Working with a client in Figma? You need to share your design files, but doing it the right way matters. Many designers make the mistake of sharing their login or giving full edit access by default. That can cause real problems fast.
The good news is that Figma makes client access simple and secure. You can invite someone to a file, a project, or a team, and they just need to accept the invitation to get in.
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to give Figma access to a client the right way.
What Does “Giving Figma Access to a Client” Actually Mean? (Permissions Explained)
Giving Figma access to a client simply means deciding exactly what they can see and do in your design file. It is not the same as adding them to your team or paying extra for them. You control this through the Share button. Most clients just need a quick look or some feedback. Giving the wrong access can let them change things by mistake or even cost you money on your plan. Let’s discuss some steps.
The 3 permission levels: Can View, Can Comment, and Can Edit
- View Only: This is essentially a “look but don’t touch” mode. Your client can explore the file, check out the colors, and see the dimensions, but they can not make changes or leave notes. It is perfect for a final walkthrough when the work is polished and ready for a quiet showcase.
- Can Comment: This is the sweet spot for most projects. It allows your client to point exactly at what they are talking about and leave feedback without the risk of accidentally moving a layer or changing a font. It keeps the conversation organized and right inside the design.
- Can Edit: This gives them full keys to the kingdom. They will have the same tools you do, moving elements, swapping text, and tweaking the layout. Best saved for true collaborations where you’re building the vision side-by-side.
Seats vs. permissions: why your client still can’t edit even with edit access
Figma uses four seat types:
1. Full seat: Full editing access to Figma Design, Dev Mode, FigJam, Slides, and all other Figma products. This is the paid seat designers use.
2. Dev seat: For developers who need to inspect designs and access code properties, but do not design themselves.
3. Collab seat: View and comment access to Figma Design files. Full access to FigJam and Figma Slides. Cannot edit Figma Design files even with “Can Edit” permissions.
4. View seat: Free. Read-only access. Can look at files, but cannot comment or edit.
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039960434-Manage-seats-in-Figma
If you need to change someone’s access level, it only takes a few clicks from your dashboard:
- Look at the left sidebar of your file browser and click ‘Admin’.
- Then click the ‘People’ tab. This is where your full list of team members lives.
- Next, click the ‘Seat’ Type: Find the person you’re looking for, then click their current seat status (e.g., ‘Viewer’ or ‘Editor’). If you want to check how many seats are available on your plan, it’s a quick two-step process:
1. Click the Admin option.
2. Then, click on the Billing tab, and you’ll see exactly how many seats you have left to use.
A small window will pop up; just pick the new seat type and confirm the change.
Now, let’s discuss seat vs. permission: Permissions tell Figma what the person is allowed to do. Seats are about billing and which Figma tools they can actually use. Even if you set a client to Can Edit, they might still only see a view-only screen. Why? They need the right seat type (like a Full seat) on their account. On most paid plans, viewers and commenters do not cost you extra seats. Editors usually do. So if your client tries to edit but cannot, it is often a seat issue, not the permission you set.
On paid plans, those seats cost money. Usually, you have two choices:
- You pay for them: You add the client to your team and pay the monthly fee for their seat.
- They pay for themselves: If the client already has their own paid Figma account, you can just invite them as a guest with ‘Edit’ access for free.
If they just need to look at your work, watch a prototype, or leave some comments, a free View seat is perfect. It does everything they need without costing you a dime.
Guests vs. members: the key difference for client collaboration
Clients are almost always Guests, not Members. Guests are outside people who work at another company. You invite them only to specific files or projects. They cannot see the rest of your team’s files or browse your workspace. Members are people inside your own company or organization. They have broader access. For client work, always use Guest access. It keeps things secure and simple.
How to Share a Figma File with a Client Using the Share Button (Step-by-Step 2026 Tutorial)
Step 1: Open Your File and Locate the Share Button
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408435431319-Request-to-edit-a-file
- At first, open the Figma file you want to share.
- Once the file is open, look at the top-right corner of the screen. You will see a big blue button that says ‘Share’.
- Once you click that, a window pops up where you can manage everything.
Step 2: Choose “Anyone with the Link” vs “Only Invited People” (When to Use Each)
Inside the share modal, you will see a section that controls who can access this file. The two main options are:
- Anyone with the link: Use this when you want fast and easy sharing. Your client can open the file without signing in. It is perfect for one-time feedback.
- Only invite people: Choose this for more control and security. Only people you add by email can open the file. This is better for confidential work or long-term clients.
Step 3: Set Permissions: Can View, Can Comment, or Can Edit Explained
Once you have decided who can access the file, the next setting controls what they can do with it.
1. Can View (Recommended for most clients)
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408435431319-Request-to-edit-a-file
This is the safe default for client sharing. Anyone with Can View access can:
- Open and browse your designs.
- Zoom in, inspect spacing and colors in the Inspect panel.
- Watch and click through your prototype.
- Leave comments on specific elements (if they are logged into a Figma account).
- Follow along as you navigate the file in real time.
They cannot move, edit, delete, or change anything in the file.
2. Can Comment: They can view everything and add sticky notes or feedback directly on the screens. This is the most popular choice for clients.
3 Can Edit (Use carefully)
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408435431319-Request-to-edit-a-file
Can Edit gives someone full editing access. They can move objects, change text, update colors, delete frames, and reorganize your layers. Only give this to someone who actually needs to edit the file. In most client projects, the client does not need this. The times when edit access makes sense for clients include:
- A client has their own design team that is working on your file
- You are doing a design handoff, and the client is taking full ownership of the files
- You are working in the client’s own Figma account, not yours.
Step 4: Copy the Link and Send It to Your Client
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040531773-Share-files-and-prototypes
- A: The Invite Box: Just type in an email address or a group name to add specific people.
- B: Who gets in? You can set the file to ‘Anyone’ (easiest for sharing), ‘Only Invited People’ (most secure), or restrict it to just people in your company or workspace if you’re on a big team plan.
- C: If the file is part of a project, see what access project members have to the file.
- D: Check the List: At the bottom, you’ll see a list of everyone who already has access. It’s a good way to double-check who can see what.
- E: A few extra shortcuts: In that same area, you can also grab code for Dev Mode, get a link for just the Prototype, or even get an Embed code if you want to put the design on a website.
- F: Copy Link: This is the big one. Hit this to grab the URL. If you have a specific frame highlighted on your canvas, the link will take them straight to that spot.
3 Easy Ways to Share a Figma File With a Client (Step-by-Step)
Sharing a Figma file with a client sounds simple. But when you do it the wrong way, things get messy: wrong permissions, extra charges, or confused clients.
Here are 3 clear ways to share a Figma file.
Method 1: Share a Figma File Directly with a Client
This is the fastest way. It takes less than a minute. Use it when you need quick feedback. It is perfect for one-time reviews, approvals, or showing a finished design.
Open the file and click the Share button in the top-right corner. Then adjust your sharing settings and click Copy link. Send that link to your client.
You get two permission options:
- Can view: Your client can look at the design, but cannot change anything.
- Can edit: Your client can make changes to the file.
For most client reviews, set it to “Anyone with the link can view.” This does not require your client to sign up or log in to a Figma account. They just click the link and see your design. Simple.
Method 2: Invite a Client to a Figma Project (Best for Ongoing Work)
This method gives your client access to the whole project, not just one file.
When you invite a client to a specific file or project where the client needs to check progress regularly, they get access to just that file or project, but not your other team files. This keeps your workspace clean and secure. It is much cleaner than sending a new link every time you update the design.
Here is how to do it:
- Open the file or project you want to share.
- Click Share.
- Enter your client’s email address in the invite field.
- Set their permission to Can view or Can edit.
- Click Send invite.
Your client will receive an email invitation and a notification in their Figma account. They just need to accept it to get access.
If you invite a client with edit access, you will be charged for each editor seat. If your client only needs to review and comment, always choose Can view to avoid extra charges.
Method 3: Add a Client to Your Figma Team (For Agencies on Paid Plans)
Source: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039970673-Team-permissions
You can send a direct invitation if you know the client’s email address.
1. Log in to your figma.com account to use the file browser.
- Click the Figma menu > Back to files if you are in a Figma file.
2. Go to the team page.
- Choose ‘All projects’ from the left sidebar on the Starter or Professional plan.
Or,
Choose ‘All teams’ from the left sidebar if workspaces are not enabled on the Organization or Enterprise plan. Next, decide on a team.
Or,
Choose ‘All workspaces’ from the left sidebar if workspaces are enabled on the Enterprise plan. Next, choose a team under the Your Teams option.
3. Click ‘Share.’
4. Set the individual’s team permissions and provide their email address.
5. Click ‘Invite.’
If you want to remove a member:
- Next to the team name, click Open team dropdown.
- Select View members.
- Use the dropdown next to each user to update their team permissions. Click Remove to remove a member from the team.
How to keep your Figma Files secure When Sharing with Clients
Sharing your Figma files feels easy. But security mistakes can cost you. A wrong permission setting or a forgotten invite link can give strangers access to your design work. Here is what you need to know to stay safe.
Never share your login credentials. Here’s what to do instead
A lot of designers, especially freelancers, make this mistake early on. A client asks to ‘just take a quick look,’ and you hand over your email and password. Do not do this.
Your team should retain control of important Figma files. Transferring ownership to other parties could put at risk the confidentiality of your project and increase the possibility of unauthorised changes, dissemination, or abuse.
Sharing your login gives someone complete access to your whole Figma account, not just a single file.
Here is what to do instead:
- Share a view-only link: Go to Share, set your permissions, copy the link, and send it to your client. They can view the design easily without needing your credentials. Set it to ‘Can view’ so they cannot make any changes.
- Send a direct email invite: This is the safest method, as you can actively see who has access to your files and select their specific permissions from the dropdown beside their name.
- Share a prototype-only link: Figma allows granting access solely to prototypes within files. This is a great option when someone needs to see the prototype but not the underlying design work.
How to audit and revoke client access after a project ends
Projects end but client access does not disappear on its own. If you forget to remove someone, they can still open your files weeks or months later.
Figma file owners should frequently review who they have invited to access their files. This keeps invite-only lists updated and ensures that public links are disabled when they are no longer needed.
Here is how to do a proper access audit:
- Open the shared file. Click the Share button in the top-right corner.
- Review who has access. You will see a list of everyone with access to that file. Check each name carefully.
- Remove anyone who should not be there. Click the dropdown next to the person’s name. Select Remove access. They will instantly lose the ability to open the file.
- Check your link-sharing settings. Disable any public links you may have shared. Revert ‘Anyone with the link’ into ‘Only people invited.’ This implies that the previous link will no longer function even if someone still possesses it.
- Click the Reset Link to generate a new one. The old link will stop working immediately.
How to prevent unauthorized access
If you want to stop people from using an old link or make sure your file is secure, here is how to do it :
1. Remove a Specific Person
If you want to remove one specific person from the file:
- Open the Share menu.
- Scroll down to the list of names.
- Find the person you want to remove and click the dropdown next to their name.
- Select Remove. They lose access instantly.
2. Add a Password (Paid Plans Only)
If you are on a Professional or Team plan, you can add an extra layer of security:
- In the Share window, look for ‘Add password.’
- Type in a password and share it only with the people you trust. Even if someone else gets the link, they can’t see the designs without that password.
If you do not want people to share public links to files or prototypes at all, organization admins can disable public link sharing entirely. Once set, all files become private only. Only members of your organization or people directly invited can use the links to access them.
On Enterprise plans, you can go even further. You can require public design file links to expire automatically, from one hour to 31 days after the link is generated. After that, the link becomes private on its own.
How to Share Figma Prototypes with Clients (Review-Only Links Without Exposing Full Files)
When you finish a design, you often want clients to test it like a real app or website. Sharing the full Figma file can be risky because they might see all your layers or make unwanted changes. That is why Figma lets you create a prototype-only link. This link opens the design in presentation mode for clean review without showing the editor. It is one of the smartest ways to share Figma prototypes with clients.
Why Prototype-Only Links Are Best for Most Clients (and When They Require a Paid Plan)
Prototype-only links are great because clients see only the interactive version. They can click through screens, test flows, and give feedback without opening the actual design file. This keeps your work safe and makes the review feel more professional. Most clients do not need to see layers, components, or your full workspace. They just want to experience the product. A review-only link gives them exactly that.
On the free Starter plan, sharing a prototype link often gives access to the full file as well. If you want true prototype-only sharing (where clients cannot reach the editor), you need a Professional or higher paid plan. On paid plans, you can lock the file to “Only invited people” and still share a clean prototype link safely.
Step-by-Step: Create a Secure Prototype-Only Share Link in 2026
Two Ways to Play a Prototype:
1. Preview Mode: Quick check inside your file.
- Click the Preview button in the top toolbar.
- Or click the small preview icon on your flow starting point.
The preview opens right on your canvas. Changes you make appear instantly. Click hotspots to test interactions.
2. Present Mode: Clean full-screen view (best for sharing)
- Click the Present button in the top toolbar (play icon).
This opens your prototype in a new browser tab. It looks professional and distraction-free.
How to Start and Navigate the Prototype
- Your prototype starts at the flow starting point you set. If you did not set one, it begins with the first frame on the page.
- To restart anytime, click Restart or press R.
- Move between screens:
1. Click the hotspots (interactive areas).
2. Use arrow keys on your keyboard: Right arrow or Space for next, Left arrow for previous.
3. Click the small arrows at the bottom of the screen.
How to Share the Prototype with Clients:
- Open your design and click ‘Present’ to enter presentation mode.
- Click the Share (or Share Prototype) button in the top right.
- Set permissions (Anyone with the link or Only invited people).
- Choose Can view.
- Click Copy link.
Send this link to your client. They can open it without a Figma account in most cases. On paid plans, you can make it truly prototype-only so they cannot access the full editor.
How Clients Can Interact with Your Prototype (No Figma Account Needed)
This is one of the best parts of sharing a prototype link. Your client does not need to create a Figma account, download anything, or log in.
Clients click the link and land directly in your interactive prototype. No sign-up required. No login screen. Just a URL that opens directly to your clickable prototype.
Here is what your client can do once they open the link:
1. Click through the design like a real app. Your client can tap buttons, navigate between screens, and experience the full user flow just like they would use the real product.
2. Leave comments on specific frames. Figma’s built-in commenting lets viewers leave comments directly on frames. Clients can click a specific spot on the prototype and type their note. This works well for visual feedback on individual screens.
3. View on any device. The prototype link works on desktop browsers, tablets, and mobile devices. No app download needed.
4. What they cannot do (and this is a good thing):
- They cannot edit your design.
- They cannot access your layers or components.
- They cannot export your assets.
- On paid plans, they cannot even see your working file.
To share prototypes only, you must share from the ‘Share prototype’ button while in the prototype viewer, not the Share button in the editor view. This single step keeps your full file private.
Troubleshooting Figma Access Issues with Clients (2026 Solutions)
Sometimes clients face problems when you share a Figma file or prototype. They might see “Request Access”, the link does not open, or the prototype shows the full editor instead of clean review mode. Here are the most common issues and simple fixes that usually solve them quickly.
Step 1: Restart Figma First
Before you do anything else, try a simple restart.
If you are using Figma in a browser, force-quit your browser and open Figma in a new browser window. If you are using the Figma Desktop app, force-quit the app and restart it. This alone fixes many small issues. Always try this first before going deeper.
Step 2: Check Your Browser Version
Figma works best on the latest browser version. An outdated browser causes many problems.
Figma only supports stable release versions of browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. It does not support developer, early-access, or beta browser versions.
What to do:
- Open your browser settings.
- Look for the ‘About’ or ‘Update’ section.
- Install any available updates.
- Restart your browser and try Figma again.
Step 3: Check If WebGL Is Enabled
Figma needs WebGL to run. If WebGL is off or blocked, Figma will not open your files. Figma uses WebGL (Web Graphics Library) to handle rendering.
What to do:
- Visit webglreport.com in your browser.
- Check if WebGL 1 and WebGL 2 are both enabled.
- If not enabled, go to your browser settings and turn it on.
If you have confirmed that WebGL is enabled but still see issues, a Chrome extension may be blocking it. Try disabling your browser extensions one by one to find the culprit.
Step 4: Check Your Internet Connection
Figma is a cloud-based tool. A weak or unstable connection causes loading failures, sync issues, and slow performance.
What to do:
- Check if other websites load normally.
- Try switching from Wi-Fi to a wired connection if possible.
- Restart your router if the connection seems slow.
- Reload your Figma file after reconnecting.
Step 5: Check Your VPN or Proxy Settings
Using a VPN? That might be your problem.
It is not possible to access Figma through a VPN or proxy service without adjusting your settings. If you want to use Figma with a VPN or proxy, you need to add Figma to your safe list. What to do:
- Turn off your VPN temporarily.
- Try opening Figma again.
- If it works, go back to your VPN settings.
- Add figma.com to the safe or whitelist section.
- Turn your VPN back on and retry.
If you are on a company or school network, ask your IT admin to whitelist Figma.
Step 6: Fix Memory Issues
Is Figma showing a warning banner or locking your file? It could be a memory problem.
Figma measures your memory usage as a percentage of your available memory. It displays warning banners at 60%, 75%, and 100%. If your file reaches 100% of your memory limit, Figma will lock the file and inform you that there is no available memory.
What to do:
- Close all unused browser tabs.
- Close other heavy apps running on your computer.
- Split large design files into smaller ones.
- Remove unused layers, frames, and components.
- Compress large images inside your Figma file.
Step 7: Clear the Figma Desktop App Cache
If you use the Figma Desktop app and it feels slow or broken, clearing the cache usually helps. If you are still able to access and use the desktop app, you can clear the cache from the Help menu.
What to do:
- Open the Figma Desktop app.
- Go to Help in the top menu.
- Click Troubleshooting.
- Select Reset Figma and Restart.
This clears old cached data and gives you a fresh start. It does not delete your files — all your work stays safe in the cloud.
Step 8: Check Figma System Requirements
You must be running the Figma Desktop app in a 64-bit environment. Figma is not supported on machines running a 32-bit environment.
What to do:
- Check if your computer is 64-bit (Windows: Settings – System – About).
- Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- On Windows and Linux, keep your OS and device drivers current for best performance.
Step 9: Disable Browser Extensions
Browser extensions sometimes block Figma from loading correctly, especially ad blockers, VPN extensions, or privacy tools.
What to do:
- Open your browser in Incognito / Private mode (this disables most extensions by default).
- Try opening Figma in that window.
- If it works, an extension is the problem.
- Go back to regular mode and disable extensions one by one.
- Reload Figma after each disable to find which one causes the issue.
Step 10: Check Figma’s System Status
Sometimes the problem is not on your end at all. Figma’s own servers may be down.
What to do:
- Visit status.figma.com
- Check if any services show as degraded or down.
- If yes, wait for Figma to fix it on their end.
- Follow their status page for updates.
Step 11: Reinstall the Figma Desktop App
If nothing above has worked and you are using the Desktop app, a clean reinstall is your next step.
What to do:
- Fully uninstall the Figma Desktop app from your computer.
- Restart your computer.
- Go to figma.com/downloads.
- Download and install the latest version.
- Log in and reopen your files.
Step 12: Contact Figma Support
If you have tried every step above and the issue still persists, it is time to contact Figma directly.
What to do:
- Go to help.figma.com
- Click the? icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select Contact Support.
- Describe your issue clearly, including your browser version, OS, and any error messages you see.
- Add screenshots or a short screen recording if possible.
Conclusions
Giving a client access to Figma does not have to be complicated. Once you know the right steps, the whole process takes less than two minutes. For most clients, a free View seat is the best choice it lets them review and comment on your work without costing you anything extra. only gives edit access if they truly need to make changes.
Always avoid sharing your login credentials. Figma was built for collaboration, so you can invite team members, set permissions, and organize projects without giving up control. When the project is done, remember to manage access properly. After work is complete, you have a few options: you can transfer the project to your client’s organization, save a copy to your computer, or simply remove their access. Keep your Figma workspace clean by reviewing permissions regularly. Remove old clients, rename files clearly, and always test access after sending an invite.
Now you know how to give Figma access to a client confidently. Share smart, protect your work, and keep the collaboration smooth from start to finish. Your clients will appreciate the professionalism, and so will your workflow.
