A faster feedback loop

Figma’s November 2021 update focuses on tightening the feedback loop—from making comments easier to spot and act on, to letting developers build plugins that respect keyboard-first workflows. The release also brings new accessibility options for audio communication via closed captioning.

Comments get a visual refresh

Comments in both Figma and FigJam have been redesigned to be bolder and easier to identify within a file. The goal is to reduce the effort required to collect and respond to feedback from collaborators during the design process. The updated comment interface aims to make adding and replying to feedback more intuitive, so discussions stay attached to the relevant work without breaking flow.

Closed captions for audio calls

Following the earlier introduction of audio calls and cursor chat in Figma and FigJam, Figma has now added closed captioning in beta for the desktop app. This makes it clearer who is speaking and what is being said during audio-based feedback sessions, ensuring collaborators who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully participate in design discussions.

Plugins that run from the quick actions bar

A new class of plugins can now leverage the quick actions bar in Figma and FigJam. Users can trigger these plugins without lifting their hands from the keyboard:

  • Keyboard-driven usage: press ⌘ + / (or ctrl + / on Windows) to open the quick actions bar, then search for and run a plugin directly, no mouse needed.
  • Parameter input: developers can update plugins to accept parameters as input, letting users enter commands and options within the quick actions bar itself.
  • Custom autocomplete: developers can add custom autocomplete logic to commands, reducing time spent building plugin UI in favor of core plugin functionality.

Existing plugins can adopt parameters without breaking their current behavior. For instance, Wirebox now lets users specify color options for wireframes, and Unsplash supports faster image searches through the quick actions bar.

Plugins that support quick actions parameters are collected in the Figma Community for those who prefer mouseless workflows.

Additional fixes and improvements are listed in the release notes. Feature requests can be shared via Twitter or the Support Forum.