Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFigma does not offer a full offline mode. If you lose internet access, you may be able to make limited edits in a file that is already open and loaded, then sync them after reconnecting—provided the browser’s local storage remains available. For an offline presentation, prepare the prototype in advance and wait for Figma to mark it ready.
What works offline in Figma—and what does not
Figma is cloud-based. Its offline capabilities are limited to work already loaded in your current session, rather than access to your whole account. Open the specific file and each page you may need while you still have a connection. Keep the file open if your connection drops.
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Figma lists limited editing, use of components in the current file, and creation of one new file among the things that can be done offline. Availability depends on the file or page having loaded already. Figma’s guidance also makes clear that autosave is a recovery safeguard, not a full offline mode: What can I do offline in Figma?
Features that still require a connection
- Opening files that were not already open, or accessing pages that have not loaded.
- Receiving collaborators’ updates or using multiplayer features.
- Inserting library instances or installing new plugins.
- Using version-history operations.
In short, losing the connection does not turn Figma into a locally available copy of your workspace. Plan around the exact file and pages you need, and do not rely on features that depend on shared cloud data.
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How offline edits are saved and recovered
When a connection is lost, Figma stores pending edits in browser storage and attempts to apply them when the connection returns. The recovery data is tied to the browser and device where you made the edits; you cannot retrieve it by opening Figma on another device.
Figma says most browsers may retain offline changes for up to 30 days, while Safari may retain them for 7 days. These are browser-specific retention windows, not a guarantee that every pending edit will remain available for that long. Check Figma’s current guidance for details: My files are not opening.
Protect pending changes
- Do not clear browser data or cache before the edits have synced.
- Avoid private browsing, switching browsers, or moving to another device while changes are pending.
- Browser storage limits, blocking extensions, or an unsupported browser may prevent recovery.
- Keep the same browser and device available until Figma has synchronized the work.
Reconnect and check the result
- Reconnect to the internet using the same device and browser.
- Reopen or reload each affected file so Figma can apply pending changes.
- Confirm Figma reports the changes as saved.
- If Figma reports a conflict, review version history before deciding which version to keep.
Prepare a prototype for an offline presentation
Prototype playback has a separate preparation step. While online, open the prototype in presentation view, enable Make available offline, and wait for Figma to indicate that it is ready. Keep the presentation view open when you disconnect. Figma says this feature does not work on mobile devices, and very large prototypes may exceed browser download limits.
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- Switch to presentation view.
- Turn on Make available offline.
- Wait for the offline-ready indication before disconnecting.
- Keep the presentation view open for the offline session.
See Figma’s instructions for the current workflow: Present prototypes offline.
Use a local copy only as a backup
Figma lets you save a local copy of a file, but that copy is a snapshot—not a way to continue editing the original offline and sync it later. Local copies omit comments and version history. If you reimport one, Figma creates a new file that is disconnected from the original. This is useful only if those limitations are acceptable for your backup: Save a local copy of files.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the desktop app work offline?
Installing Figma’s desktop app does not remove the connectivity requirement. Figma describes the desktop app as offering the same features as the browser and says reliable, stable internet is required for normal access. Treat it as another way to use Figma, not as an offline editing workaround: Guide to the Figma desktop app.
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