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Making the Move to UI3: A Guide to Figma’s Next Chapter | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)

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Figma will retire UI2 on April 30, 2025, making UI3 the standard interface. The redesign prioritizes canvas space, streamlines workflows, and enables features that will only be available in UI3, ahead of Config. Although users may need time to rebuild muscle memory, Figma argues that the changes ultimately make the product more intuitive and efficient.

UI3 Becomes the New Standard

  • Figma is ending support for UI2 on April 30.
  • New features and experiences planned around Config will be available only in UI3.
  • Figma says it has incorporated user feedback before the full transition.
  • Recent refinements include:
    • Replacing the redundant “Reset others” icon
    • Simplifying boolean-operation labels
    • Removing duplicate actions from the overflow menu
    • Updating the mask icon for clarity
    • Restoring a tidy-up experience closer to UI2
  • After the transition, the Properties panel will become a major focus for further improvements.

Adjusting to the Redesigned Interface

  • The author initially hesitated because established workflows and muscle memory make interface changes difficult.
  • After using UI3, they found the redesign more effective rather than merely different.
  • Reported adjustment times vary:
    • Some users adapted within a few hours.
    • Others needed about a week to rebuild muscle memory.
  • The overall response presented in the article is that UI3 quickly becomes familiar and comfortable.

Smart Eyedropper Selection

  • The eyedropper shortcut remains I, but the tool now understands more than raw color values.
  • It stays active while inspecting the canvas and supports switching between color models such as:
    • Hex
    • HSB
    • RGB
  • When hovering over a color, style, or variable, Figma can identify and display the underlying style or variable instead of only showing a hexadecimal value.
  • UI3 also allows users to create variables directly where they are working, reducing interruptions to the design workflow.

UI3 is positioned as a necessary transition rather than an optional visual refresh. Users should begin adapting before April 30, while taking advantage of its improved variable handling, streamlined controls, and more canvas-focused layout.