Why does Figma not have a PNG compression setting?

Figma focuses on design and collaboration, not file optimization. The PNG export simply writes the raw pixel data without any compression or quality slider. You must compress the file after export.

Does exporting at 2x always produce a larger file?

Yes. A 2x export has four times the pixels of a 1x export, so the file size is roughly four times larger. Only use 2x when you need the extra resolution for print or high density displays.

Can I reduce the size of a Figma PNG without losing quality?

For flat UI graphics, palette reduction can cut file size by 40 to 80 percent with no visible change. For photos or gradients, lossy compression like JPG is more effective but reduces quality.

What format should I use instead of PNG for small file size?

Use SVG for simple icons and illustrations. Use JPG for photos or gradients where you can accept some quality loss. Use PNG only when you need transparency or pixel perfect flat colors.

How to Export Smaller PNGs From Figma

If you export graphics from Figma and find the files are larger than expected, the fix has two steps. Choose the right export setting inside Figma, then compress the resulting PNG after export. Figma gives you control over scale and format, but it offers no compression or quality setting for PNGs. Here is how to work around that limitation and get smaller PNGs from your design work.

Where to Find Figma Export Settings

Figma stores export settings in the right hand Design panel. Select a layer or frame, then look for the Export section. Click the + button to add an export setting. Each setting lets you choose a scale (such as 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x) or a fixed width or height. Pick a format: PNG, JPG, SVG or PDF. To export the selected layers directly, use Ctrl+Shift+E (Cmd+Shift+E on Mac) to open the export dialog.

Why Figma PNGs Are Large

Figma exports PNGs without any compression or quality adjustment. The file contains every pixel exactly as rendered on screen. Export at a scale higher than 1x and the pixel count multiplies quickly. A 2x export has four times the pixels of a 1x export. Many users export at 2x or higher without realizing the file size impact, which is why figma png too large is a common complaint.

Choosing the Right Scale and Format

Pick the Lowest Usable Scale

If your graphic will be displayed on screen at 1x, export at 1x. Only use 2x or higher when you need the extra resolution for print or high density displays. Every doubling of scale quadruples the pixel count, so the savings from choosing 1x instead of 2x are substantial.

Consider Other Formats

PNG is lossless and large. For photos or gradients, JPG produces a much smaller file with acceptable quality. For simple icons or illustrations, SVG is smaller than a PNG. Use PNG only when you need transparency or pixel perfect reproduction of flat graphics.

How to Export at the Size You Actually Need

Select the layer or frame you want to export.
In the Design panel, find the Export section and click the + button.
Choose a scale. For screen use, start with 1x. For print or retina displays, consider 2x only if 1x is too small.
Set the format to PNG if you need transparency or flat colors.
Press Ctrl+Shift+E (Cmd+Shift+E on Mac) to export the selected layers.

Exporting at the size actually needed is the first saving. This prevents you from carrying extra pixels that you will never use.

Compressing the Exported PNG After Export

Once you have a PNG from Figma, run it through a compression tool as a second step. PNG compression works by reducing the number of colors and optimizing the internal data. Flat UI graphics, such as buttons, icons, and solid color panels, compress very well with palette reduction. This approach is effective for figma export compression because Figma itself does not offer any compression settings for PNG.

To compress a PNG after export, use a command line tool or a web based service. The process reduces file size by a significant amount for flat graphics without visible quality loss. Photographic content compresses less because it already contains many colors.

Using Palette Reduction for Flat Graphics

Palette reduction limits the PNG to a specific number of colors. This works well for UI elements that use a limited color palette. The steps are:

Open the exported PNG in a compression tool that supports palette reduction.
Set the maximum number of colors. For most UI graphics, a reduced palette preserves the original appearance.
Apply the reduction and save the file.

This method can cut the file size by half or more. It is the most effective technique for figma export png size problems because the graphics you create in Figma are flat and vector based.

Putting it All Together a Practical Workflow

Follow this workflow to consistently produce smaller PNGs from Figma:

Export from Figma at the lowest scale that meets your needs (usually 1x).
Use PNG only when you need transparency or lossless quality for flat graphics.
After export, compress the PNG using a tool that supports palette reduction or general PNG optimization.
Check the file size. If it is still too large, consider exporting as SVG or JPG instead.

By combining these steps, you avoid the common mistake of exporting at 2x unnecessarily and then leaving the file uncompressed. Services like compresspng.org can handle the post export compression step if you prefer a web based option.