As AI becomes part of everyday design workflows, more designers are exploring the benefits of running AI models directly on their own devices instead of relying entirely on cloud services.
Some of the advantages include:
- Better privacy when working with client files and confidential design assets
- Offline access for uninterrupted workflows while traveling or without internet
- Faster responses by eliminating network latency
- Lower long-term costs by reducing recurring AI API usage
- Greater control over AI models, updates, and local knowledge bases
With modern Apple Silicon Macs and increasingly capable Windows hardware, running AI locally is becoming practical for tasks such as writing UI copy, summarizing documents, brainstorming ideas, generating images, and analyzing design documentation.
I'm curious how the Figma community is approaching this shift.
- Are you using local AI alongside Figma?
- Which on-device AI tools have worked well for your workflow?
- Do privacy and offline capabilities influence your choice of AI tools?
I'd love to hear about your experiences, challenges, and recommendations.