Does Figma Use Your Content to Train AI? Opt-Out

Yes, Figma can use your content to train its AI features, but you can opt out. As of August 2024, Figma introduced AI-powered tools that may use your project data (designs, files, and text) to improve those features. By default, this training is enabled for all users, but you can disable it in your account settings. This article explains exactly where to find the opt-out, what data is used, and what the implications are for you and your team.

Background: Figma’s AI Features and Data Use

Figma launched its first set of AI features in 2024, including tools like “First Draft” (which generates design layouts from text prompts) and AI-powered search. To make these tools work, Figma’s system needs to learn from existing designs. The company’s AI training policy states that content from your files—including design elements, text layers, and even comments—may be used to train their machine learning models.

This is a common practice among software companies, but it raised privacy concerns among designers who work with confidential client projects. Figma’s default setting is to allow this data usage, so if you haven’t changed anything, your content is already being included. The good news is that the opt-out is straightforward and can be done in under a minute.

How to Opt Out of AI Training in Figma

The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you have a personal account or are an admin for an organization. Here’s how to do it for both cases:

For Individual Users (Free, Professional, and Full Account)

1. Log into your Figma account in a web browser.
2. Click your profile picture in the top-left corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll down to the AI section.
5. Toggle off the switch labeled “Use my content to train AI features”.
6. Click Save changes if prompted.

For Organization and Enterprise Admins

Admins can control this setting for their entire team. Navigate to Admin settings > Data management > AI training. Here you can disable it for all members. Individual members can still override this on their own accounts, but the admin setting turns it off by default for new members.

What Data Is Actually Used?

Figma’s policy specifies that the following types of content may be used for AI training:

• Design files – including layers, frames, and component structures.
• Text content – any text you’ve typed into your designs (e.g., button labels, headings, body copy).
• Comments and annotations – text you leave in files for collaboration.
• File names and project names – metadata that helps the AI understand context.

Notably, Figma states that it does not use your content to train AI if you are on a free plan or if you have opted out. However, they may still use anonymized, aggregated data (not tied to your account) for general improvement.

Common Misconceptions About the Opt-Out

There are a few misunderstandings that circulate about Figma’s AI training. Let’s clear them up:

• Misconception: Opting out removes your data from already-trained models. If your content was used before you opted out, it’s already in the training set. Opting out only stops future use. Figma does not offer a way to retroactively remove data.
• Misconception: You must opt out on every device. The setting is tied to your Figma account, not your device. Change it once, and it applies everywhere.
• Misconception: The opt-out affects AI features you use. No, you can still use all AI features after opting out. The setting only controls whether your content is used to train the models, not whether you can access them.

Comparison: How Figma Compares to Other Design Tools

Figma is not alone in using user data for AI training. Here’s a quick comparison with other popular design platforms:

• Adobe Creative Cloud – Adobe’s terms allow them to analyze your content to improve AI features, but they offer an opt-out for enterprise accounts. Individual users have limited control.
• Canva – Canva’s AI features (like Magic Write) use your content to improve their models, but they explicitly state that you can opt out by contacting support.
• Sketch – Sketch does not currently have AI features that train on user content, so there’s no such setting.
• Framer – Framer’s AI tools are trained on public data, not your private projects, so no opt-out is needed.

Figma’s approach is relatively transparent: the opt-out is easy to find and doesn’t require contacting support, which is better than some competitors.

How to Check If You’re Already Opted Out

If you’re unsure whether you’ve already changed this setting, here’s a quick way to check:

1. Open Figma in your browser.
2. Go to Settings (via your profile picture).
3. Look for the AI section.
4. If the toggle is blue/green and says “On,” you’re currently allowing training. If it’s gray and says “Off,” you’re opted out.

Note that if you’re an admin, you’ll also see a banner in the admin panel indicating whether the default is on or off for your team.

What About Confidential or Client Work?

If you work with sensitive client data, you might be worried about your files being used in AI training. Here are some practical steps to protect your work:

• Opt out immediately – even if you’re not sure, it’s safer to turn it off.
• Use a separate Figma account for client work – keep a clean account with AI training disabled for all projects.
• Discuss with your team – if you’re on a team plan, make sure the admin has disabled the setting for everyone.
• Read your client contract – some contracts may require you to ensure data isn’t used for third-party training. Figma’s opt-out helps you comply.

Remember, Figma’s AI training is not the same as making your files public. Your content is used internally to train models, not shared publicly. But for many professionals, even that is too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does opting out of AI training affect my ability to use Figma’s AI features?

No. You can still use all AI features (like First Draft or AI search) even if you opt out. The setting only controls whether your content is used to improve the models, not whether you can access them.

Q: If I opt out, will my past data be removed from Figma’s AI models?

No. Once your content has been used for training, it cannot be removed. Opting out only prevents future use. Figma does not offer a way to delete your data from already-trained models.

Q: Can I opt out on behalf of my entire team?

Yes, if you’re an admin on an Organization or Enterprise plan, you can disable AI training for all members in the admin settings. Individual members can still opt out on their own, but the admin default applies to new members.

Q: Does Figma use my content for AI training if I’m on a free plan?

No. Figma’s policy states that content from free plan users is not used for AI training. Only paid plan users (Professional, Organization, Enterprise) have their content potentially used, and they can opt out.

Q: How often does Figma update its AI training policy?

Figma may update its policy as its AI features evolve. It’s a good idea to check the official Figma blog or your account settings periodically to stay informed. The opt-out setting is always available in your settings, even if the policy changes.

Q: Will opting out stop Figma from using my content for anything else?

No. The opt-out only applies to AI training. Figma still uses your content to provide the core service (storing files, rendering designs, etc.) and may use aggregated, anonymized data for other purposes. The AI training opt-out is specifically for machine learning model improvement.

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