Figurative for Figma is an innovative program specifically designed for the Apple Vision Pro that brings the full desktop-class editor experience from Figma to iPadOS. This program is structured to seamlessly work with Magic Keyboard, a trackpad, or a mouse, enhancing the user experience significantly.
One of the standout features of Figurative is its support for custom fonts. All fonts available to iOS, including those that users have installed themselves, can be utilized with the Figma editor. This flexibility allows for greater creative freedom and consistency across different design projects. Additionally, the improved pointer and keyboard support make full use of the multi-touch gestures for zooming and panning the canvas. Users who prefer using a mouse will find scroll wheels to be supported as well. Furthermore, the app intelligently hides unnecessary elements like the autocompletion bar, ensuring they don’t clutter the workspace.
For designers who utilize the Apple Pencil, Figurative offers robust support. Users can make selections, drag objects, and utilize tools with ease. Touch gestures are also well integrated; users can scroll and zoom on the editor using their fingers. Common editing actions such as undoing and redoing changes are made simple with two-finger and three-finger taps, respectively.
Another notable feature of Figurative is the array of touch shortcuts available. Actions like deleting, duplicating, framing, and grouping can be performed without needing a keyboard, making for a more fluid and intuitive user experience. When it comes to exporting projects, Figurative handles large files efficiently, allowing users to share and copy exported assets quickly through the share sheet.
Despite its impressive capabilities, users are required to have a free Figma account to make use of Figurative. It’s important to mention that Figma is a registered trademark of Figma, Inc. The developer behind Figurative, Matias Martinez, offers it for free, making it an accessible tool for designers.
Customer reviews highlight several strengths and weaknesses of Figurative for Figma. Many praise the app for being the best option for iPad to Figma workflows, noting that it performs better than any other iPad app in this category. However, some users have reported experiencing performance issues when working with large projects or trying to open big design system files, mostly due to RAM limitations on the iPad rather than the app itself. Crashes when attempting to place photos and other bugs were noted, but users still find the app significantly more effective than using Figma on native browsers.
Some detailed feedback points out specific bugs and areas for improvement. For instance, there is an issue where menus open and close immediately when clicked, which can be frustrating for users relying on a trackpad. Another common complaint is that the shortcut menu pops open whenever the command key is held down, which can be distracting for heavy Figma users. Problems with undo, redo, and other command shortcuts not working consistently were also mentioned.
Despite these issues, many users appreciate the app for how well it replicates the Figma Mac desktop experience while incorporating Apple Pencil support. The app’s compatibility with Magic Keyboard and the seamless functionality of trackpad gestures and keyboard shortcuts were highlighted as particularly impressive aspects.
There are also some criticisms regarding the pen tool and persistent crashes when placing images. Some users suggest that the app needs a lot of maintenance and optimization for iPad use, especially concerning the Apple Pencil. These users hope for a major overhaul to address these issues.
The review segment also discussed problems with loading fonts, which is a cumbersome process involving exiting the app to add fonts manually, although this is more of an Apple limitation. Another point of contention is the context menu and inconsistent input registrations, which can require switching between stylus and touch inputs.
Despite its flaws and the need for further refinement, Figurative for Figma offers a much-needed solution for iPad and now, Apple Vision Pro users. It makes the Figma design experience more accessible and functional on these devices. Users appreciate the efforts behind the app and the potential it holds to revolutionize their design workflows on the go.
The app’s transition from iPad to Apple Vision Pro is noted as an exciting advancement, though users are advised that a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard might be necessary for more intensive editing. This leap into the Vision Pro realm shows the app’s adaptability and the continued commitment to improving user experience across new technology platforms.
While users have pointed out several bugs and areas for potential improvement, the overall consensus is one of appreciation for the app’s capabilities and hope for future updates to address the existing issues. Figurative for Figma stands out as a valuable tool for designers looking to leverage their iPads and Vision Pro devices for more mobile and versatile design work.
