Figma offers a straightforward way to view and recover files you've deleted, as they are generally not permanently removed unless specific actions are taken. You can typically find and restore these files from a dedicated "Deleted" tab within your Drafts.
Accessing Deleted Files in Figma
When you delete a file in Figma, it isn't immediately erased forever. Instead, it's moved to a holding area, much like a recycle bin or trash folder, where you can easily retrieve it if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing and Restoring Files:
To locate and restore your deleted Figma files, follow these steps:
- Open your Figma account: Log in to the Figma desktop application or the web interface through your browser.
- Navigate to Drafts: On the left-hand sidebar of your Figma dashboard, click on Drafts. This section is where your personal files, experiments, and initial designs are usually stored.
- Access the Deleted Tab: Within the Drafts section, look for and click on the Deleted tab. This tab specifically lists all the files that have been recently moved to the trash.
- Locate your file: Browse through the list of deleted files to find the one you wish to recover. Files are typically displayed with their names and deletion dates.
- Restore the file:
- Right-click on the specific file you want to restore.
- From the context menu that appears, select the Restore option.
Once restored, the file will be moved back to its original location or to your Drafts, allowing you to access and continue working on it as before.
Understanding Figma's File Deletion Policy
It's crucial to understand how Figma manages file deletion to effectively recover your work and prevent permanent loss:
- Soft Deletion: Most files you delete undergo a "soft deletion." This means they are moved to the "Deleted" tab in your Drafts, where they remain available for recovery. This gives you a safety net for accidental deletions.
- Permanent Deletion: Files are permanently deleted and become irrecoverable in two main scenarios:
- "Delete forever" Action: If you explicitly choose the "Delete forever" option after a file has been moved to the Deleted tab, it will be permanently removed. This action cannot be undone.
- Team or Project Deletion: If the entire team or project that contained the file is deleted, all associated files within that team or project will also be permanently removed without individual recovery options.
- Ownership and Permissions: Typically, only the file owner or an administrator of the team has the permission to delete a file. Similarly, restoration from the "Deleted" tab is usually reserved for the file owner.
Quick Reference: Deleted File Scenarios
| Scenario | Location to Check | Action to Take | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidentally deleted a file | Drafts > Deleted tab |
Right-click and choose Restore | File returns to its original location or Drafts |
File is not in the Deleted tab |
Check other teams/projects, or verify if "Delete forever" was used | No recovery possible if permanently deleted | File is permanently irrecoverable |
Best Practices for Managing Your Figma Files
To minimize the risk of losing your designs and streamline your workflow:
- Regularly Organize: Maintain a tidy file structure in your projects and drafts to prevent accidental deletions and easily locate your work.
- Understand Deletion Options: Always be aware of the difference between simply "Delete" (which sends to the Deleted tab) and "Delete forever" (which is permanent).
- Utilize Version History: Figma's robust version history automatically saves iterations of your design, providing another layer of security against unwanted changes.
For more comprehensive guidance on recovering and managing your files within Figma, you can refer to the official Figma Help Center on Recovering deleted files.
