CourseHorse Blog | Tutorials, Resources, Tips & Tricks

How to Learn Figma: 5 Effective Learning Methods You Need to Know

Figma is a web-based design application that helps Designers and Developers create user interfacing web designs, collaborate with colleagues on projects in real-time, and build prototypes that test designs for websites and apps to ensure that everything works as planned.

Figma provides graphic design tools for Designers who includes a substantial library of plug-ins, add-ons, and templates that help in optimizing workflow and improving design layouts. However, methods for learning Figma can be overwhelming. Prospective students can learn how to use the vector graphics tool from training inside classrooms, virtual learning courses, or on-demand classes for learning at their own pace as well as free online and video tutorials. Aspiring Designers may also consider enrolling in certificate programs or gaining certification that verify Figma skills.

Enroll in In-Person Figma Classes

While there are live online courses available for learning Figma, some people simply feel more comfortable learning inside a classroom with a teacher standing right there in front of them. Learning inside a classroom allows students to have physical contact and personal interactions with instructors and classmates. While there can be a certain level of interaction with teachers and other students in a live online setting, there is something invigorating about sharing personal space, picking up on body language, or simply experiencing the nuance of occupying the same space with other people. The biggest difficulty with enrolling in a course that takes place inside a classroom may be getting there. Students can face obstacles that include traffic, weather, and unforeseen events that may make getting to a classroom location difficult.

In-person courses offer arguably the most direct way for learning anything due to lessons taking place within an isolated environment that insulates students from outside distractions along with providing direct contact with the instructor. 

Figma can help people complete projects at work or from home. Figma allows Designers to design web pages, collaborate with other Designers in real-time for working on the same material simultaneously, and prototype designs for making sure that designs operate as intended. Learning how to use Figma can lead to careers in several industries with work related to designing digital content by becoming Web Designers, UX/UI Designers, Graphic Designers, or Front-end Developers. 

Students looking for training in Figma may prefer learning inside a classroom simply due to the experience of occupying an isolated space that shields them from the distractions of the outside world. In-person courses provide direct interaction with instructors and other students. In addition to that, any school providing the training inside a classroom will usually have up-to-date computer equipment as well as the latest version of the software being taught.

People who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut can take advantage of courses with Noble Desktop, located at 185 Madison Avenue, Third Floor, in New York City, to enroll in the Figma Bootcamp for either in-person or live online training. Whether taken inside a classroom or virtually on a computer, students will train with hands-on projects to learn the fundamentals of Figma, which is a web-based vector graphics tool that facilitates a variety of visual design functions. Training focuses on using frames for designing and developing web layouts for building websites and apps for viewing and interfacing on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Students will learn about how to add interactivity that includes animation, hovering, and scrolling. Upon completing this course, students will be able to use Figma for collaborating with other Designers as well as design prototypes for testing design layouts.

While similar to visual editing software like Photoshop, which had been developed for working with print, photo retouching, and altering illustrations, Figma handles visual design involving user interface and user experience. The main appeal of Figma among Designers comes with being able to prototype apps or websites that have been designed using the application as well as testing those designs for making sure that everything works as intended.

Designers living in Atlanta can choose between training inside a classroom or virtually to learn Figma by enrolling in the User Experience Design with Figma course available through NobleProg, located at 1201 Peachtree Street NE. NobleProg provides technical training in cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), computer programming, and data management. This particular course provides training through interactive hands-on projects for using Figma in designing user interfaces for new or existing apps and websites. Figma is a web-based vector graphics application used by Designers for designing, collaborating, and prototyping design layouts. Training emphasizes using Figma as a collaborative tool that allows Designers to work with colleagues on the same projects in real-time. Students will also learn about prototyping for testing interaction with their web designs. 

Upon completing this course, students will be able to develop UI designs using Figma for collaborating with other Designers along with prototyping.

Attend Live Online Figma Classes

Students can choose between live online training courses or in-person classes for learning Figma. Taking a virtual learning course instead of training inside a classroom can provide individuals with scheduling flexibility for being able to take a class while staying at home.

While learning inside a classroom arguably provides the most direct way to learn anything due to lessons taking place inside an isolated environment that shields students from outside distractions, live online training offers students scheduling flexibility as well as being able to participate in training from anywhere, including the same city or a country on the other side of the world. As with classroom teachers, live online instructors can provide students with instant feedback or follow ups on difficult areas of a lecture. A difficulty with a live online course is that students must avoid nearby distractions as they sit alone in front of their computer during the live streaming lecture.

Students who don’t live anywhere near a school for enrolling to take a Figma course inside a classroom can choose a live online option for receiving their desired training. Virtual learning courses offer the same level of instruction that a student would get from sitting inside a classroom with expert instructors giving students feedback in real-time. As stated, another advantage with enrolling in a live online course is that prospective students have the opportunity to choose courses from anywhere in the country or around the world instead of being restricted to whatever course is available near where they live. However, with the opportunity of a wider range of choices for training, students must be willing to take on the added responsibility of the self-discipline required with learning in isolation as well as making sure that their computer is fairly up-to-date along with the appropriate software for training.

Designers living anywhere in the world can take advantage of learning Figma at Noble Desktop by enrolling in the Figma Bootcamp. This course offers training through hands-on instructions for learning the fundamentals of Figma. Training for Figma will focus on using frames for efficiently designing and developing layouts for websites and apps for users to view and interface on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Students will learn how to add interactivity, including animation, hovering, and scrolling. Upon completing this course, students will be able to design prototypes for testing advanced functions on a variety of devices.

As stated, Figma has been designed to help with prototyping websites and apps for optimizing viewing and interaction on various screen sizes. One of the main functions of Figma is for prototyping design layouts to make sure that everything works as intended.

Another option for anyone interested in becoming a Web Designer would be enrolling in live online training with the Figma Training: Essential Skills 1 course, which is available from Lumenbrite Training. This course trains participants in fundamental and advanced usage of Figma, which is a web-based vector graphics app used in website design. Students will learn about how to design and develop applications and web pages with an emphasis on prototyping, which includes lessons on wireframing, design, and interaction creation. Lessons cover colors, typography, and reusable components. Students will gain an understanding for utilizing dynamic elements with Figma that allow them to switch between variations in layout design. Upon completing this course, students will understand how to create responsive designs using Figma as well as setting up web design projects.

Sign up for On-Demand Online Figma Classes

On-demand online training provides a convenient alternative to both courses inside a classroom or live virtual learning. Like in-person courses, live online classes require students to participate during a designated time period. By contrast, some students may prefer on-demand training for learning Figma for the freedom of being able to train whenever they choose. Unlike live online courses–which despite offering the convenience of being able to learn from home, still require participating at a specific time–on-demand training offers almost complete scheduling flexibility that allows students to train at their own pace and on their own time for avoiding the stress of conflicts with work schedules or other commitments.

Generally, anyone enrolled in an on-demand course for learning Figma will need to have access to the web-based vector graphics application along with a computer that has a high-speed internet connection. Additionally, students will need to possess some familiarity with basic computer skills that include being able to boot up, log in, and navigate an online browser. In order to participate in on-demand courses, many online education providers require students to have licensed access to Figma, which is available for free in a basic version as well as a professional version that requires a paid subscription that is also free for students and educators.

Anyone interested in learning Figma has the option of on-demand training that can fit any schedule. Unlike live online courses, on-demand courses provide nearly complete scheduling freedom by not tying students down to a designated time for participation. Noble Desktop offers free on-demand tutorials such as the Intro to Figma seminar available on its Free Seminars page. Students may also be interested in Udemy’s on-demand Learn Figma—UI/UX Design Essentials Training course that provides students with a basic understanding of Figma through videos on working with user interface and user experience. Skillshare offers the Figma UI UX Design Essential on-demand course that helps students quickly pick up the basics for using Figma.

Hopeful Designers can find on-demand training that includes learning Figma through enrolling in courses like the Google UX Design Certificate available at The Academy. This course provides entry-level training for designing websites and apps emphasizing the user experience through learning design tools such as the web-based Figma. Figma is a vector graphics app that facilitates designing high-fidelity digital content, collaborating with other Designers, and prototyping designs. Training emphasizes the foundations of UX design, including empathizing with users, building wireframes and prototypes, and conducting research to test their designs. Students will learn about developing personals, user stories, and user journey maps. Lessons will focus on conducting usability studies, creating wireframes, and testing designs. Upon completing this course, students will possess the skills needed to qualify for entry-level work in UX design as well as having built a professional portfolio.

Watch Free Figma Tutorials

While many people would love the opportunity to enroll in a class for learning a design tool like Figma, a busy work schedule or other obligations might not allow them the privilege of being able to participate in a traditional in-person or live online course. However, there are free learning options available for anyone interested in learning the basics of Figma.

Several online education providers offer free tutorials that might be a good starting point with the basics for learning Figma for people who are uncertain about jumping into a traditional class. Free online tutorials are good for getting initial knowledge for the web-based vector graphics application. Anyone with serious ambitions for working in web design will need to follow up their introductory studies with more detailed expert training in a classroom or live online course. 

Prospective Figma users can find free YouTube videos, online seminars, or blogs available for exploratory learning on the basics. For example, Noble Desktop offers an Intro to Figma recorded lecture available on its Free Seminars page. The YouTube channel Bring Your Own Laptop has the Free UX Design UI Essentials Figma Course available for introducing those interested in learning how to use Figma in user interface and user experience for web designs.

Free online tutorials and videos allow new students to initiate training with Figma for familiarizing themselves with the vector graphics tool used in web design and interfacing.

Explore Figma Certificates & Certification

Ambitious Designers who want to demonstrate their skills with Figma may choose to enroll in certificate programs or gain certification that verifies their qualifications with the vector graphics editor. Certificate programs can provide detailed training in several areas that typically takes weeks or months to complete. Certificate programs usually prepare individuals with training that allows them to move immediately into a new career by supplementing skills for working in a specific area. Several online education providers have certificate programs that cover a variety of disciplines. However, it should be noted that certificate programs are not the same as a certification, which verifies competency in a specific skill within a specific discipline that an individual usually achieves by passing an exam. While certificate programs are not the same as getting certification, enrolling in a certificate program may help in eventually passing a certification exam.

Certification verifies that an individual has completed an industry-recognized training program that confirms to potential employers that a candidate qualifies on some level for the position in question. A certification requires a candidate to pass a skills exam that demonstrates proficiency with an application like Figma.

Noble Desktop offers a variety of certificate programs for training related to Figma for working in web design, visual design, and graphic design using a virtual curriculum. Training options include acquiring the UX & UI Design Certificate, which focus on user interface and user design through learning the visual design tools required in the profession, including Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. Lessons include learning methodologies and practices for UX design such as constructing websites and applications from the ground up through user engagement, prototyping, and real-world analysis. This course helps students acquire UX design skills for producing finished projects that can be included in their portfolio for impressing potential employers.

Designers working in user interface (UI) design can enroll in the live online UI Design Certificate program offered through Noble Desktop. This course focuses on training students in graphics and interfacing for designing, developing, and prototyping websites and smartphone apps. Students will learn about essential professional design concepts for creating apps using tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Lessons include learning about composition, typography, color, interactivity, user interface elements, and best practices for designing and testing apps and web pages. Upon completing this program, participants will have compiled a portfolio that displays their projects to showcase skills to potential employers.

Anyone considering becoming a Web Designer can get the Web Design Certificate through in-person or virtual training at Noble Desktop. This certificate program provides training for designing web pages and apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as working with WordPress. Training focuses on learning coding for marking up content, controlling style along, and adding interactivity. Lessons include learning how to design websites using Figma for creating designs and prototypes. Upon completing this program, students will know how to create responsive websites for viewing and interacting on devices in a variety of screen sizes for smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Students looking for Figma training for working in web and graphic design may want to acquire the Digital Design Certificate from Noble Desktop for learning design concepts for web, print, and digital graphics through comprehensive training on processes, workflows, and creating bprofessional-looking modern designs to enhance their portfolio. This certificate program can benefit Graphic Designers through training in how to build web interfaces using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign by importing those designs into Figma to serve as templates or plug-ins for later use.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

Figma is a beginner-friendly app that offers a free version and paid subscription versions. Because many find the application accessible and straightforward, people with some experience in web design and graphic design tend to pick up the software with relative ease. Anyone new to Figma can take advantage of the free Starter version of the software that provides three free Figma files with unlimited personal files, which is perfect for learning how to use the vector graphics tool. However, an individual with professional aspirations would need to use the more robust paid Figma Professional version, which currently costs $12 a month with an annual subscription or $15-month-to-month; however, Figma Professional is free for students and educators. The advantage of the Figma Professional would be having unlimited access to Figma files, libraries, and prototyping.

While there are no formal prerequisites for learning Figma, experience with graphic design software like Photoshop and Illustrator can benefit new learners. 

Before learning Figma, prospective students should reacquaint themselves with the fundamentals of user interface design and user experience design. Anyone new to Figma should compare the difference among user interface and user experience design software for help with learning the vector graphics tool.

Several online education providers offer free tutorials that might be a good place for getting started on the basics for learning Figma for people who are unsure about jumping into more traditional training. Free online tutorials are good for getting initial knowledge with the web-based design tool. Anyone who has serious ambitions for working in web design would need to follow up initial learning with more detailed expert training from a live online or in-person course. Noble Desktop, for example, offers the Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD seminar on its Free Seminars page that compares differences among UX/UI design applications, which could be a good initiation with Figma for deciding whether to go further with training.

Figma serves as an online prototyping tool for ensuring that design layouts work as the Designers had intended. Prototyping involves testing and interaction focused on interactivity and user experience for observing a design in action to get a sense of what works and what needs working on. Prototyping encompasses a variety of interactions that include hovering, scrolling, and other functions related to the user experience. Prototyping switches between options with interactive components for creating animations in a few simple steps.

Figma can also help with moving design work forward by facilitating collaboration that can connect everybody involved on a project by literally getting them on the same page. Figma contributes to the design process for getting everyone aligned by allowing individual Designers to edit the same document simultaneously, which enables colleagues to add, copy, grab specs, and provide feedback in real-time for getting work done quickly and efficiently.

Back to Blog
Yelp Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Instagram