What is Figma? An Introduction to the Ultimate UI/UX Design Tool for Beginners

Quick Summary:

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows not only UI/UX designers but also engineers and product managers to collaborate on design work in real-time. The biggest advantage is that you only need a browser to use it from anywhere, making team collaboration incredibly smooth. In this article, we’ll cover everything from Figma’s basic features to how much you can use for free, and even the future of Figma in the AI era.

In simple terms, Figma is a cloud-based UI/UX design tool. Unlike traditional tools like Sketch or Adobe XD, it doesn’t require installation and works entirely in your browser.

Key highlights include:

• Real-time collaboration (similar to Google Docs)
• Automatic version control
• Integrated design and prototyping
• Rich plugin ecosystem and AI integration

In other words, with Figma, your entire team can work on the same design file simultaneously, even when working remotely.

1. Core Design Capabilities

• Vector editing (path manipulation similar to Illustrator)
• Auto layout (for responsive design)
• Components (reusable UI parts)
• Style settings (centralized management of colors, text, effects)

2. Prototyping

• Page linking
• Screen transition animations
• Full-screen prototype display (perfect for client presentations)

3. Team Collaboration Features

• Comment functionality (add comments directly on the file)
• Permission management (view-only or edit access)
• FigJam integration (whiteboarding tool)

4. Plugins and AI Utilization

• Direct insertion of assets from Unsplash and Iconify
• Figma AI for auto layout assistance, automatic color schemes, and more (enhanced since 2024)

Figma follows a freemium model, offering considerable functionality even in its free tier.

For beginners or learning purposes, the Free plan is quite powerful.

1. Browser-based Means Fast & Accessible Anywhere

Whether you’re on Mac or Windows, as long as you have Chrome, you can start working immediately.

2. Code-conscious Design Is Easier

It’s user-friendly from an engineering perspective, allowing you to create layouts similar to CSS, making UI implementation more straightforward.

3. Perfect for Team Development

Especially in the remote work era, it eliminates confusion about “who’s editing what” and “which is the latest version.” Like Git, it maintains a history, so you can work with peace of mind.

Since 2023, Figma has been increasingly integrating with AI.

For example:

• Automated layout suggestions (layout correction AI)
• Automatic color palette generation
• Voice control and natural language prototyping

In the future, we might see something like “tell Figma your specifications verbally and get a completed UI” become reality.

Figma is recommended for more than just UI/UX designers:

• Engineers: Check how features work before implementation
• Project Managers: Easily grasp the overall project
• Marketers: Create campaign page mockups

Figma’s greatest strength is that you can complete this entire process in a single tool.

Figma is not just a design tool but has become a “common language” connecting development and operation teams.

Even with no design experience, the intuitive UI makes it easy to get started just by “giving it a try,” making it the perfect entry point for those looking to start design.