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Figmabi_tool~5 mins

Branching and merging in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

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Introduction
Branching and merging in Figma lets you work on design changes separately without affecting the main file. This helps teams try new ideas safely and then combine the best changes back into the main design.
When you want to try a new design idea without changing the original file
When multiple team members need to work on different parts of a design at the same time
When you want to review changes before adding them to the main design
When you need to fix a bug or update a design without interrupting ongoing work
When preparing different versions of a design for client review
Steps
Step 1: Open the main Figma file
- Figma desktop app or web app
The main design file is visible on your screen
Step 2: Click the Branch button
- Top toolbar near the file name
A new branch is created, showing a copy of the main file for separate editing
💡 Name your branch clearly to describe the changes you plan to make
Step 3: Make your design changes
- In the new branch file
Your edits appear only in the branch, leaving the main file unchanged
Step 4: Click the Merge button
- Top toolbar in the branch file after finishing edits
A merge dialog opens to review changes before adding them to the main file
Step 5: Review changes and confirm merge
- Merge dialog
Your branch changes are combined into the main file, updating it with your edits
Step 6: Delete the branch if no longer needed
- Branch management panel
The branch is removed to keep the project organized
Before vs After
Before
Main file shows original design with no changes from the branch
After
Main file includes new design changes merged from the branch
Settings Reference
Branch name
📍 Branch creation dialog
Helps identify the purpose of the branch
Default: Untitled branch
Merge conflict resolution
📍 Merge dialog
Decide how to handle conflicting changes between branch and main file
Default: Manually edit
Branch deletion
📍 Branch management panel
Manage branches to avoid clutter
Default: Keep branch
Common Mistakes
Merging a branch without reviewing changes
This can introduce unwanted or incomplete edits into the main file
Always review the merge dialog carefully before confirming
Not naming branches clearly
Makes it hard to know what changes each branch contains
Use descriptive branch names that explain the purpose
Editing the main file while a branch is open
Can cause conflicts and confusion about which changes belong where
Keep edits separate by working only in the branch or main file at a time
Summary
Branching lets you work on design changes separately without affecting the main file
Merging combines your branch changes back into the main file after review
Always name branches clearly and review changes before merging to avoid mistakes