Figma restore deleted file

Figma is a popular web-based design and collaboration tool that has become a go-to for many designers, teams, and organizations. It allows users to collaborate in real-time and is known for its seamless interface and robust functionality. However, as with any software, mistakes can happen, and you may accidentally delete a file or lose access to an important design project. 

Why Files Might Be Deleted in Figma

Before diving into the steps for restoration, it’s important to understand how files can be deleted in Figma. There are a few scenarios where this might happen:

Accidental Deletion: This is the most common reason for file loss. A designer may accidentally delete a file from their workspace or project.

File Ownership Changes: If a file owner removes or archives a project, others who have access may no longer be able to see it, even though it’s not technically deleted.

Syncing Issues: Sometimes, syncing errors can cause files to appear as deleted or lost when, in reality, the file is just not visible due to network or platform issues.

Permissions Changes: If the permissions of a file or project are altered (e.g., from shared to private), you may lose access to that file.

Method 1: Check the Figma Trash

Figma has a built-in Trash feature that temporarily stores deleted files for a period of time. This is often the easiest method to restore a deleted file. If you recently deleted the file, it is likely sitting in the Trash, ready to be restored.

Here’s how to check the Trash in Figma:

Open Figma: Go to Figma and log in to your account.

Navigate to the File Browser: On the Figma homepage, you’ll find your workspace’s file browser. This is where all your files, projects, and teams are organized.

Go to the Trash: On the left sidebar, you’ll see a section called “Trash” (it’s usually listed right under your “Drafts” or “Recent Files” section). Click on it to open the Trash folder.

Find the Deleted File: Browse through the files in the Trash. Figma will display a list of files that have been deleted within the last 30 days.

Restore the File: Once you find the file you want to restore, simply right-click on the file and select “Restore.” The file will be returned to its original location within your Figma workspace.

If the file was deleted more than 30 days ago, it will no longer appear in the Trash, and you will need to explore other options.

Method 2: Use Version History to Restore a Previous Version

Figma automatically saves version history for all files in your workspace. This means that even if you delete or modify a file, you can still access previous versions and recover your design.

To restore a deleted or previous version of a file using Figma’s version history:

Open the File: If you still have access to the project (i.e., the file was not permanently deleted), open the design file in Figma.

Access Version History: Click on the “File” menu at the top-left corner of the screen. Then, select “Show Version History.”

Browse Versions: Figma will show a timeline of all saved versions of the file. Scroll through the timeline to find a version that corresponds to the time before the file was deleted.

Restore the Version: Once you’ve found the version you want, click on it to preview it. If it’s the correct version, you can restore it by clicking the “Restore this version” button.

This method is especially helpful if you lost your file due to changes in the content or layout, as you can revert the file back to its previous state before the changes occurred.

Method 3: Check Your Figma Account Email for Backup Links

If you were part of a team or organization using Figma, your team administrators might have set up automatic backups of your files. In some cases, these backups are sent to your registered email address.

To check for backup links:

Search Your Email: Look for any emails from Figma, especially if you were notified about deleted or archived files.

Look for Backup Links: If Figma sends email alerts about deleted files, they may provide a link or instructions for restoring the file from a backup.

Method 4: Ask Team Members or File Owners for Help

If you’re working within a team or organization in Figma, the person who originally created or owns the file may have additional control over the file and its visibility. If you’ve accidentally deleted the file, the owner might still have access to it.

Here’s what you can do:

Contact the Owner: If you’re part of a team, reach out to the person who created or owns the file. They may be able to restore it for you.

Check with Your Team: If the file was part of a larger project or workspace, another team member may still have access to the file and can share it with you.

Request Admin Help: If you’re unable to restore the file yourself, and you don’t have the right permissions, ask an admin or a team owner to assist you.

Method 5: Restore a File from Backup (For Teams)

Figma doesn’t have a built-in feature to backup files directly, but if your team is using third-party backup systems, there may be a way to restore the deleted file from there. This will depend on the backup solution your team is using.

To restore from a backup:

Check with your IT Department or Admins: If you are working within a company or organization, check with your IT department or Figma administrator to see if there is an external backup system in place.

Access the Backup System: If a backup exists, the IT team will guide you through the process of restoring the file. This could involve pulling the file from a cloud storage platform like Google Drive, Dropbox, or another system.

Verify the Restoration: Once the file is restored, check to ensure that it’s fully recovered and accessible in your Figma workspace.

Method 6: Contact Figma Support

If none of the above methods work, and you cannot restore the file using the built-in features, you may need to contact Figma’s support team for assistance. Figma provides support through email and live chat, and they might be able to help recover your deleted file, especially if you can provide details like the file name, the date it was deleted, and any error messages you encountered.

Here’s how to contact Figma support:

Go to the Figma Help Center: Visit Figma’s Help Center.

Submit a Request: Look for the “Contact Us” option or use the live chat feature. You’ll be asked to provide details about the issue, including the file name, workspace, and when the file was deleted.

Provide Additional Information: If you have any relevant information, such as whether the file was deleted accidentally or due to a technical issue, include that in your message to support.

Wait for Assistance: Figma’s support team will typically respond within a few business days. They may be able to restore the file or provide more troubleshooting steps.

Losing a file in Figma can be frustrating, but with the various methods outlined in this guide, there are several ways to recover your lost work. From checking the Trash to restoring previous versions or contacting support, most deleted files in Figma can be recovered. However, it’s important to act quickly since files in the Trash are only kept for 30 days, and older files may not be recoverable through the built-in tools.