Unpublishing a design system or any file you've shared in the Figma Community is a straightforward process that can be done from two locations.
You can unpublish a file from the Figma Community directly from the original file in the editor or from the file's listing page within the Community.
Methods to Unpublish Your Figma Design System
Figma provides two primary paths to unpublish a resource you've shared with the Community. Both methods are quick and easily accessible.
Method 1: Unpublish from the Original File
This method is useful if you have the original Figma file open or can easily access it from your recent files or drafts.
- Open the file: Navigate to and open the original Figma file in the editor that you previously published.
- Access Share settings: In the toolbar at the top right, Click the Share button.
- Go to Community tab: In the modal that appears, Select the Publish to Community tab at the top.
- Find Unpublish option: Within this tab, you will find the options related to your file's Community listing. Look for the unpublish option.
- Confirm unpublishing: Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to remove the file from the Figma Community.
(Based on Reference 1. A.)
Method 2: Unpublish from the Community Listing
This method is ideal if you are already browsing the Figma Community and have found the listing for your design system file.
- Open the file page: Go to the Figma Community website and find the page for your specific design system file.
- Locate Unpublish button: Scroll to the bottom of the file page. You should see an Unpublish button.
- Click Unpublish: Click the Unpublish button.
- Confirm in dialog: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Unpublish again in this dialog to finalize the action.
(Based on Reference 2. B.)
Comparing the Two Methods
Both methods achieve the same result: removing your file from public view in the Figma Community. The choice between them depends purely on your starting point and preference.
| Feature | Unpublish from Original File | Unpublish from Community Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | Original Figma file in the editor | File's listing page in the Figma Community |
| Steps | Open file -> Share -> Publish to Community tab -> Unpublish | Go to Community page -> Find file -> Scroll down -> Unpublish |
| Accessibility | Requires access to the original file | Requires finding the file page in the Community |
Choosing the best method depends on whether you are currently working in the Figma editor or browsing the Community.
Once successfully unpublished, your design system file will no longer be discoverable or accessible to others browsing the Figma Community, although collaborators you have directly invited to the file will still have access based on their permissions.
