Figma Heating CPU: Causes and Solutions

Figma Desktop App CPU Overheating: Causes and Solutions

The Figma desktop app often heats the CPU to 70°C and loads it at 11% due to optimization problems after recent updates, especially when working with large files, rulers, or editing elements. This is related to more intensive data processing in the desktop version compared to the web version, where the load is significantly lower. The main causes include rendering errors, caching issues, and suboptimal CPU resource usage.

Table of Contents

• Main Causes of High Temperatures in Figma
• Step-by-Step Solutions to Overheating Problem
• Figma Performance Optimization
• Alternative Work Options
• Additional Cooling Tips

Main Causes of High Temperatures in Figma

The problem of the CPU heating to 70°C with 11% load in the Figma desktop app is caused by several factors that have become particularly noticeable after recent updates:

Rendering Issues
Research from the Figma Blog shows that rendering complex scenes with thousands of layers creates significant CPU load. On forums, users note that heating begins precisely when starting to edit elements, not when viewing files.

Update Errors
According to user reports on the Figma Forum, the problem appeared after updates to the Tahoe and v114.4 versions. These updates caused the CPU not to return to idle state after editing operations.

Element Interaction Features
On Reddit, users note that high load occurs when dragging elements, especially when the pointer crosses the boundary of the layers panel. This leads to sharp temperature spikes.

Enabled Features
According to user reports, enabling the “Rulers” option significantly increases CPU load when moving elements and scaling.

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Step-by-Step Solutions to Overheating Problem

Version Check and Update

Make sure you’re using the latest version of Figma. Some issues related to high CPU usage have been fixed in newer versions. If you’re using older versions, update the application through the official website or installer.

Disabling Unnecessary Features

1. Turn off rulers: Go to Figma menu → View → Rulers and disable this option
2. Close unused tabs: The fewer open files, the lower the load
3. Disable prototype previews: If you’re not testing prototypes, close them

Optimizing Work with Large Files

• Split large complex files into smaller components
• Use layers to group related elements
• Remove unused elements and styles

Performance Settings

1. Close other resource-intensive applications
2. Make sure you have enough free RAM
3. Check the power saving settings of your operating system

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Figma Performance Optimization

Hardware Solutions

If the problem persists, consider the following hardware optimizations:

Power Management

• Plug your laptop into a power source
• Change the power mode to “High Performance” in OS settings
• Disable background processes that might compete for CPU resources

System Cooling

• Clean dust from ventilation openings
• Use a cooling pad for your laptop
• Ensure your computer has adequate space for ventilation

Program Settings

• Use “Read-only” mode for files you’re not editing
• Close Figma when not in use
• Restart the application every 2-3 hours of work

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Alternative Work Options

Figma Web Version

As you’ve already noticed, the Figma web version creates significantly less load:

• CPU temperature: 60°C instead of 70°C
• CPU load: 5% instead of 11%
• No fan noise

To improve web version performance:

• Use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• Disable browser extensions that might interfere with operation
• Use a stable internet connection

Other Alternatives

1. Figma for tablets: If you have a tablet, try working there
2. Work in parts: Split your project into phases and work on different parts at different times
3. Use offline tools: For simple operations, you can use other graphic editors

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Additional Cooling Tips

Preventive Measures

Regularly perform the following actions to prevent overheating:

Hardware Maintenance

• Clean ventilation openings every 3-6 months
• Replace thermal paste on the CPU every 1-2 years
• Check fan operation and replace if necessary

Software Prevention

• Update your graphics card drivers
• Periodically restart your computer
• Monitor CPU temperature using special utilities

Temperature Monitoring

Use programs for temperature monitoring:

• Windows: HWMonitor, Core Temp
• macOS: iStat Menus, Temperature Gauge
• Linux: lm-sensors, psensor

This will allow you to track temperature in real-time and respond to overheating in a timely manner.

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Conclusion

The problem of the CPU heating to 70°C with 11% load in the Figma desktop app is common and is related to recent updates and rendering features. The main solutions are disabling unnecessary features, updating the application, optimizing hardware settings, and switching to the web version when working with less complex projects.

To prevent overheating, it’s recommended to regularly maintain hardware, monitor CPU temperature, and use various methods to optimize Figma work. If the problem persists, it’s worth contacting Figma support or considering alternative ways to work with the application.

Sources

1. CPU overheating after Figma update | Figma Forum
2. Desktop APP Figma CPU temperature rises to 70 degrees Celsius and the load reaches 11%. What should I do? | Figma Forum
3. Desktop App Figma v114.4 - High CPU usage when editing | Figma Forum
4. Anyone else experiencing high CPU usage with Figma lately? | Reddit
5. Keeping Figma Fast | Figma Blog
6. Lagging and high CPU usage when the “Ruler” option is enabled | Figma Forum
7. Intel mac overheating and throttles | Figma Forum
8. High CPU Usage Causing Figma to Lag, Crash and Reboot Mac | Figma Forum