Figma releases offline-first desktop and performance mode for large files

Tech · 5 min read

The offline-first client caches file deltas and assets locally and implements a conflict-resolution engine that merges changes when connectivity is restored. Designers can continue to edit components, prototype flows, and sync tokens while offline; when they reconnect, Figma uploads compact diffs instead of whole documents.

Performance mode reduces rendering overhead by prioritizing visible content, simplifying vector math for distant artifacts, and offering a low-fidelity canvas for fast pan/zoom. Teams can enable tiered fidelity levels so heavy files remain responsive on older hardware.

Figma also improved memory usage and added a file-splitting assistant that helps teams fragment giant projects into logically linked files with clear dependency maps. The company included migration tooling and an admin console for setting offline caching policies.

While the offline model helps remote and bandwidth-constrained teams, designers should plan for collaboration UX changes—like staged syncs and clearer indicators of offline edits. Figma says the feature will roll out to paid teams over the summer.