How to Install Figma on Mac (Desktop App & Browser) 2026

On a Mac you can use Figma either as the desktop app (recommended for daily work) or in a supported browser with no install. Both give you the same core editor; the desktop app usually wins on performance and local fonts without extra helpers. Below: download and install steps, a quick desktop-vs-browser comparison, Mac-only permission issues, and what to do next once you are in.

If you are on Windows, use the parallel guide: how to install Figma on Windows.

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Option 1: Install the Figma desktop app on Mac

Step 1: Download Figma for macOS

1. Open figma.com/downloads in your browser.
2. Under Desktop apps, choose Download for macOS (or the macOS option shown on the page).
3. Wait for the download to finish (size varies with updates; expect on the order of tens to low hundreds of MB).

Step 2: Install into Applications

1. Open the downloaded file from Downloads (often a disk image or archive that contains Figma.app).
2. Drag Figma into your Applications folder. Some teams install only for the current user under ~/Applications; either works if your org allows it.
3. Eject the disk image if one was mounted.

Step 3: First launch and Gatekeeper

The first time you open Figma, macOS may block it with “Figma can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software” or similar.

Fix (safe, normal for many dev tools):

1. Go to Applications, Control-click (or right-click) Figma → Open.
2. In the dialog, click Open again to confirm.

Alternatively: System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to the message about Figma, and choose Open Anyway (wording varies by macOS version).

Step 4: Sign in and verify

1. Sign in with your Figma account (email/password, Google SSO, etc.).
2. On the home screen, open New design file.
3. Press T for text and confirm you see system fonts (desktop app reads installed macOS fonts directly).
4. Draw a quick frame (F) or shapes (R / O) to confirm the canvas responds normally.

The desktop app can install supporting components (for example background helpers used for fonts and opening figma.com links in the app). If macOS prompts for permission, read the dialog and approve if it matches Figma’s own installer or app.

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Option 2: Use Figma in the browser (no app install)

Use the browser when you cannot install apps, you are on a borrowed Mac, or you want zero local footprint.

Supported browsers on Mac

• Google Chrome — strong default for performance and compatibility.
• Safari — supported; keep Safari updated with macOS.
• Firefox and Microsoft Edge — generally usable; if something breaks, try Chrome first.

How to start

1. Go to figma.com and sign in.
2. Create a New design file from the home screen.

Fonts in the browser: the web app does not see all macOS fonts the same way the desktop app does. For custom or local fonts in the browser, use Figma’s font workflow described in how to install Figma fonts in your Figma file.

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Figma desktop vs browser on Mac

Topic	Desktop app	Browser
Local fonts	Uses installed macOS fonts	Often needs font helper / upload workflow for non-Figma fonts
Performance	Usually best on large files	Good for many files; very heavy files may feel heavier
Updates	In-app restart prompts	Always latest on load
Offline	Limited / sync-dependent	Needs network
Best for	Daily design work	Quick access, locked-down machines

Practical verdict: install the desktop app if Figma is your main tool. Use the browser for light edits or when installation is not allowed.

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Apple Silicon and Intel Macs

Current Figma desktop builds target modern macOS on Apple Silicon (M-series) and Intel Macs. You do not need Rosetta for typical current installs; if your organization ships an older build, follow IT’s instructions. If performance feels wrong on a dual-GPU MacBook, ensure you are on the latest macOS and Figma versions and not running critically low on RAM.

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macOS version and hardware (quick reference)

Area	Guidance
macOS	Use a supported recent macOS (Figma’s requirements change over time; if the installer refuses to run, upgrade macOS from System Settings → General → Software Update).
RAM	8 GB is a comfortable minimum for multitasking; 16 GB helps large design systems and many tabs.
Disk	Keep 1 GB+ free for the app, cache, and updates.
Network	Required for account sync and multiplayer features.

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Update Figma on Mac

The desktop app notifies you when an update is ready. Use Restart to update when offered, or quit and reopen later to pick up the update.

To see the version: from the file or home UI, open the main menu (Figma menu) → Help → About Figma (labels can shift slightly between versions).

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Troubleshooting on Mac

“Damaged” or “incomplete” app message after copy

Usually a download or copy issue, not a broken Figma build.

1. Delete Figma from Applications (and empty Trash).
2. Download again from figma.com/downloads.
3. Re-drag Figma.app into Applications and open with Control-click → Open if Gatekeeper appears.

Figma launches to a blank window or hangs

1. Force Quit (Option + Command + Esc), select Figma, Force Quit, then reopen.
2. Reboot the Mac once (clears stuck GPU/driver states).
3. Update macOS and Figma to current versions.

Login loops or SSO failures

1. Sign in once in Safari or Chrome at figma.com, then retry the app.
2. On corporate networks, ask IT whether firewall or SSL inspection blocks Figma auth endpoints.
3. Clear local app data only if IT approves: quit Figma, then remove app support folders under ~/Library that belong to Figma (names vary by version); reinstall if unsure.

Fonts missing in browser but fine in desktop

Expected difference. Either switch to the desktop app for full system font access or follow install Figma fonts.

Managed / MDM Macs

If Self Service or MDM pushes Figma, use your org’s package. Admins can follow Figma’s own deployment documentation for macOS (standard paths, updates, and permissions).

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Uninstall Figma from Mac

1. Quit Figma completely.
2. Open Applications, drag Figma to Trash, then Empty Trash.

Optional cleanup (advanced): after backup, remove leftover preferences or caches under ~/Library only if you know what you are removing—wrong deletes can break other apps.

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What to do after installing

• Browse structured lessons from the tutorial index and the broader Figma guides hub.
• Extend the editor with community tools: start at the Figma plugins pillar, then how to install a Figma plugin.
• If you also design on PC, keep install Figma on Windows bookmarked for teammates on Windows.

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Summary

Download Figma for macOS from figma.com/downloads, put Figma in Applications, open it once with Control-click → Open if Gatekeeper complains, sign in, and confirm fonts and the canvas in a new file. Prefer the desktop app for fonts and performance; use the browser when you cannot install software, and pair the browser with the font guide when you need local typefaces.