How to Copy Figma Files to Another Account Easily

Switching jobs? Backing up client work? Learning how to copy Figma files to another account saves hours of manual recreation.

Figma doesn’t offer a one-click transfer button between accounts. But there are three reliable methods that work.

This guide walks through each approach step by step: sharing and duplicating, exporting .fig files, and using the project transfer feature for paid plans.

You’ll learn which method fits your situation, what transfers (and what doesn’t), and how to troubleshoot common issues like missing images or greyed-out buttons.

Takes 2 to 10 minutes depending on file size and account type.

How to Copy Figma Files to Another Account

Copying Figma files to another account is the process of transferring design files between separate Figma accounts using duplication, sharing, or export/import methods.

Users need this when switching organizations, backing up work to personal accounts, or migrating projects between workspaces.

This guide covers 3 methods requiring 2 to 10 minutes depending on file size and your Figma account plan type.

Whether you’re moving a single design file or an entire team project, the steps change based on your access level and destination account setup.

Prerequisites

Before starting the file transfer process, confirm you have these requirements ready.

Required Tools and Access

• Figma account (Starter, Professional, Organization, or Enterprise plan)
• Source file with can view or can edit permission
• Destination account email address
• Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Stable internet connection

Time Estimates by Method

• Share and Duplicate: 2 to 3 minutes
• Export .fig file and Import: 3 to 5 minutes
• Project Transfer (Send a Copy): 5 to 10 minutes

The project transfer option requires a paid plan on both sending and receiving accounts.

Method Selection

Choose the right approach based on your plan type and what you’re transferring.

Method A: Share and Duplicate

Works on all Figma plans including Starter.

Best for single files and quick transfers between accounts you control.

Time required: 2 to 3 minutes per file.

Method B: Export .fig File and Import

Works on all Figma plans without requiring collaborator access.

Best for cross-organization transfers where you can’t invite the destination account directly.

Time required: 3 to 5 minutes depending on file complexity.

Note: Comments and version history do not transfer with this method.

Method C: Project Transfer (Send a Copy)

Requires Professional, Organization, or Enterprise plan on both ends.

Best for multiple files, entire projects, and preserving project structure.

Time required: 5 to 10 minutes including destination URL setup.

This method duplicates the entire project to the recipient’s team while keeping originals intact.

Step 1: How Do You Access the Figma File You Want to Copy?

Open your web browser and navigate to figma.com. Sign in with your credentials to reach the file browser.

Locate the design file in your Recents section or navigate through your team projects and drafts folder.

Action

1. Navigate to: figma.com > Log in > File browser
2. Location options: Recents, Drafts, or specific Team Project folder
3. Expected result: File thumbnail visible with file name displayed

Purpose

Accessing the correct file ensures you’re copying the right version.

Check the file’s last modified date to confirm you have the current iteration before proceeding.

Step 2: How Do You Share the File with Another Account?

Click the Share button in the top right corner of the Figma interface to open the share modal.

Enter the email address associated with the destination Figma account and set permission level to can edit before sending the invite.

Action

1. Click: Share button (top right corner of editor or file browser)
2. Enter: Destination account email in the input field
3. Set permission: Change dropdown from “can view” to “can edit”
4. Click: Invite button to send access

Permission Levels Explained

• Can view: Recipient can only duplicate to their drafts
• Can edit: Recipient can duplicate within current location or to drafts

Setting edit access gives the destination account more flexibility for where the duplicate lands.

Purpose

Sharing establishes the connection between accounts required for duplication.

The recipient receives a notification and can accept the collaborator invite from their Figma homepage.

Step 3: How Do You Duplicate the Shared File in the Destination Account?

Log into the destination Figma account and check notifications for the invite request.

Click Accept to open the shared design file in a new tab.

Action

1. Navigate to: Figma homepage > Notifications icon (bell)
2. Click: Accept on the file share invitation
3. Open: File name dropdown menu (top left of editor)
4. Select: Duplicate to your drafts

Alternative Duplication Methods

• Right-click file in file browser > Select Duplicate
• Add /duplicate to end of file URL
• Keyboard shortcut after selecting file thumbnail

Figma prefixes duplicated files with “Copy of” to distinguish them from originals.

Purpose

Duplication creates an independent copy in the destination account’s drafts folder.

The new file has no connection to the original, so changes won’t sync between accounts.

Alternative Method: How Do You Export and Import Figma Files as .fig Files?

Use this method when you can’t share directly or need to transfer files across organizations without collaborator access.

Step 1: How Do You Export the Figma File Locally?

Open the file you want to transfer and access the main menu.

1. Click: Figma menu (top left corner)
2. Select: File > Save local copy
3. Result: .fig file downloads to your device

File size affects download time. Large files with many design components take longer.

Step 2: How Do You Import the .fig File to the New Account?

Sign into the destination account and prepare for import.

1. Navigate to: File browser in destination account
2. Click: Import file button (top right) or drag .fig file into browser
3. Wait: File processes and appears in Drafts

Imported files lose comments, version history, and library updates from the original.

Alternative Method (Paid Plans): How Do You Transfer an Entire Project Between Accounts?

The Send a Copy feature transfers complete projects including all files while preserving project structure.

Requires Professional plan or higher on both accounts.

Step 1: How Do You Get the Destination URL?

The receiving account admin must provide a destination URL first.

For Professional Plan

1. Navigate to: figma.com > All projects (left sidebar)
2. Copy: Entire URL from browser address bar
3. Share: URL with the person sending the project

For Organization/Enterprise Plan

1. Navigate to: All teams (left sidebar) > Select target team
2. Copy: Full URL including team identifier
3. Share: URL with sender

Step 2: How Do You Send a Project Copy?

Return to the source account with the destination URL ready.

1. Open: File browser > Select the project
2. Click: Down arrow next to project name > Settings
3. Select: Send a copy
4. Enter: Destination URL and recipient email
5. Click: Send

Branches, comments, and version history stay with originals. Only the current file states transfer.

Verification

Confirm the copy process completed successfully before deleting originals or closing accounts.

Checklist

• File appears in destination account drafts or specified team project
• All layers, frames, and groups display correctly
• Fonts render without missing font warnings
• Images and embedded assets load properly
• If you use components in Figma, verify they transferred intact
• Gradients and effects display as expected

Open several frames and spot-check design assets against the original file.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Duplicate Option is Greyed Out

Cause: File owner restricted copying for viewers.

Solution: Request can edit permission from the file owner, or ask them to export Figma to PDF if you only need static assets.

Issue: Images and Icons Missing After Copy

Cause: External image links didn’t transfer, or assets weren’t embedded.

Solution: Download images from Figma in the original file and re-import them to the copy manually.

Issue: Send a Copy Button Remains Unavailable

Cause: Plan mismatch or invalid destination URL format.

Solution: Verify both accounts have Professional plan or higher. Re-copy the destination URL ensuring no extra spaces.

Issue: Library Components Not Updating in Copied File

Cause: Copied files disconnect from source component library automatically.

Solution: Publish the library in the destination account and relink components, or keep library files in the same account as dependent files. Learn how to make components in Figma to rebuild if needed.

Issue: Fonts Display Incorrectly

Cause: Custom fonts not installed on destination account’s device.

Solution: Add fonts to Figma using the desktop app, or replace with available alternatives.

Limitations to Know Before Copying

Certain data doesn’t transfer regardless of method used.

• Comments remain with the original file only
• Version history does not duplicate
• Library updates disconnect after export/import or cross-org transfer
• Branches stay attached to source files
• Published sites unpublish during project transfers
• Prototype connections transfer, but prototype play links change

Plan for manual recreation of comments if documentation matters for the destination project.

Related Processes

Explore these related Figma workflows:

• How to design a website in Figma
• How to wireframe in Figma
• How to create a design system in Figma
• How to share Figma prototype without account
• How to turn Figma into code
• How to link pages in Figma

FAQ on How To Copy Figma Files To Another Account

Can I copy a Figma file to another account without sharing it first?

Yes. Export the file as a .fig file using File > Save local copy. Then import it into the destination account by dragging it into the file browser or clicking the import button.

Does version history transfer when I copy Figma files?

No. Version history stays with the original file regardless of which transfer method you use. The copied file starts fresh with no previous versions recorded in the destination account.

Can I duplicate a Figma file if I only have view access?

Yes, but only to your drafts. Click the file name dropdown and select “Duplicate to your drafts.” If this option is greyed out, the owner has restricted copying for viewers.

What happens to comments when I copy a Figma file?

Comments do not transfer. They remain attached to the original file only. If you need comment documentation, screenshot them or export the file with comments visible before copying.

How do I transfer multiple Figma files at once?

Move files into a single team project, then use Send a Copy to transfer the entire project. This requires Professional plan or higher on both the sending and receiving accounts.

Will my linked components still work after copying?

Components copy over, but library updates disconnect. The copied file won’t receive future changes from the original library. You’ll need to republish the library in the destination account to restore linking.

Can I copy Figma files between a personal and organization account?

Yes. Use the share and duplicate method or export as .fig file. The Send a Copy feature works too if both accounts meet plan requirements and the organization allows external transfers.

Why is my Send a Copy button greyed out?

Check three things: both accounts need Professional plan or higher, the destination URL must be valid with no extra spaces, and you must be the project owner or admin.

Do fonts transfer when copying Figma files?

Font references transfer, but the actual fonts must exist on the destination device. Missing fonts trigger a warning. Use the Adobe Fonts integration or install fonts locally to fix display issues.

Can I copy a Figma file and keep the original intact?

Yes. All three methods create independent copies without affecting the original. The source file remains in place with all comments, version history, and collaborator access unchanged.

Conclusion

You now know how to copy Figma files to another account using three different methods.

Share and duplicate works fastest for single files. Export as .fig handles cross-organization transfers. Send a Copy moves entire projects on paid plans.

Remember what doesn’t transfer: comments, version history, and active library connections.

Always verify your copied files before deleting originals. Check that fonts render correctly, images load, and design components display as expected.

The method you choose depends on your Figma plan type, file permissions, and whether you need to preserve project structure.

Most designers finish the entire file duplication process in under 10 minutes. Start with the share modal for quick transfers, or grab that destination URL if you’re moving a full workspace.