How to Download and Install Figma Premium for Free in 2024: UI/UX Design Guide

If you're a designer or aspiring UX/UI specialist, you’ve probably heard of Figma. It’s quickly become the go-to tool for hundreds of thousands of creatives across the globe. But what if I told you that you could get access to its premium features at no cost? Stick around, and I'll walk you through step-by-step, showing you how to download and install Figma’s premium version on your laptop.

What is Figma?

The Future of UX Design Collaboration

Figma is a cloud-based design tool, primarily used to create user interfaces and user experiences. Its revolutionary collaborative nature makes it so much more than a simple design editor. It enables users to collaborate in real-time, opening up immense possibilities whether you’re working across the internet or sitting next to your teammates. Plus, Figma has offline capabilities for desktop applications on Mac OS and Windows, so you're not locked to a browser.

  • Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, and even browser-based
  • Real-time collaboration: Designers and stakeholders can work together simultaneously
  • Offline features: Desktop app allows offline design editing.

Why Designers Love Figma

Figma’s combination of powerful tools and seamless collaboration is a huge draw. From students learning the ropes to professional designers working in agencies, it’s attractive for anyone looking for a flexible and powerful tool. Its UI is intuitive, and you can easily design, prototype, and gather feedback without leaving the platform.

Signing Up for Figma

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Account

Before you can install Figma, you'll need an account. Here's how to get started:

  1. Visit Figma’s website and click on "Sign up."
  2. Enter your email and create a password.
  3. Confirm your email by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox. Make sure to use a valid email, as this will be tied to your Figma account.
  4. Once verified, you can proceed with installing Figma on your device.

Tip: If you are a student, keep reading to find out how to access premium features for free.

Figma for Free vs. Paid Plans

Figma’s core functions are available for free, but higher-tier plans give you access to advanced tools perfect for large teams or professionals needing more storage and version control. Here’s a look at the free plan:

  • Free Plan:
    • Up to 3 projects
    • Unlimited files in drafts
    • Access to Figma’s core design tools

But what if you're eligible for even more benefits, without spending a penny? Let’s dive deeper.

Figma for Students and Educators

How Students Can Use Figma's Premium Features

Students in UX/UI design programs are prime candidates to take advantage of Figma’s educational discounts. As a student, you can unlock the premium features for free, which includes extra storage, more projects, and professional-grade design functions.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. School Email or Institution Proof: You must prove that you’re a student or educator. A scanned copy of your school ID or acceptance letter works.
  2. Join Figma’s Education Plan: Head over to their Education Plan page, and submit your details, including the documentation mentioned above.
  3. Confirmation: Within a few days (sometimes even sooner), you’ll get a confirmation email granting you access to premium features.

Using Figma as a learning tool enhances your UX/UI skills with hands-on experience. With access to all the professional tools, you'll be better prepared for the design challenges ahead.

Figma Classroom Activities

For educators, Figma serves as an excellent platform to assign design projects, review work, and foster student collaboration. Instructors can easily oversee students' progress and provide real-time feedback. The collaboration tools in Figma allow students to work in sync, making it suitable even for group projects and remote classes.

Setting Up Figma: A Smooth Process for Designers

Installing Figma on Windows or macOS

Now that you’ve signed up, here's how to get Figma installed on your laptop:

  1. Download the Figma desktop app from their website. You can choose either macOS or Windows.
  2. Install the desktop version by following the on-screen instructions. Both the Windows and macOS versions provide offline editing capabilities.
  3. Once installed, log in with your newly-created account.

Having the desktop app allows you to work without internet access and provides a smoother user experience compared to using the web version alone.

Customizing Your Figma Workspace

Once logged in, it’s time to set up your profile. After being prompted to answer questions—like what kind of design work you do and where you work—personalize your experience. You can also adjust Figma’s settings to optimize your layout choices and tools displayed based on your preferences.

Creating Projects and Teams

Figma offers the ability to collaborate through shared projects and teams. You can create a team, invite others, and even start a new project from scratch or based on templates:

  1. Create a New Project: Hit “New Project,” name it, and you're ready.
  2. Add Team Members: Assign team members by email to allow collaboration on specific projects.

Key Tools and Features in Figma

Critical Design Tools for Every Designer

Figma equips you with a rich set of tools essential for creating stunning user interfaces:

  • Vector tools: Modify shapes, adjust elements, and create complex UI components.
  • Design and prototyping in the same file: Design interactive mockups, share prototypes with your teams.
  • Version history: Switch back to previous versions of your file or branch out for different explorations.

File Inspection and Feedback

File inspection tools help neatly organize and check your work. You can inspect layers, copy code, and share your files with team members for instant feedback.

Offline Mode

One feature that makes Figma special is its ability to function offline with its desktop app. This is crucial for designers who need to work anywhere, without worrying about their internet connection.

Making the Most of Figma's Features

Collaboration at Its Best

Unlike other tools with limited collaboration features, Figma stands out with its ability to allow real-time edits from multiple users.

You will enjoy a completely seamless experience whether working with freelancers, teammates, or clients. The "live" collaboration ensures no version changes or confusion about which file is the latest.

Managing and Upgrading Your Figma Plan

Even if Figma’s free plan has you covered, it’s worth considering a premium upgrade as you scale. Paid tiers offer more team collaboration tools, better access control, and unlimited design history. If you feel the need, upgrading is simple:

  1. Click the account settings under your profile.
  2. Choose to upgrade to the Professional or Organization plan.
  3. Enter your billing details, and you're all set.

Figma’s Community: Get Help When You Need It

Design is all about learning and improving. This is where Figma's community shines. You can access dozens of tutorials, join community groups, and discover free resources through Figma’s community tabs. Use the resources to sharpen your skills or connect with like-minded professionals.

Conclusion

Figma is a powerhouse for designers—from students to pros. Whether you’re managing projects, collaborating with teams, or creating prototypes, its robust platform has you covered. If you haven't started with Figma yet, sign up today and install the desktop app to unlock all of its full potential, free of charge.

With its efficiency, community support, and ease of use, Figma should be on the radar of any serious UI/UX designer. Get hands-on experience, start your first project, and take your designs to the next level!