15+ Ways We're Improving Accessibility in Figma | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)

Figma is rolling out more than 15 accessibility improvements to make its products easier to use with keyboards, screen readers, and enhanced contrast settings. The updates expand keyboard control across Figma Design, FigJam, Slides, Buzz, commenting, and Dev Mode, while improving screen-reader navigation and object descriptions. Together, they aim to make collaboration, canvas editing, and handoff more reliable for people with different access needs.

Expanded Keyboard Controls

• Users can navigate and manipulate more canvas objects without a mouse.
• Figma Design: Add and edit lines, adjust ruler guides, and create or edit arcs from ellipses.
• FigJam: Manage table rows and columns, adjust stamps, votes, washi tape, marker lines, and highlighter strokes, and navigate embedded content and other canvas objects.
• Figma Slides: Resize presenter notes and adjust writing tone with AI.
• Across products: Open and move between links in edit or view-only mode.

Keyboard Support for Comments and Collaboration

• Add, move, and navigate comments across Figma products.
• Navigate and manage Dev Mode annotations with shortcuts.
• Move between discussions without losing keyboard focus.
• New personalization toggles let users disable Figma-exclusive shortcuts while typing and choose whether Spotlight automatically follows other users.

Improved Screen Reader Support

• Tab navigation through buttons, menus, panels, and other actions now follows a more logical order.
• Users can jump directly to specific actions, such as opening menus or activating toolbar controls.
• Object announcements include details such as type, name, and state.
• More consistent announcements help users detect new comments and file updates.
• Screen readers preserve rich-text meaning, including bold, italics, lists, and links.
• Canvas objects in Buzz and Slides can now be recognized and announced.

Enhanced Color Contrast

• A new setting increases contrast between text, interface elements, and backgrounds in both light and dark modes.
• The option can be enabled through Accessibility settings, the Actions menu, or General settings.
• Stronger contrast improves text and icon legibility, clarifies interface structure, and makes buttons and outlines easier to identify.
• It can also improve visibility in glare, sunlight, and prolonged or multitasked screen use.

Figma’s updates make accessibility a broader part of everyday editing and collaboration rather than a separate workflow. Users who rely on keyboards or screen readers should explore the new controls, while all users may benefit from enabling enhanced contrast when working in difficult lighting or for extended periods.