Best Figma Classes Near Me: Find In-Person & Virtual Training

Learn More About Figma Courses

A collaborative product development platform, Figma is a cloud-based design tool that works on any operating system. Compatible with Macs, Windows PCs, Linux machines, and even Chromebooks, it is the only design tool of its type that does this, allowing everyone on your team to share, open, and edit Figma files.

Utilized by many notable brands and companies, Figma saves you time by allowing you to focus more on designing (as opposed to manually resizing and formatting) thanks to a fully responsive auto layout. You and your team members can standardize styles, components, and variables so that your final project scales seamlessly across your products and brands. Because Figma is browser-based, you can see who is viewing and editing a file at the top of the app as circular avatars, much like in Google Docs, and can even see what other team members are viewing by clicking on their avatar to zoom in on their work.

Designed for collaboration, Figma is ideal for creative teams that desire real-time updates and full visibility of a project’s progression and is well suited for remote workers who thrive in a collaborative environment. In today’s digital-focused world, being an expert in Figma can help you secure your dream creative job, whether that’s in an office or remote from a location of your choosing.

Industries That Use Figma

Figma is useful in any industry that involves design. According to Figma, a variety of companies utilize their cloud-based platform with notable big hitters like Yeti, Headspace, Dropbox, Patagonia, Netflix, and Stripe. As you can see, Figma is applicable in a variety of fields.

The retail and ecommerce industry uses Figma to streamline the collaboration of various departments (like customer service, design, sales, and dev-ops) to create digital designs that are consistent with the company's brand voice, tone, and guidelines. You can test and iterate concepts with customers, improving online functions like navigation and checkout procedures. The United States is the second largest market for ecommerce and with projections of a 24% increase in online retail purchases by 2026, ecommerce is going to continue to grow.

FinTech companies, like the previously mentioned Stripe, leverage Figma tools like the FinTech UI Kit to design apps for finance, investment, banking, and related projects. User-friendly interfaces are key to the success of FinTech companies, and the collaborative functionality of Figma allows them to do just that. Projections indicate that by 2025, the US will account for more than 62% of the global FinTech transaction value, so if you currently (or wish to) work in FinTech, learning Figma can make you a more valuable employee in this ever-growing industry.

Entertainment services companies, like Netflix, use Figma to enhance user experience across their platform. From creating multiple profiles to searching for new shows or films to creating curated lists of preferred content, Figma can be used to help encourage consumers to use a streaming service more, increasing retention and even generating new sales from word-of-mouth referrals. At $660 billion, the U.S. media and entertainment (M&E) industry includes motion pictures, television programs and commercials, streaming content, music and audio recordings, broadcast, radio, book publishing, video games, and ancillary services and products. This booming industry isn’t going anywhere, thanks to the assistance of tools like Figma.

Figma Jobs & Salaries

User Experience (UX) Designers work primarily within the tech field but their expertise is needed in almost any modern industry. A UX Designer will take into account research and feedback on the user’s experience while they design a website or app, to make the most user-friendly and enjoyable interfaces possible. You would work with UX researchers, customer service, dev-ops, marketing, and sales to develop landing pages, navigation menus, app walkthroughs, and more. The average salary for a UX Designer usually lands between $94,000-$115,000, depending on your location and level of experience.

Front-End Developers build the client side of websites or web applications, update current websites to meet modern standards, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer or client. As a Front End Developer, you’ll collaborate with Back End Developers, Software Engineers, and UX and UI teams, often utilizing Figma to work together. You can expect to make $90,000-$125,000 in the United States.

Web Designers work alongside positions like Front End Developers and UX Designers and create the layout and assets for webpages and mobile applications. Using various software, including Figma, Web Designers craft the appearance and feel of both the visual and functional elements of a webpage before handing that design off to web developers who will bring it to life. While the pay for this role can vary widely from $60,000 to well over six figures, this means you can quickly increase your earnings with a few years of experience.

These are just a few of the careers that utilize Figma to design, edit, track, and complete creative projects. Keep reading below to learn more about what you’ll learn in a Figma course and how to pick the best program for you.

Are there Prerequisites to Learning Figma?

While there are no formal prerequisites for studying Figma, it is recommended that you are familiar with the fundamentals of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). It’s also best if you have experience with cloud-based software so that you’re better prepared to interact with Figma. Additionally, Figma plugins are written in JavaScript, and their UI is created with HTML, so it’s recommended you have a basic level of experience with these programming languages. While all these things are highly encouraged, they are not technically required for you to begin learning Figma, so don’t let a lack of experience deter you from pursuing a Figma training course.

Is it Difficult to Learn Figma?

A relatively beginner-friendly program, Figma is easily accessible with straightforward tools and a limited free version with no time limit. You can play around and get familiar with all its basic features at no cost to you, making learning Figma attainable even for the budget-conscious. The free trial has limited functionality, controlling the number of files that free trial users can work on at once and the number of editors involved. Once a group of users gets large enough, subscriptions for teams, organizations, and schools are available. Ultimately, Figma is an easy-to-learn program, especially for those already familiar with aspects of web design, UX/UI design, or software development.

What Will You Learn in a Figma Course?

There are several basic skills you’ll learn in an entry-level Figma course. First and foremost, you’ll cover the basics of product design, what it is, and why it matters. You’ll then get familiar with the Figma interface, learn keyboard shortcuts and functions, and develop prototypes using the tools that Figma provides.

You’ll also master various soft skills like how to collaborate with others on creative projects, the best ways to provide feedback and edits, and how to communicate effectively and present your work with authority. Using Figma is a team effort, so it’s important you can work well with others, listen to and incorporate other perspectives, and know how to properly defend your work without offending others. In short, part of learning Figma is learning how to be a good team player.

Best Figma Classes & Schools

Noble Desktop offers Figma Bootcamp, an online all-level course that covers beginner to advanced features for both UI and UX design. Hosted by an industry-expert instructor, you’ll learn to design complex and realistic prototypes with advanced functionality, add interactions such as hovers, apply animations to your designs using smart animate, and make specific areas within a screen scrollable. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to craft stunning user interfaces and experiences, create complex prototypes, and collaborate with others using Figma's cloud-based platform. This course can also be taken in person at Noble Desktop’s New York office location.

You could also try out Pratt Institute’s Digital Design Certificate, a three-semester program that will help you grow your network while building a professional design portfolio. Held in-person at one of their three New York Campuses, you’ll study Adobe InDesign, brand design and corporate identity, AI design, Figma for UX/UI, Adobe Illustrator, graphic design, Photoshop, and typography. You’ll also choose nine elective classes from a variety of topics to ensure you have a well-rounded and robust understanding of digital design. Throughout the program, you’ll create projects that can be added to your portfolio, providing you with examples of your work to present to potential employers.

Introduction to UX Design from the Digital Workshop Center is another online option. A more robust option, this project-based course will teach you UX design in a hands-on format, covering topics such as UX basics, user interface concepts, and tools like Adobe XD and Figma. By developing a better understanding of UX design, user flows, targeted audiences, and customer journeys, you’ll be better equipped to utilize the tools and techniques of Figma to create. This course will cover the fundamentals of Figma, giving you enough experience to incorporate Figma into your current workflows or pursue more advanced training going forward.

UX Design Institute offers a six-month online intensive course called Professional Diploma in UX Design. With just five hours of studying per week, you can become a certified UX designer who can confidently use industry tools like Figma. You’ll learn analysis techniques, structure and navigation, design principles and patterns, craft common user workflows, and how to build interactive prototypes and annotate your designs. Figma is a standard tool in UX design, so you’ll get familiar with the fundamental functions and techniques of this cloud-based program as well.

If you’re based in Los Angeles, you could attend LearningFuze’s Part-Time UI/ UX Design BootCamp. This 12-week program will dive deep into the fundamentals of design thinking, user experience design, and interface design, covering topics like research, information architecture, and wireframing and prototyping in Module 1. You’ll then move on to Module 2, learning things like interaction design, design patterns, agile methodology, and various programming languages including Figma. There are some prerequisites for both Module 1 and Module 2, so make sure to check LearningFuze’s website for more information.

General Assembly offers UX Design Bootcamp, a hands-on training that applies essential tactics like wireframing, prototyping, user research, and usability testing. You’ll learn all about visual and user interface design, and cover hot topics like service design and design leadership. Plus, you’ll get to practice UX/UI handoffs, team presentations, and design critique so you’re ready to collaborate successfully in your new UX design role. And, because Figma is an industry-standard, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this software while also exploring various programming languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

Corporate and On-site Figma Training

Noble Desktop also offers corporate and on-site training in Figma thanks to their extensive experience developing curricula for various training sessions. With corporate and on-site training, you can order vouchers in bulk at a discount and choose which courses are available to employees. Custom training curriculum, comprehensive support materials, instructors who are industry professionals, and flexible scheduling give you and your employees more control over their continued learning. You can discuss your training needs free of charge by contacting corporate@nobledesktop.com.

What is Figma?

Figma is a powerful user interface and user experience design application that allows users to collaborate effortlessly to design interactive, working prototypes of webpages, digital applications, and mobile interfaces. Figma is a browser-based application, meaning users can access it from any device and effortlessly build a web layout in real time with others. The application is designed to give users the tools they need to work as a team to design user interfaces for various devices and applications. Figma provides the necessary tools to add interactive elements to designs, mimicking how they will function once they’re coded and launched. This gives Designers greater control over the kinds of designs they can produce since their layouts will have the interactive capabilities vital to user interfaces. Teams of designers using Figma can be attentive to how the webpage looks and feels at all stages of the design process.

User interface design refers to the visual appearance of a webpage or other digital application. Each element of a digital application, whether a button, a drop-down menu, a slideshow, or a series of links connected to images, will need to be designed by a UI Designer who produces a layout of how it will work and function. User Experience Designers are attentive to how the webpage feels, with UX Designers being tasked with testing and iterating on the webpage’s accessibility and navigation tools. Tools like Figma assist both design goals by allowing users to design webpage layouts and produce working models of those webpages that need to be tested. These sample designs can then be easily shared because of how accessible Figma’s browser-based application is. They can also be tested rigorously before the design file is handed off to Developers.

While somewhat limited in its functionalities, Figma has a robust free tier of use for students looking to learn the program and begin collaborating on design projects. Professional and Enterprise versions of the software are available to organizations looking to expand on their Figma usage. These subscriptions vary in cost depending on the size of the team.

Why Learn Figma?

Figma is one of the primary tools used for UI/UX design. Due to the application's acquisition in 2022 by Adobe, it stands to become the industry-standard tool for building user interface layouts. Since it’s built with collaboration in mind, Figma is an excellent skill to learn for users who hope to work as part of a team of Designers building webpages and other digital applications. These collaboration features, which include the recently released FigJam system, are perfectly set up to give teams of creative individuals the resources they need to design visually appealing, accessible user interfaces and optimize their workflow as they are designing them. The ability to work more efficiently and effectively is an important reason to learn a skill like Figma. Employers care that a webpage is well designed and provides the level of quality they expect. However, if a team can’t deliver the product on time, it doesn’t matter how good their product is. This is why learning how to work with collaboration tools like Figma is so important for anyone with professional web design aspirations.

Industry-Standard Collaboration Tool

One of the major appeals of Figma as a design application is that between the new FigJam systems and its browser-based functionalities, the application is unparalleled in its ability to enhance and facilitate collaborative design processes. Learning to use Figma almost necessarily means working with other Designers and Developers on UX/UI projects. Multiple users can access the same design file and work on it from any device that can access the internet, so collaborators are freer to work on a design at their own pace. Designers can also collaborate on the same document in real-time, allowing them to make, view, and comment upon changes as they are being made. The interface also includes various team-focused tools meant to make organizing teams and delegating tasks more efficient.

Build More Accessible Webpages

One of the main reasons to work with a UX/UI design tool is to test the application design before the development phase. The user experience side of a web design project must be accounted for, and a key part of that process is testing the application in a real-world context. It is impossible to intuit how a user will use a web application, so Figma allows users to create functional prototypes of their web applications to allow for user testing. This will let teams of designers understand whether or not their applications are as accessible and easy to navigate as they can possibly be, and it will give them a better understanding of the changes that need to be made to ensure that users have an easy time using the product.

Designers are increasingly cognizant of how users directly interact with webpages, and they are working harder to make applications more accessible to more people. With tools like Figma, teams of designers can create webpages that are more responsive to user behavior and consider how different people will interact with an interface. Figma also has tools designed to help designers account for how an application will be accessed on different devices so teams can keep in mind the use of mobile devices and touchscreen devices when building their applications.

Figma Careers

Figma is a vital tool for anyone wanting to further their web design career. Learning to use UX/UI design tools will greatly improve the workflow and efficiency of individuals and teams, making them better equipped to build webpages for their clients. Given that having a memorable and effective web presence is essential in the modern marketplace, web design skills are in high demand. Across most industries, companies and institutions will be employing or contracting Designers to help ensure that their web presence is professionally designed and communicates the messages they want to send. Learning Figma alone won’t be enough to ensure you get a job. Still, it is an important part of the toolkit of anyone hoping to design user interfaces professionally.

Web Designers and User Interface Designers deal mostly with the creative elements of a web design project. They are responsible for the visual appearance of a web design. They are tasked with ensuring that the application looks like their client wants it to appear and effectively communicates the desired intent. These professionals use Figma to build either entire web layouts or individual webpage elements, such as a specific set of buttons or menus. These design positions are responsible for working closely with clients, managers, and other Designers and Developers to build a web interface as part of a collaborative project. They need to be comfortable working with large groups. In the US, UI Designers make about $94,000 a year, while Web Designers make about $66,000 annually.

User Experience Designers and User Experience Researchers ensure a user interface design feels good to use. Rather than accounting for what the clients intend from web design projects, UX Designers focus on how users are most likely to interact with a product. UX Design is a much more research and data-driven field than UI Design, meaning that UX Designers will spend more time working with market research departments or working with test users of interface designs than on the creative side of the design process. They are assisted by User Experience Researchers, who are less concerned with individual designs than they are with broad consumer behaviors. This is a highly research-driven profession, as UX Researchers seek to understand and account for general trends in user behaviors so that UX Designers can more easily and effectively optimize specific projects. In the US, UX Designers earn an average salary of $108,000, while UX Researchers make approximately $116,000 a year.

Learning Figma

In-Person Figma Classes

Anyone looking to enter a career in web design will want to learn how to use Figma in a professional training service. Many students find that in-person classes are an ideal way to learn a new skill, particularly one like Figma, which strongly emphasizes collaborative features. In an in-person course, students have the opportunity to work directly with an experienced instructor and a cohort of like-minded students with whom they can collaborate on design projects. On top of all this, students can take advantage of the training center’s computer labs and software, which can be a boon for students who cannot license a full copy of Figma or FigJam. The drawback to these classes is that students can only enroll in the courses that are local to their area, which can be somewhat limiting for students who don’t live in or around major metropolitan areas or lack reliable transportation.

Students looking for in-person Figma classes in their area should consult Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find and compare their options. Many training centers only operate out of a few major cities, such as Noble Desktop’s Manhattan campus or Seattle’s School of Visual Concepts. These individual schools are ideal places for students with the means and time to visit these cities regularly to learn Figma. For example, LearningFuse’s UI/UX Design Bootcamp provides 12 weeks of intermediate-level Figma instruction to those who live in or near Los Angeles. Participants in this program can opt to take the UI and UX modules independently or together. This hands-on program covers skills like working with Invision, Figma, and Adobe XD. A few service providers, such as General Assembly, offer Figma courses in a large number of different American cities.

Live Online Figma Classes

Since in-person classes tend to be located in major cities, some students may find attending one of these training seminars difficult. Others living near training centers may be unable to attend in-person coursework for other reasons, such as work and family obligations. For these students, live online Figma training represents a way to learn Figma from home without sacrificing the quality of instruction that they expect from an in-person training course. These courses are taught in real-time by live instructors with whom students can interact directly. This means that they can ask questions and receive feedback right away. As an added benefit, because Figma is totally browser-based, collaboration with other students is still fairly easy in an online course. This is also good career training, as students are likely to collaborate with other Designers asynchronously or from a distance when they are working on designs.

Noble Desktop offers various courses for students looking for live online Figma classes. Whether you want to start a new career in the field of web design or just learn how to use a new design application, Noble has a course to fit your needs. In general, students can enroll in focused skills bootcamps, which are classes that teach a specific skill over a short time, or longer career-focused certificate courses that teach students many different complementary design skills and offer them focused professionalization training.

Noble’s Figma Bootcamp provides students with detailed instruction and hands-on experience working with Figma. In this class, students learn the basics of designing web layouts and how to utilize the specific features of Figma that make it such a commonly used program in the web design industry. This course teaches students the basics of UI design and UX design using Figma, providing them with hands-on training in designing layouts and converting them into testable prototypes. Participants also explore integrating complicated interactive designs into their layouts, such as animation, sideshows, or scrollable areas, to create more vibrant and memorable designs. In this course, those enrolled work on projects to mirror real-life design assignments, providing them with vital hands-on training in Figma.

Noble offers several certificate-granting programs for students who want to build a career using Figma. The most immersive option is the UX & UI Design Certificate program, which offers a comprehensive education in the tools and techniques associated with UX and UI design careers. Participants learn how to work with Figma to create layouts, build case studies for user behavior research, conduct interviews and focus groups as part of wide-scale testing, and implement their research findings. Beyond this, students receive professionalization training through one-on-one mentorship, resume development seminars, and assistance with constructing a portfolio to take with them onto the job market.

Noble also offers several other certificate programs that cover Figma. Noble's Digital Design Certificate and UI Design Certificate programs emphasize Figma’s creative elements. Rather than focusing on testing and iterating layouts with UX design training, these courses teach students how to use other creative tools, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, to create more vibrant and complex digital assets for their web layouts. In the Web Design Certificate program, students explore the basics of using HTML/CSS and JavaScript to program the webpages they design using Figma. Normally, Designers need to hand their designs off to Developers to code and program, but with some programming training, students can learn to launch their own web designs.

Some educators offer accelerated Figma fundamentals courses for students looking to master the basics of the application. For example, The School of Visual Concepts offers a Figma Fundamentals Workshop that provides students with a day’s worth of Figma instruction to give them a basic understanding of navigating the interface and begin designing web interfaces with the application. Participants learn how to use auto-layouts, libraries and other work efficiency tools, and they study how to take advantage of Figma plug-ins. Finally, they receive training in preparing a Figma design for export to Developers who will program the Figma file into a working web interface.

To learn more about the options in your area for in-person and live online Figma training courses, consider visiting Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool.

In addition to these courses, students may also wish to consider the live online Figma courses offered by NYIM Training and the live online Figma courses offered by NYC Career Centers. These training options provide students with alternative options for virtual Figma instruction.

On-Demand Figma Classes

If you’re interested in studying Figma in the virtual setting but aren’t able to commit to coursework that meets regularly, you may wish to explore on-demand classes. Studying Figma through on-demand content is the most flexible way to acquire this skill. All content is recorded by an educational provider at an earlier time and placed online. Unlike live coursework that requires meeting on a regular day and time to learn Figma, on-demand classes can be accessed at any time from any location. They also allow students to complete their studies at their own pace. This may involve devoting several hours over several weekends to learning Figma or spending a half-hour each night after work acquiring web design skills. Another benefit of self-paced content is that you aren’t relying on an instructor to set your learning pace. Instead, you can pause, rewind, or rewatch entire videos or lessons as often as you wish to help retain content. A variety of asynchronous Figma content is available online, ranging from short YouTube clips on the Figma interface to more involved bootcamps that take ten or more hours to complete and cover Figma alongside other web design skills and tools. One important consideration when opting for self-paced material is that no instructor is available, which means you will have to find answers to questions on your own. This is why some learners begin learning Figma through on-demand content but switch to a more structured educational format like live bootcamp study to fully acquire Figma’s advanced capabilities.

If you want to find an on-demand Figma class, several top educators around the globe offer coursework that focuses exclusively on Figma, as well as content that covers Figma along with other web development tools. Udemy’s UX/UI Design with Figma teaches participants how to work with Figma and other popular design tools to create web and mobile design. All learners can access more than four hours of on-demand video content and several downloadable resources. Udemy also has introductory-level Figma instruction available in

Figma 2024: The Absolute Beginner to Pro Class in Under 2 Hours. Those enrolled in this course receive basic instruction on core Figma tasks, such as setting up accounts, creating wireframes, and using this software for user interface design. Coursera’s Get Started with Figma provides 1.5 hours of beginner-level content for those who wish to explore the basics of this software, such as how to create an account, work with Figma’s main features, add pages to the frame, or share designs.

How Hard is it to Learn Figma?

If you’re interested in learning to create websites using Figma, you may not be sure how difficult it is to acquire the necessary training. Like other skills, the difficulty involved with learning Figma is largely subjective and depends on various factors. Some learners consider studying Figma to be similar to acquiring training in other design-related tools, such as InDesign. Figma is even thought to be more user-friendly than InDesign. However, it takes practice to fully master this program.

Learning any graphic design tool poses challenges. Those with no prior background working with user design interfaces may not be familiar with the best practices for creating layouts. In particular, if you don’t have prior knowledge of why interfaces are designed in specific ways, it may be challenging to make informed decisions about your own Figma designs. This is why learning best UX design practices through in-person or online coursework can help those who are new to layout creation learn this more quickly than they would be able to do independently. Another aspect of learning Figma that some find difficult is navigating the substantial amount of Figma-related material and information that’s currently available. Figma’s large online community contributes to this app’s add-ons and templates. This can be a great resource for some learners interested in using these templates, but it may also be intimidating to new users to sort through this wealth of material and community-generated design content.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Figma?

The amount of time it will take you to learn Figma is also relative to the learner. It will largely depend on your background in design in general and your experience applying these skills to web design. If you come from a graphic design background and already have experience with Adobe XD, Illustrator, or other vector graphic tools, the learning process may be much faster and easier than if you lack this background. Illustrator provides Designers with a foundation in vector graphic design software, and XD helps students learn how to work with user interface design software. Similarly, if you have worked with community design, you may find it easier to pick Figma up since this app relies on user-created widgets, templates, and plug-ins. Those who have previously used community forums like Figma’s, and done so to modify their device, will likely find it easier to get started with Figma.

On average, those interested in learning this app’s basics can do so with just a few days of intensive practice. Since this program has an accessible, user-friendly interface, you can experiment with Figma on your own to get a general feel of its features and functions. The robust online Figma community offers a range of free resources, posted by professional Developers and Designers, that can make the learning process even easier. However, acquiring more advanced Figma skills may take several weeks of focused study, such as that provided in a certificate program.

What Skills Can You Learn Alongside Figma?

If you’re interested in exploring how Figma can be used for web design, you may also wish to study other skills and tools that can be used to create engaging websites. The following tools are just a few options you can study alongside Figma to make you a well-rounded Web Designer.

User Experience Design

Web Designers focus a lot on how a webpage will appear to users. However, they must also have the skills to ensure that various audiences can easily access and use the interactive elements they add to their webpage. This focus on user behavior when on a webpage is called user experience (UX) design. UX design is an essential skill set for Web Designers who want to make sure the webpages they’re designing are user-friendly and seamless to navigate. Studying UX design can give you the tools needed to focus on creating iterative webpage design. It often involves conducting behavioral research like user testing to see how webpage visitors engage with the user interface or web app and if there is any disconnect in the experience they are having versus the one Web Designers anticipate them having. Web Designers who strive to create webpages that are universally accessible and easy to use will benefit from acquiring UX design skills.

HTML/CSS and JavaScript

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is a coding language that applies tags to a text block to communicate with your browser about how content should be displayed. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) lets the browser know the color, font, style, and size to apply to text. It also ensures the text will be uniformly displayed, regardless of the device or browser on which it appears. Knowledge of HTML and CSS provides a core set of skills for those who work with modern web design and is essential for those who create websites. However, HTML and CSS are limited in their applications for user interactivity, which is why Web Designers often also opt to study JavaScript. This language can provide additional functionality for webpages. It allows users to add interactive elements like buttons, images, menus, and other features to their webpages. Learning to code with one or all of these languages can help you be a more well-rounded Web Designer.

Illustrator & Photoshop

Web design often involves creating digital assets to populate the page. Although some CMS services offer templates to create interactive assets like menus and buttons, Web Designers sometimes are tasked with making these assets on their own to create more involved webpages. Knowledge of Adobe CC design tools like Illustrator and Photoshop are core tools that can assist with creating these assets. They help users make pixel and vector graphic images that can then be repurposed by Designers and used as interactive digital objects on their websites.

How Does Learning Figma Differ from Comparable Skills?

Those in the web design field rely on a range of programs and tools to create websites. This is why there isn’t currently one dominant program for web design. Instead, most Web Designers use a range of skills and tools, such as Figma, Sketch, XD, and others. Those working with Figma may have several advantages over other web design platforms. Since this browser-based platform was created for collaborative projects, it provides a way for Designers to interact directly with one another and to do so with much less hassle than they could with Adobe CC programs, such as XD. Figma’s trial version is also a good option for those who want to become accustomed to the program without committing to purchase since it is a more expansive trial than competitors offer. Another reason why Figma may be preferable to other similar web design programs is that it offers a robust online community who have created a substantial archive of materials that can assist with projects of all sizes and types.

Figma vs. Adobe XD

Figma and Adobe XD are two of the most popular tools available for Web Designers and UX Designers. When deciding which is best for your design needs, it’s important to explore what each of these programs offers in terms of helping create responsive web design and how they differ.

Both Figma and XD can use these tools to collaborate with team members on a range of vector-based preview or design projects. When working with Figma, project owners are able to provide team members with varying permission levels of access when they invite them into a project. This feature provides a level of control so the project owner can determine which users can actively edit content and which can only view or share their opinions. XD’s Coediting feature performs a similar function; it provides a way for users to make project edits in real time.

Since both XD and Figma are vector-based, updating or scaling either program is relatively easy. Additionally, vector-based design enables UI Designers to execute changes from mobile devices and do so either using XD or Figma. Additionally, these programs are both compatible with Windows and Mac systems. Figma provides users with a plugin library that can be easily accessed. Similarly, XD’s Plugin Manager allows users to find and add plugins without opening a separate program. In terms of support, XD and Figma provide users with extensive operating system support for both Macs and Windows. Each of these tools also allows users to see previews on desktops and mobile browsers, which is useful for those who need to test user interfaces or share projects with external stakeholders like clients.

XD differs from Figma in some important ways. The primary difference is that Figma is a browser-based system, whereas XD is installed directly onto the user’s computing device. XD offers more options for file compatibility, whereas Figma relies on plugins for tasks like embedding video content. Adobe XD is not able to open Figma files unless they are converted using a third-party tool. Similarly, in order for Figma to open XD files, they must also be converted using a third-party tool or copied and pasted as an SVG file.

In terms of ease of use, those who are familiar with Adobe CC may find it easier to acquire XD skills. Additionally, XD’s user interface is often considered more intuitive than Figma’s for those who are new to the software. Figma has an open layout with its main tools and features displayed in the open, whereas XD groups many of its features and tools together. This is why some Designers find it easier to initially orient to using XD versus Figma.

Figma also provides users with significantly more native features and tools than are available on XD. However, this can make Figma’s interface feel a bit crowded to some users.

Both Figma and XD users have access to hundreds of free UI kits and templates. Figma offers more than 300 templates, such as product development roadmaps and wireframe kids. Additionally, it also offers third-party templates. XD includes a range of templates from industry giants like Apple Design and Google Material Design. Those working with XD can also access third-party templates on the internet. Regarding speed, since Figma relies on internet connectivity to perform, those with slow wifi may have a slower design process. Even though XD functions partially offline, users must be connected to the internet to access this program’s full functionality. When working with XD, syncing projects to the cloud can be slow, and delays can occur with editing tasks. In terms of pricing, both Figma and XD offer both free and paid versions. However, XD’s free plan is more limited than that which is available from XD. Most Designers who work with either Figma or XD will eventually need to upgrade to a paid version to get the most out of these programs.

What to Study After Learning Figma

If you’ve already learned to work with Figma and want to take your professional web design skills even further, there are several related fields you can explore to make yourself a more well-rounded Designer and more competitive job candidate.

Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization, also known as SEO, is a widely used tool in copywriting and digital marketing to increase the visibility of websites for search engines like Google or Bing. Those who have a background working with SEO are able to improve website visibility, which makes them more likely for people to interact with them. SEO has applications for improving the sale of products and services, as well as ensuring specific audiences receive pointed information. There are two primary goals of SEO: to reach out to new website visitors so they may consider buying a product or providing information to the visitor about a specific topic so they will be more likely to come back to the site sometime in the future. To improve SEO, professionals like Content Writers, Web Developers, and Web Designers write content that can be searched on Google. This involves carefully constructing prose so that important words and phrases are woven in and that these words seamlessly flow as part of the text. Any SEO content that’s forced may be off-putting to a reader or take them out of the experience of reading the content.

Motion Graphics Design

If you are a creative individual who loves to design webpages, you may wish to explore ways to make them more elaborate. However, doing so may require skills beyond Figma training. This is where learning motion graphics can come in handy. The field of motion graphics combines textual elements with animation. It is a skill set that helps Designers create digitally animated designs with applications for all types of digital media. Some computer-generated animations are quite basic, such as 2D animated title sequences that show up as digital art is loaded. Other animations are very complex and contain intricate 3D designs. Working with motion graphics design is a great way to take your web design skills to the next level and wow audiences with stunning webpages.

Advanced Programming

It’s common for Web Designers to have a background working with HTML/CSS to create webpages. However, learning additional coding languages can be extremely useful for those interested in expanding their skill set beyond web design into other related fields. Python, for example, is an in-demand language with a range of applications in data science and machine learning. Additionally, exploring structured query language (SQL) can train you to communicate directly with databases, which has applications for search engine efficiency and internet data storage. Because of how popular languages like SQL and Python are, the more knowledge you have of them, the more competitive you may be as a job applicant.

What You’ll Learn in Figma classes

A Figma course takes students through the ins and outs of this popular interface design tool, known for its collaborative and user-friendly nature. The program typically begins with a tour of the Figma interface, teaching students how to navigate and use the tool's vector-based features for creating designs. As the course progresses, students will learn about the nuances of layout, typography, and color theory as they apply to digital design. Practical sessions on creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity user interfaces are integral to the course, as are techniques for real-time collaboration with team members. By exploring Figma’s comprehensive toolkit, students will gain the proficiency needed to craft intuitive and visually compelling designs for websites and mobile apps.

Build interactive prototypes in Figma

prototyping.jpg" alt="Prototyping" class="bordered" style="width: 500px">

Building interactive prototypes in Figma is the process of creating a realistic representation of a digital product or interface, complete with interactive elements and functionality. It allows designers to simulate user interactions and test the usability of their designs before development. Interactive prototypes can be used to present and communicate design ideas effectively, gather feedback from stakeholders and users, and validate design decisions. It is an important step in the design process that helps to improve the overall user experience and minimize the risk of costly mistakes during development.

Design on Grids

Design on grid

Design on Grids is a method of organizing and aligning elements within a design using a grid system. It is commonly used in graphic design, web design, and app design to create a consistent and visually pleasing composition. Grids help designers maintain balance and structure in their designs, ensuring that elements are aligned properly and that there is a sense of order. They also help with responsive design, as grids can be easily adapted to different screen sizes and layouts. Designing on grids is important for creating cohesive and professional-looking designs.

Color Styles in Figma

Color styles

Color Styles in Figma are a feature that allows designers to create and manage a consistent color palette throughout their design projects. They allow users to define and store specific colors, making it easy to apply them to various elements in the design. This ensures a cohesive and harmonious visual experience for the user. Color Styles are important because they save time and effort by providing a centralized way to update and maintain colors, making it easier to iterate and make changes to the design.

Text Styles in Figma

Text styles

Text Styles in Figma are a way to define and apply consistent typography across a design. They allow you to create reusable styles for text elements such as headings, paragraphs, or buttons. By using text styles, you can easily make global changes to the typography throughout your design, saving time and maintaining consistency. It is important because it helps designers create a cohesive and professional look and feel for their designs, while also making it easy to update and make changes to the typography in a design.

Create Reusable Design Components

Component Variants

Creating reusable design components in Figma allows designers to create consistent and modular design elements that can be easily reused across different screens and projects. These components can be anything from buttons and icons to entire sections or layouts. By creating and using reusable components, designers can save the time and effort of having to recreate the same design elements over and over again. It also helps maintain design consistency and makes it easier to make updates or changes to those components in one place, which will automatically update them throughout the design.

Create Hover States in Figma

Hover Overlay

Creating hover states in Figma allows designers to showcase interactive elements in their designs. When a user hovers their cursor over an element, such as a button or link, it triggers a hover state that visually indicates interactivity. This can be done by changing the appearance of the element. Hover states are important because they provide feedback to users and enhance the overall user experience by making the interface more dynamic and engaging.

Creating Parallax Animations in Figma

Parallax

Creating Parallax Animations in Figma involves adding layers of elements that move at different speeds to create a sense of depth and motion. It brings life and interactivity to website designs or app interfaces. Parallax animations can enhance user experience by making the design more engaging and visually appealing. It is important because it adds an extra dimension to static designs, making them more dynamic and visually interesting.

Collaborate with Clients using Comments

Comments

Collaborating with clients using comments is a feature in Figma that allows designers and clients to communicate and provide feedback on designs. They can leave comments directly on specific design elements, making it easy for everyone involved to understand and address feedback. This feature is important because it streamlines the design feedback process, eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails or meetings, and ensures that all feedback is centralized and easily accessible. It also promotes efficient communication and collaboration between designers and clients, leading to better design outcomes.

Handoff designs to developers with Dev Mode

Dev mode

Dev Mode in Figma is a feature that allows designers to handoff their designs to developers more effectively. It provides an interactive code inspector that developers can use to inspect the CSS properties of each element in the design. With Dev Mode, developers can easily access and understand the design specifications, including layout, colors, typography, and dimensions. This feature is crucial in bridging the gap between design and development, ensuring that the final product is built accurately according to the original design intent.

Team Libraries

Team Libraries in Figma are a way to create and manage a set of design components and styles that can be shared and used by multiple team members. It allows designers to maintain consistency and efficiency by providing a centralized location for all design assets. Team Libraries can be accessed and used across different projects, ensuring that the same styles, elements, and components are used consistently throughout the team's work. This helps to streamline the design process, improve collaboration, and maintain a cohesive visual identity for the team’s projects.

Variables (Design Tokens)

Variables

Variables, also known as design tokens, are a way to store and reuse values in Figma. They are used to define and manage consistent styles and properties across a design system. Variables enable you to create advanced prototype functionality. By using variables, designers can easily make global changes without manually updating every instance. This promotes consistency and efficiency in the design process, and allows for quick iteration and updates to the design system. Additionally, variables allow us to create realistic interactions—such as adding product to a cart, showing only the items added, and calculating the cart's total dollar amount—to more accurately demonstrate how a prototype will work to users, stakeholders, and developers.

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Figma Courses

Figma Masterclass Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Key Insights

Top Bootcamp Programs That Include Figma

Figma Courses by School

Noble Desktop’s Top Figma Courses

School of Visual Concepts’s Top Figma Courses

Figma Fundamentals

City Lit’s Top Figma Courses

UI design for websites using Figma

FLAG’s Top Figma Courses

Prototyping with Figma

Figma Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Figma Training Map & Top Locations

5 Courses Available Live Online

3 Courses Available in NYC

1 Course Available in Seattle

Learn More About Figma Courses

Industries That Use Figma

Figma Jobs & Salaries

Are there Prerequisites to Learning Figma?

Is it Difficult to Learn Figma?

What Will You Learn in a Figma Course?

Best Figma Classes & Schools

Corporate and On-site Figma Training

What is Figma?

Why Learn Figma?

Industry-Standard Collaboration Tool

Build More Accessible Webpages

Figma Careers

Learning Figma

In-Person Figma Classes

Live Online Figma Classes

On-Demand Figma Classes

How Hard is it to Learn Figma?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Figma?

What Skills Can You Learn Alongside Figma?

User Experience Design

HTML/CSS and JavaScript

Illustrator & Photoshop

How Does Learning Figma Differ from Comparable Skills?

Figma vs. Adobe XD

What to Study After Learning Figma

Search Engine Optimization

Motion Graphics Design

Advanced Programming

Related Classes

What You’ll Learn in Figma classes

Build interactive prototypes in Figma

Design on Grids

Color Styles in Figma

Text Styles in Figma

Create Reusable Design Components

Create Hover States in Figma

Creating Parallax Animations in Figma

Collaborate with Clients using Comments

Handoff designs to developers with Dev Mode

Team Libraries

Variables (Design Tokens)

Figma
Corporate & Onsite Training