Acquiring a new skill can be a daunting task, but luckily there are many resources available online to assist with learning Figma, a browser-based user experience design tool. Ideal for aspiring web designers and other creatives, Figma offers plenty of options including free tutorials and live classes.
Key Insights
- Figma, a browser-based user interface design tool, provides a collaborative platform for users to build unique and accessible website designs with resizable and replicable vector graphics.
- Live online Figma training is available through Noble Desktop, providing real-time feedback and responses from expert teachers, accessible from anywhere in the country.
- On-demand Figma classes are an alternative for those who want to learn at their own pace, offering flexibility and control over the learning speed.
- Free intro courses and tutorials are available for beginners who want to get a basic understanding of Figma before jumping into professional training.
- Online learning requires students to maintain their learning environment and troubleshoot technical issues, adding an extra element of responsibility in comparison to in-person learning.
- Salaries for various positions in web design and other fields that utilize Figma can be enhanced through professional training such as the courses offered by Noble Desktop.
If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning Figma is no different. Figma is a browser-based user experience design tool that lets teams of designers collaborate to build prototypes of websites and user interfaces. It is an ideal skill to learn for both aspiring Web Designers and other creatives looking to build their portfolios. If you’ve always wanted to learn Figma, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you.
What is Figma?
Figma is a browser-based user interface design tool that allows users to collaborate with other editors to build unique and accessible website designs. Users work on collaborative shared documents to build interactive prototypes of webpages, making Figma an ideal skill to learn for aspiring Web Designers who want to build complex, multi-feature webpages. Since Figma allows users to update their designs in real-time without downloading an application, teams can collaborate anytime and anywhere.
Figma is also a vector graphics design tool, meaning that all the designs produced are resizable and replicable. This is important for user experience (UX) design because it assures designers can optimize their layouts for several screens, ranging from mobile phones to desktop PCs. Regardless of the project, Figma will give teams the tools they need to construct complex prototypes of their web layouts. Then, users can test these prototypes and ensure that their designs meet all their requirements.
Since Figma prides itself on its collaborative community of designers, there are many readily available plug-ins, templates, and widgets that make designing interfaces much easier. If a Figma user runs into a problem, there is a good chance that another user has already encountered that problem, solved it, and made their solution readily available as a plug-in or template.
Read more about what Figma is and why you should learn it.
What Can You Do with Figma?
Figma lets users collaborate in real-time to build and prototype user interfaces and web applications. Using vector graphics design tools, teams of designers can build complicated wireframe layouts for websites that can be resized to be optimized for screens of any given size. In addition, users can add interactive elements such as scrolling and hovering functionalities to their designs, letting them make sure that their webpages look and feel like modern designs. This lets users produce working prototypes of their webpages that can be easily tested, allowing designers to receive feedback quickly. Figma even allows users to export some amount of code from the prototype designs to hand off to developers once the prototype has been perfected.
In addition, because Figma is such a powerful collaboration tool, there is a massive community of designers and developers constantly creating new plug-ins, templates, and widgets for public consumption. Through Figma’s website and other forums, users can share new designs, provide feedback on templates, and improve the functionality of interactive interface elements. Every day, more and more new Figma resources are being developed. These resources can help users modify and repurpose existing materials to better fit their needs. Thanks to the Figma community, users aren’t just able to collaborate with their team on a web design; they can collaborate with the entire community of Figma designers and developers on their web designs.
Live Online Figma Training
Students who don’t live near an in-person training center or want to explore other live instruction alternatives may want to consider live online training. These training courses mirror the instruction provided by in-person instructors, with expert teachers who can give students feedback and respond to concerns in real-time. They also have the advantage of being accessible to students across the country rather than restricted to local options. These courses do place more responsibility on the students, who will need to provide their technology and maintain their workstations.
Noble Desktop offers many live online Figma course options for students hoping to learn web design. Noble offers focused courses on Figma's functionalities and more career-focused training seminars on subjects such as graphic design or web development. These training courses offer students the opportunity to gain career-oriented training in a wide range of fields to build a new career and improve their long-term career prospects.
On-Demand Figma Classes
For some students, the strict time commitment associated with a live Figma training course may restrict their options. These students may be interested in enrolling in an asynchronous on-demand Figma class. These courses let students control the pace of their instruction, either speeding up or slowing down as the need arises. They also benefit students who need to take breaks from their training as other life events arise. The drawback is that these courses require students to self-motivate and troubleshoot independently when problems arise.
There are various options available for students to explore, and these courses can be found and compared through Noble’s On-Demand Figma search tool. Some on-demand courses are available through platform subscriptions, while others are self-contained and can be purchased individually. Some are pre-recorded lectures, while others take the form of individual modules and exercises. Regardless of the format, these classes are well-suited for students whose learning needs make live instruction options less viable.
Free Intro Courses & Tutorials
Free tutorials may be a good place to start for students who want to learn Figma but are unsure if they want to jump right into a professional training course. These free tutorials are an ideal place to start learning the basics of the application. Still, they can’t replace professional training for users aspiring to work as Web Designers.
Noble offers a few free seminars that can be useful for Figma students. Noble provides an Intro to Figma recording and an Intro to UI Design course on their seminars page. Noble also provides students with a course that offers an overview seminar detailing the differences between Figma and the other major web design platforms, Sketch and Adobe XD. These tutorials may benefit students who want to learn more about web design but are unfamiliar with these programs. Figma also provides users with many free resources to explore and experiment with on their website. Some of these may seem initially overwhelming, but they are good tools for exploring the platform's capabilities.
Read about more free Figma videos and online tutorials.
Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning
Since there are so many different training options available for Figma learners, students may be interested in understanding how they differ to find the option that is right for them. In-person, live online, and on-demand courses each have unique strengths and weaknesses, and the right course for any student will depend on several factors.
Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning
Since there are so many different training options available for Figma learners, students may be interested in understanding how they differ to find the option that is right for them. In-person, live online, and on-demand courses each have unique strengths and weaknesses, and the right course for any student will depend on several factors.
In-person training is the most direct form of learning, and students often find it to be the most effective. Classrooms are built to minimize outside distractions, and live instructors can answer questions immediately and efficiently. These courses also often provide students with the necessary hardware and software. Plus, they are excellent networking opportunities. The major drawback is that they are the most limited training option—locked into certain times and locations that only nearby students can attend.
Live online training addresses some of these limitations by allowing students to learn from anywhere, even across the country (though time zone differences may pose challenges). These classes still offer real-time interaction with instructors who can provide guidance and feedback. However, students must manage their own learning environment, including access to necessary hardware and avoiding distractions. With Figma being browser-based and offering a robust free version, these issues are less pronounced than with other software-based training.
On-demand courses carry the advantage of not being restricted to specific schedules. These self-paced classes are ideal for students with demanding jobs or family obligations, as they can pause or resume learning as needed—whether for a short video break or a week-long pause. However, this flexibility can also become a drawback. Without the structure of a live course, students may fall behind or lose momentum. Furthermore, without real-time instructor support, students must be proactive in finding solutions to challenges that arise.
Tips to Succeed When Learning Figma Online
For users unaccustomed to online learning, transitioning from a classroom setting can be a challenge. In-person classes often offer distraction-free environments and immediate instructor support—benefits that must be recreated or compensated for in an online setup. Students learning Figma remotely should be mindful of this and take active steps to create a productive environment.
One major advantage of in-person learning is the physical space, which is optimized for focus. Home learning spaces may not offer the same benefit, so online learners should consider how to reduce noise, interruptions, and digital distractions. Those who know they are susceptible to external disruptions should plan in advance to create a quiet, designated workspace for lessons.
Students must also take responsibility for maintaining their own technology. That means understanding how their devices work, keeping software up-to-date, and having basic troubleshooting skills. This responsibility is manageable for most learners, especially because Figma’s browser-based system is easy to access and doesn’t require installation, making tech setup more straightforward.
For students enrolled in on-demand courses, the need for self-direction is even more pronounced. Without a live instructor, learners will need to identify and solve problems independently. While high-quality on-demand courses offer guidance and support documents, no single course can anticipate every challenge. Successful on-demand learners should be prepared to search for answers, ask questions in online communities, and remain motivated through each module.
Key Insights
- Figma is a collaborative, browser-based vector graphics user experience design tool that enables users to build resizable, replicable user interface designs for a wide range of devices and platforms.
- A strong user community contributes to Figma’s robust ecosystem of plug-ins, templates, and tutorials, helping users design more effectively and collaboratively.
- Aspiring Web Designers can choose from multiple online learning formats, including live instruction and on-demand courses, depending on their schedule and learning style.
- Live online courses simulate in-person experiences, offering real-time feedback from expert instructors, while on-demand classes offer greater flexibility at the cost of instructor interaction.
- Online learning introduces additional responsibilities such as managing your own tech setup and staying disciplined without the structure of a physical classroom.
- Noble Desktop offers a variety of online training options for students looking to gain practical experience with Figma or start a new career in web design.
Learn Figma with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers students a wide range of options for learning how to master web design using Figma. Figma courses are available both in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus and online from the comfort of your home. Experienced instructors teach these courses, and even the online classes have small group sizes that allow for personalized attention. Nearly all courses come with technical support: in-person learners use on-site computers, while remote students receive setup assistance to ensure a smooth learning experience. Additionally, students have the option to retake any course once within a year at no extra cost, making it easier to refresh skills or review content.
Students looking to dive deeper into Figma may consider enrolling in Noble’s Figma Bootcamp. This course teaches students how to build web designs using Figma both individually and as part of a team. Learners cover the essentials—such as creating and resizing vector graphics, optimizing layouts for different screen sizes, and exporting prototypes. The course also delves into advanced features like scrollable elements, hover states, and collaboration tools. By the end of the course, students will know how to use Figma to produce professional-quality user interface designs.
Those aiming to enter or transition into a career in design may consider Noble’s professional certificate programs. The UX & UI Design Certificate program teaches user research, wireframing, and visual design principles using Figma as a primary tool. This program prepares students to create user-friendly, functional interfaces through research-backed design decisions.
Noble’s Web Development Certificate program includes Figma training in addition to instruction in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like Bootstrap and Flexbox. It’s ideal for those who want to turn their designs into live, interactive websites. Meanwhile, the Digital Design Certificate program is tailored for creatives interested in graphic and web design. It combines Figma with training in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, allowing students to create assets and import them into Figma as part of a collaborative workflow.
Whatever your goal—whether it’s launching a new career, sharpening your design skills, or enhancing your portfolio—Noble Desktop offers a Figma course to help you get there.