Hi Figma Support Team,
I’d like to share some feedback about the process of handing off a Figma file from a designer to a client.
I’m a freelance designer, and I recently tried to transfer a completed Figma file to my client. In the sharing settings, the client is now shown as the owner of the file, and I have removed myself from the file access list. However, I still seem to have admin/editor access from my side, while the client, who is listed as the owner, cannot edit the file.
The only request I can see from the client is a Full seat request inside my personal team. As I understand it, approving this would add the client as a paid seat to my workspace. That is not the result I need for a client handoff. I don’t want to add the client to my team. I want to hand off the file so they can own and edit it on their side.
I also read that one possible flow is for the client to create their own workspace/team, invite me to it, and then have the file moved there. In practice, this feels too complicated for a regular client handoff. Many clients are not technical users and do not use Figma often. Creating a workspace, managing team seats, inviting the designer, and moving the file is not an obvious process for them.
There is also no real need for me to be in the client’s team after the project is completed. It can also create confusion on the client’s side, because they may think they need to add me as a paid seat in their team, even though that is not the goal.
Another confusing part is the difference between the Share modal and the actual access settings. The Share modal shows controls that look like they should allow me to give or change edit access. In practice, these controls do not seem to complete the real editing access flow, and the user has to go to admin/workspace settings instead. This makes the process feel unclear, because it looks like the right action has been completed, while the client still cannot edit the file.
From a UX perspective, the main issue is that the file handoff flow is not simple or obvious.
For freelancers and clients, the expected result is usually very straightforward:
- the designer finishes the work;
- the designer transfers the file to the client;
- the client can continue using and editing it in their own workspace;
- neither side needs to manage paid seats in the other person’s team.
I know there are workarounds, such as duplicating or downloading the file. I use these options often, and they work well in many cases. However, sometimes the client needs the original file, without duplication, lost context, or my continued presence in the access settings. This is especially important for NDA projects or cases where the designer should no longer have access after the project is finished.
It would be very helpful if Figma had a simple guided flow for handing off a file to a client. Ideally, this flow would allow a file to be fully transferred to the client’s own workspace/team without extra unclear steps around ownership, edit access, and team seats.
I really value Figma and use it every day in my work. I’m sharing this because I’d love to see such a strong product work just as smoothly at the final handoff stage as it does during the design process.
Thank you,
Lika