Finding plugins in Figma’s UI3 interface can be confusing if you’re new to the platform or transitioning from the older interface. With the 2025 updates, plugin locations have been reorganized for better accessibility, but this means the old locations no longer apply. This guide will show you exactly where to find plugins in every part of Figma’s interface.
Quick Answer: Where Are Plugins Located?
In Figma’s current UI3 interface, plugins are primarily located in:
- Actions Menu – Main toolbar → Actions button (▶️) → Plugins
- Quick Actions – Keyboard shortcut
Ctrl/Cmd + /
→ Search “plugins” - Plugin Shortcut – Direct access via
Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + P
- Community Tab – For discovering and installing new plugins
- Context Menus – Right-click menus (for some plugins)
Primary Plugin Location: Actions Menu
Locating the Actions Menu
The main plugin access point is through the Actions menu:
- Find the Toolbar – Look at the top of your Figma interface
- Locate Actions Button – Find the play button icon (▶️) labeled “Actions”
- Click Actions – This opens the dropdown menu
- Select “Plugins” – Click on “Plugins” option in the menu
Visual Landmark: The Actions button is positioned between the “Share” button and the user profile section in the top toolbar.
What You’ll Find in the Plugin Menu
When you access plugins through the Actions menu, you’ll see:
- Recent Plugins – Your last 5-10 used plugins at the top
- All Plugins – Complete alphabetical list of installed plugins
- Search Bar – Type to filter plugins by name
- Browse Community – Link to discover new plugins
Alternative Plugin Locations
Quick Actions Search
Access plugins through Figma’s universal search:
- Open Quick Actions – Press
Ctrl/Cmd + /
or click the search icon - Type “Plugins” – Enter “plugins” in the search field
- Select Plugin Option – Click “Show Plugins” from results
- Or Search Directly – Type a specific plugin name to launch it immediately
Keyboard Shortcut Access
The fastest way to access plugins:
- Windows/Linux:
Ctrl + Alt + P
- Mac:
Cmd + Option + P
This shortcut opens the plugin selection menu directly, bypassing all other navigation.
Context Menu Locations
Some plugins appear in right-click context menus:
- Select an Object – Click on any design element
- Right-Click – Open the context menu
- Look for Plugin Options – Some plugins appear directly in this menu
Note: Only certain plugins support context menu integration.
Finding Plugins in Different Figma Sections
In Design Files
When working in a design file:
- Main Location – Actions menu in the top toolbar
- Alternative – Quick Actions search (
Ctrl/Cmd + /
) - Shortcut – Direct plugin shortcut (
Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + P
)
In FigJam Files
FigJam has a slightly different layout:
- Actions Menu – Similar location to design files
- Plugin Compatibility – Not all design plugins work in FigJam
- FigJam-Specific Plugins – Some plugins are designed specifically for FigJam
In Community Tab
For discovering new plugins:
- Click Community Tab – Located in the top-left navigation
- Use Plugin Filter – Click “Plugins” to see only plugin results
- Browse Categories – Explore different plugin types
- Search by Function – Use keywords to find specific plugin types
Common Issues: “I Can’t Find Plugins”
Plugin Menu Appears Empty
If the plugin menu shows no plugins:
- No Plugins Installed – You may not have installed any plugins yet
- Account Issues – Ensure you’re logged into the correct Figma account
- Loading Problems – Refresh Figma or clear browser cache
- Network Issues – Check your internet connection
Actions Menu Missing
If you can’t find the Actions menu:
- Wrong View – Ensure you’re in a design file, not just the home screen
- Collapsed Interface – Try expanding the Figma window
- Browser Issues – Refresh the page or try a different browser
- Version Problems – Ensure you’re using the latest Figma version
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
If plugin shortcuts aren’t responding:
- Focus Issues – Click in the Figma canvas first
- Conflicting Software – Other apps might be using the same shortcuts
- Browser Settings – Check if browser extensions are interfering
- OS Shortcuts – Operating system shortcuts might take priority
Plugin Locations in Different Figma Versions
Figma Web (Browser)
In the browser version of Figma:
- Standard Location – Actions menu in top toolbar
- Performance Note – Some plugins may load slower in browsers
- Compatibility – Most plugins work well in modern browsers
Figma Desktop App
In the desktop application:
- Same Interface – Plugin locations are identical to web version
- Better Performance – Plugins often run faster in the desktop app
- Local Storage – Plugin settings may persist better
Mobile and Tablet Access
On mobile devices:
- Limited Plugin Support – Most plugins don’t work on mobile
- View-Only Mode – Mobile is primarily for viewing, not plugin usage
- Desktop Required – Use desktop or web version for full plugin access
Optimizing Plugin Discovery and Access
Creating Efficient Plugin Workflows
Make finding plugins easier:
- Learn Shortcuts – Memorize the plugin keyboard shortcut
- Use Search – Type plugin names rather than browsing
- Bookmark Favorites – Keep frequently used plugins in your mental “favorites”
- Organize by Usage – Focus on learning locations of your most-used plugins
Plugin Management Best Practices
Keep your plugin area organized:
- Regular Cleanup – Remove plugins you don’t use
- Categorize Mentally – Group plugins by function in your mind
- Test Access Points – Try different ways to access plugins
- Stay Updated – Keep track of interface changes
Advanced Plugin Location Tips
Browser-Specific Considerations
Different browsers may affect plugin accessibility:
- Chrome – Best overall compatibility and performance
- Firefox – Good compatibility, may need security adjustments
- Safari – Generally works well, some plugins may have limitations
- Edge – Modern Edge works similarly to Chrome
Team and Organization Settings
Your plugin access might be affected by:
- Team Policies – Organizations may restrict plugin access
- Permission Levels – Your role might limit plugin usage
- Network Restrictions – Corporate networks may block some plugins
- Admin Controls – Check with your Figma admin if plugins are missing
Future-Proofing Your Plugin Knowledge
Staying Updated with Interface Changes
As Figma continues to evolve:
- Follow Figma Updates – Stay informed about interface changes
- Test New Features – Try beta features that might affect plugin locations
- Join Community Discussions – Participate in forums about Figma changes
- Backup Knowledge – Know multiple ways to access plugins
Adapting to New Plugin Systems
Prepare for future plugin developments:
- Learn New Shortcuts – Be ready to adapt to new keyboard shortcuts
- Explore New Features – Try new plugin discovery methods as they’re released
- Maintain Flexibility – Don’t rely on just one method to access plugins
Quick Reference: All Plugin Locations
Primary Access Methods
Method | Location | Speed | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Actions Menu | Top toolbar → Actions (▶️) → Plugins | Medium | Browsing all plugins |
Keyboard Shortcut | Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + P |
Fast | Quick access |
Quick Actions | Ctrl/Cmd + / → Search |
Fast | Specific plugin search |
Context Menu | Right-click → Plugin options | Fast | Object-specific actions |
Community Tab | Community → Plugin filter | Slow | Discovering new plugins |
Conclusion
Finding plugins in Figma’s UI3 interface is straightforward once you know where to look. The Actions menu serves as the primary hub for plugin access, while keyboard shortcuts provide the fastest route for frequent users. By understanding all the available access points and practicing the most efficient methods for your workflow, you’ll never struggle to find plugins again.
Remember that the key to efficient plugin usage is not just knowing where they are, but choosing the access method that best fits your current task. Whether you’re browsing for inspiration, launching a familiar tool, or working with selected objects, there’s a plugin access method designed for your specific needs.
Found What You’re Looking For?
Now that you know where to find plugins, discover Figscreen in the Community tab—the screenshot plugin that’s always right where you need it in your Actions menu.