how to use figma for collaborative design projects
author: Penny Hunt, 15 August 2025
In the world of modern digital design, collaboration is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s essential. Whether you’re building a website, crafting a mobile app interface, or creating marketing materials, working together seamlessly is what keeps projects moving efficiently. Figma has become the go-to tool for teams who want to design together in real time, no matter where they are in the world.
Why Figma is a Game-Changer for Collaboration
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that works in your browser and offers native apps for desktop and mobile. Its biggest strength?
Real-time collaboration.
Just like Google Docs lets multiple people edit a document at the same time, Figma allows designers, developers, marketers, and stakeholders to view and edit a design simultaneously. This eliminates version control headaches, endless email threads, and “final_v2_finalFINAL.png” file chaos.
Step 1: Set Up Your Figma Workspace
The first step in using Figma for collaboration is creating a workspace for your team.
1. Create a Figma account – Sign up for free or choose a paid plan if you need advanced features.
2. Set up a team – Invite your colleagues so everyone can share files and resources in one place.
3. Organise projects – Keep things tidy by creating separate projects for different clients or initiatives.
Pro Tip: Use Figma’s shared styles and components to ensure everyone works with the same design system.
Step 2: Create and Share Your Design File
Once your workspace is ready, create a new design file. This is where your collaborative magic will happen.
1. Name your file clearly so everyone knows its purpose.
2. Use pages within the file to separate different screens, flows, or concepts.
3. Click the Share button to invite collaborators via email or a shareable link.
Set permissions carefully — you can allow team members to edit, comment, or view only, depending on their role.
Step 3: Work Together in Real Time
Here’s where Figma shines. You can see other team members’ cursors moving across the screen in real time.
1. Co-design sessions: Work on layouts, typography, and components simultaneously.
2. Live brainstorming: Add sticky notes, shapes, and text boxes directly onto the canvas.
3. Quick feedback loops: Stakeholders can comment directly on elements, reducing the need for separate review meetings.
And yes, this works seamlessly whether you’re in the same office or halfway across the globe.
Step 4: Manage Feedback Efficiently
Feedback in Figma is straightforward.
1. Use comment mode to drop notes on specific elements.
2. Tag teammates using @username for direct alerts.
3. Resolve comments when addressed to keep the file clean.
Figma keeps all comments connected to the design, so no feedback gets lost in email threads or chat logs.
Step 5: Integrate with Other Tools
Figma isn’t just a standalone design platform — it plays well with others. You can connect it to Slack for instant notifications, Jira for task tracking, or Notion for project documentation.
This integration ecosystem makes it easy to keep your design process aligned with your team’s workflow. In fact, some creative teams that work in industries as competitive as top casino bonuses in new zealand rely on Figma integrations to streamline communication and speed up approval cycles.
Step 6: Use Version History and Branching
Collaboration doesn’t mean chaos. Figma automatically saves version history, so you can roll back changes at any time. For more complex workflows, use branching to experiment with new ideas without disrupting the main design.
Best Practices for Smooth Figma Collaboration
1. Set design guidelines early so everyone works consistently.
2. Use component librariesto standardise buttons, icons, and other elements.
3. Keep communication open — regular check-ins can prevent misunderstandings.
4. Limit unnecessary edits — too many cooks in the kitchen can slow progress.
Final Thoughts
Figma has redefined what’s possible for collaborative design. By allowing teams to work together in real time, centralising feedback, and integrating with other essential tools, it removes many of the traditional barriers that slow down creative projects.
Whether you’re a small creative team or part of a global brand, mastering Figma’s collaborative features will help you produce better designs faster.