consider disabling them temporarily while installing Figma.

Running Figma after Installation

If you successfully installed Figma but it doesn’t start properly, try these tips:

• Create a Desktop Entry: If there’s no launcher icon in your applications menu, create one manually by creating a file named `figma.desktop` in `~/.local/share/applications/` with the following content:

  [Desktop Entry]
  Name=Figma
  Exec=/snap/bin/figma-linux
  Icon=/snap/figma-linux/current/usr/share/icons/hicolor/scalable/apps/figma.svg
  Type=Application
  Categories=Graphics;Design;

• Add to Favorites: You can pin Figma to your favorites for easier access by right-clicking on its icon in the application menu.

Using Figma on Ubuntu

Navigating the Interface

The interface of Figma is user-friendly and intuitive. Here are some key features you should familiarize yourself with after installation:

• The Canvas Area: This is where you’ll create and edit designs. You can zoom in/out using your mouse wheel or trackpad gestures.
• The Toolbar: This contains tools for selecting objects, drawing shapes, adding text, and more. Familiarize yourself with these tools as they are essential for efficient design work.
• The Layers Panel: This panel allows you to manage all layers within your design file. Organizing layers effectively can significantly enhance workflow efficiency.
• The Properties Panel: This panel displays properties related to selected objects, allowing you to adjust styles like color, opacity, shadows, etc.

Integrating with Other Tools

A significant advantage of using Figma is its ability to integrate with various plugins and extensions that enhance productivity. Here’s how you can leverage these integrations effectively:

• Add Plugins: You can browse through available plugins directly within Figma by navigating to Plugins > Browse Plugins in Community. Install plugins that suit your workflow needs.
• Create Design Systems: If you’re working on multiple projects or collaborating with teams frequently, consider creating a design system within Figma that can be reused across projects for consistency.
• User Feedback: You can share prototypes with stakeholders easily by generating shareable links directly from within Figma. This feature allows for quick feedback loops during design iterations.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Figma. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Figma on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Figma website.