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Figma Not Auto Saving? This is the Reason..
Figma

Figma Not Auto Saving? This is the Reason..

In this guide we'll explain what to do when Figma fails to auto-save a design file.

Pierluigi Giglio
September 21, 2023

If you're on this page you're likely experiencing some problems with the Autosave feature in Figma.

The reasons could be multiple, but most of the time you can easily fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

So, without further ado, let's get started.

Why the Auto Save in Figma isn't working?

Let's start by exploring one of the most common scenarios that prevents Figma from autosaving your work: you are working offline.

This means that your computer doesn't have an internet connection at that very moment, so you will see the dreaded dot next to the name of the Figma file name, indicating that the file hasn't been saved.

example of figma not auto saving

Sometimes this can happen without you noticing - the Wi-Fi might simply be slow or down, and it simply won't allow Figma to do it's job.

As a cloud-based design tool, Figma automatically saves your design projects, so this might be the reason why it wasn't working at that very moment.

Troubleshooting Issue with Figma's Auto-Save

Another reason why Figma is not saving your work might be related to the size of the project or your hardware.

For example, you might be working on a large design project that exceeds the maximum file size (or that's simply near the size limit) and that might result in a buggy experience, with crashing of the design file and, consequently, issues with the autosaving feature.

Alternatively, if you're using the desktop app and you're experiencing Figma not auto-saving, it might be the case that you're running several heavy applications that are slowing down your Mac (or PC) and that are interfering with the autosave feature.

figma unsaved changes

For example, maybe you've opened too many design files on Figma and you're experiencing the software moving slowly (or the computer crashes), since there's simply too much going on at that moment for your system to handle.

If that is the case, there's no need to worry, simply close a few windows or apps, or restart your Mac or Windows PC and restart with fewer apps running in the background.

Figma is a real-time collaboration tool that usually isn't very dependent on the hardware, but in some rare instances this is part of the considerations to take.

How do I clear my Figma cache?

Resetting Figma's cache might be helpful to optimize it and make sure that it automatically saves your work and prevents data loss.

To reset Figma's cache on a Mac simply follow these steps:


  1. Quit the Figma desktop app.
  2. Open the Terminal app and enter the following command:
  3. rm -rf "$HOME/Library/Application Support/Figma/"{Desktop,DesktopProfile} to clear the cache.
  4. Open the Figma desktop app again.

How often does Figma Autosaves?

Figma automatically saves your work manually every couple of minutes.

The specific frequency varies based on the number of edits you're working on and the frequency of saving. If you're concerned about it, it's advisable to periodically save your work manually every few minutes to ensure data security.

The Role of Cloud Storage in Figma's Saving Process

Figma is cloud-based project management software, making it easy to auto-save your files on the cloud.

This way of storing design files has countless advantages for users.

Figma's cloud storage system is the most efficient way to store your files, and the software automatically saves them in real-time.

This means that it will save your work even when you might have forgotten to save it yourself.

Aside from that, Figma can work completely online, so overall it's a smooth experience.

This works also for users that work in a browser, and it's perfect for keeping sync of progress within the design and development workflow.

We hope that this article helped you save your work automatically and make the most of this powerful design tool.

If you want to have more answers to your questions or simply want to learn more Figma features from fellow designers, feel free to check out our other articles on Figma.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pierluigi Giglio

Sr. UI/UX Designer and Consultant with over 10+ years of experience working with Fortune 500, large enterprises and funded startups. Having worked on hundreds upon hundreds of design projects, collaborated with 40+ clients from all around the world and taught design to thousands of students I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to give back to the design community and help other become better designers.

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