Open links in the desktop app
Written by Figma Man
Updated at June 19th, 2025
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Table of Contents
Who can use this feature
Supported on any plan
Mac: Must be running macOS 11 or later
Windows: Must be running Windows 10 or later in a 64-bit environment
Every Figma Design and FigJam file has a unique URL. When you click a file link, Figma opens the file in the browser by default. Once a file is open in the browser, you can choose to open it in the desktop app instead. You can also update your preferences to always open links in the desktop app by default.
Note: Prototyping links, project and team pages, and the Figma Community can only be opened in a supported browser.
Open the current file in the desktop app
If you have a file open in the browser, you can choose to open it in the desktop app. You must have the desktop app installed and be logged in using the same account you’re using in the browser.
- Click Main menu.
- Select Open in desktop app from the dropdown.
Important: If you see the Get desktop app setting instead of Open in desktop app, make sure the desktop app is installed and that you’re logged in to the same account you’re using in the browser. If you're logged in to different accounts, the Open in desktop app setting will not display.
Open links in the desktop app by default
You can update your preferences to open file links in the desktop app by default.
Important: This setting can only be enabled in the browser. It does not appear in the desktop app. You must have the desktop app installed for this setting to display.
- Using Figma in the browser, navigate to Main menu > Preferences.
- Select Open links in desktop app. If you don't see this option, check out tips on troubleshooting Figma links →
A checkmark appears to show the setting is enabled.
Tip: You can also enable this setting using the Quick actions bar.
- Use the keyboard shortcut to access the quick action bar:
- Mac: ⌘ Command / or ⌘ Command P
- Windows: Control + / or Control + P
- Type Open links in desktop app.
- Check the box to toggle the setting on.
Disable opening links in the Figma desktop app by default
To turn this setting off:
- Visit figma.com in a browser.
- Open a Figma Design or FigJam file.
- Select Preferences > Open links in desktop app to uncheck and disable the setting.
You can also do this using the quick actions bar.