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Common Export Problems

Export errors can be frustrating. This guide helps you diagnose and fix issues preventing successful PDF generation.
Most export errors have simple fixes. Follow the troubleshooting steps systematically to identify and resolve the issue.

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Problem 1: Export Fails or Hangs

Symptoms:
  • Export process starts but never finishes
  • Plugin appears frozen
  • Progress bar stuck
  • No error message, just hangs
Common causes: Large files, complex designs, memory issues

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Diagnosis Steps

1

Check File Complexity

Identify problematic elements:Common culprits:
  • Very high-resolution images (5000+ px)
  • Hundreds of layers
  • Complex vector paths (1000+ nodes)
  • Heavy blur/shadow effects
  • Multiple artboards (50+)
Check:
  1. Note file size in Figma (MB)
  2. Count layers in layers panel
  3. Check image resolutions
Rule of thumb:
  • Simple file: < 50 layers, < 20 MB
  • Complex file: 100-500 layers, 20-100 MB
  • Very complex: 500+ layers, > 100 MB
Very complex files: More likely to timeout
2

Check Browser Memory

Figma runs in browser = memory limitsCheck browser console:
  1. Open Developer Tools (F12 or Cmd+Option+I)
  2. Console tab
  3. Look for “Out of memory” errors
Memory usage:
  • Chrome: chrome://system → mem_usage
  • Check if near limit (typically 2-4 GB for single tab)
If high memory:
  • Close other tabs
  • Restart browser
  • Try exporting again
3

Check Internet Connection

Plugin needs stable connection:
  • Upload to Figma servers
  • Download processed PDF
  • Any interruption = failure
Test connection:
  • Speed test (fast.com)
  • Ping google.com
If unstable: Switch to wired connection or better WiFi
4

Try Different Browser

Browser-specific issues:If using Chrome: Try Firefox or Edge If using Firefox: Try Chrome If using Safari: Try Chrome (best Figma support)Desktop app: If available, try Figma desktop app (better performance)

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Solutions

Reduce complexity temporarily:Steps:
  1. Duplicate frame (backup)
  2. Flatten complex objects:
    • Select heavy effects
    • Right-click → Flatten
    • Reduces layer count
  3. Reduce image resolutions:
    • Images > 3000px → resize to 3000px max
    • Maintain 300 DPI for print size
  4. Remove hidden layers:
    • Often forgotten and add weight
    • Select → Delete
  5. Simplify vectors:
    • Complex paths → Flatten
    • Reduce nodes if possible
Export: Should process fasterRestore: Use backup if you need to edit further
For multi-page documents:Instead of: Exporting all 50 pages at onceDo: Export in batches:
  • Pages 1-10: Export PDF 1
  • Pages 11-20: Export PDF 2
  • Etc.
Combine later:
  • Adobe Acrobat: Tools → Combine Files
  • Online: Smallpdf, ILovePDF combine tools
  • Mac Preview: Drag PDFs into sidebar
Downside: Extra step, but works when single export fails
Wait longer:Very complex files take time:
  • 10-50 layers: 10-30 seconds
  • 100-200 layers: 1-3 minutes
  • 500+ layers: 5-10 minutes
  • 1000+ layers: 10-20 minutes
Don’t cancel if progress bar moving (even slowly)If truly hung (no movement for 10+ minutes):
  • Cancel
  • Try simplification approaches above
Fresh start:Steps:
  1. Close Figma completely
  2. Clear browser cache:
    • Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
    • Select “Cached images and files”
    • Time range: All time
  3. Restart browser
  4. Reopen Figma
  5. Try export again
Also try:
  • Restart computer (clears memory)
  • Log out and back into Figma
  • Reinstall plugin (rare but can help)
Fixes: Corrupted cache, memory leaks

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Problem 2: “Export Failed” Error Message

Symptoms:
  • Error dialog appears
  • Generic “Export failed” message
  • Or specific error code
Causes: Various technical issues

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Specific Error Messages

  • File Too Large
  • Network/Connection Error
  • Timeout Error
  • Permission/License Error
  • Invalid Configuration
Error: “File size exceeds limit” or “Export too large”Cause: Generated PDF > allowed size (typically 100-200 MB)Solutions:A. Enable compression:
  • Export tab → Compression: 85% → 75%
  • Re-export
B. Enable downsampling:
  • Export tab → Downsample images: Enabled
  • Reduces image resolution to 300 DPI
  • Remove excess detail
C. Reduce image sizes:
  • Before adding to Figma, resize images
  • Calculate needed size: (inches × 300 DPI)
  • Don’t use 6000px image for 2” print area
D. Remove unused elements:
  • Hidden layers
  • Off-canvas objects
  • Duplicate images
See: File Size Issues for detailed guide

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Problem 3: PDF Exports But Is Blank/Missing Content

Symptoms:
  • PDF generates successfully
  • But pages blank or elements missing
  • File size suspiciously small
Cause: Layers not exporting, visibility issues, or export settings

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Diagnosis

Hidden layers don’t export:In Figma:
  1. Check layers panel
  2. Look for hidden layers (eye icon crossed out)
  3. Unhide layers you want exported
  4. Re-export
Common mistake: Hiding layer during design, forgetting to unhideAlso check:
  • Layers outside frame boundaries
  • Zero opacity layers (invisible)
  • Layers behind other opaque layers
Exporting correct frames?In Print for Figma:
  • Verify correct frames selected for export
  • Not selecting empty frames accidentally
Check:
  1. Click through frames in Figma
  2. Verify content present
  3. Ensure frames selected in plugin
Fix: Select correct frames with content
Masks can hide content unexpectedly:Look for:
  • Clipping masks cutting off elements
  • Mask layers positioned wrong
  • Boolean operations hiding content
Test:
  • Temporarily disable masks
  • Export
  • If content appears, mask was issue
Fix: Adjust mask size/position to include content
Some blend modes may not export correctly:Problematic blend modes:
  • Difference
  • Exclusion
  • Certain advanced modes
Test:
  • Change blend mode to Normal
  • Export
  • If appears, blend mode was issue
Fix:
  • Flatten layer with blend mode
  • Or use different blend mode
  • Re-export
Linked content restrictions:If using:
  • Images from external library
  • Figma components from other files
  • Shared team assets
May need:
  • Edit access to source files
  • Published library access
  • Team permissions
Test: Copy all content to new standalone file, try exporting

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Solutions

1

Make All Layers Visible

Before exporting:
  1. Select all frames to export
  2. In layers panel: Show all layers (unhide)
  3. Set all opacities to 100% (if applicable)
  4. Verify content visible in Figma
  5. Export
Shortcut: Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+H (show/hide layers)
2

Flatten Problematic Layers

For complex layers not exporting:
  1. Select layer
  2. Right-click → Flatten
  3. Converts to rasterized image
  4. Should export reliably
Downside: No longer editable, but ensures export
3

Export as Images Instead

Temporary workaround:If vector export failing:
  1. Export frames as PNG (300 DPI)
  2. Create new Figma frame
  3. Place PNG images
  4. Export simple frame to PDF
Not ideal: Loses vector benefits, but works
4

Check PDF in Different Viewer

May be viewer issue, not export:Try opening in:
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Preview (Mac)
  • Browser PDF viewer
  • Different PDF app
If shows in one but not another: Viewer compatibility issue, not export problem

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Problem 4: Corrupted or Unreadable PDF

Symptoms:
  • PDF won’t open
  • “File corrupted” error
  • Opens but displays garbage/errors
Cause: Export interrupted, disk error, software bug

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Solutions

Simplest fix:
  1. Delete corrupted PDF
  2. Export again from Print for Figma
  3. Wait for full completion
  4. Don’t interrupt process
  5. Verify file size reasonable (not 0 bytes)
Check: Open immediately after export to verify
Disk/permission issue:Instead of default location:
  • Export to Desktop
  • Or different drive
  • Different folder with full write permissions
May fix: Permission errors, disk errors
Settings may cause issue:Change:
  • PDF Format: Try PDF/X-1a instead of PDF/X-4
  • Compression: Try 85% instead of 95%
  • Downsampling: Enable
Simpler settings: Sometimes more compatible
If PDF partially works:Online tools:
  • PDFaid.com (repair corrupted PDFs)
  • iLovePDF repair tool
Adobe Acrobat:
  • Open PDF
  • File → Save As (reprocesses file)
  • May fix minor corruption
Last resort: Not guaranteed but worth trying

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Problem 5: Printer Rejects PDF

Symptoms:
  • PDF opens fine for you
  • Printer says “Invalid file”, “Can’t process”, or “Error”
Cause: PDF format incompatibility

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Printer Requirements

  • Check PDF Format
  • Check Color Space
  • Check Resolution
  • Check File Size
  • Check Fonts
Different printers require different formats:Common requirements:
  • PDF/X-1a: Most compatible, CMYK only
  • PDF/X-3: Allows RGB, ICC profiles
  • PDF/X-4: Modern, transparency support
Ask printer: “What PDF format do you require?”In Print for Figma:
  • Export tab → PDF Format
  • Select printer’s required format
  • Re-export
If unsure: PDF/X-1a is safest (most universal)

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Get Printer Specifications

1

Request Print Specs

Email or call printer:“What are your PDF specifications for print files?”Ask for:
  • PDF format (PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4?)
  • Color space (CMYK required?)
  • Resolution (DPI?)
  • File size limit
  • Font embedding requirements
  • ICC profile preference
Professional printers: Usually have spec sheet to send
2

Configure Print for Figma

Match their specs exactly:
  • PDF Format: As specified
  • DPI: As specified (usually 300)
  • Color: CMYK with their preferred ICC profile
  • Embed fonts: Enabled
  • Compression: Adjust to stay under file size limit
Save as preset: “PrinterName - Specs”
3

Send Test File

Before full order:
  1. Export single page test
  2. Upload to printer
  3. Verify they can process
  4. Get confirmation it’s good
Then: Export full job with same settings

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Problem 6: Colors Wrong in Exported PDF

See dedicated guide: Color Issues Quick fixes:
  • Ensure “Convert to CMYK” enabled
  • Select correct ICC profile
  • Use Relative Colorimetric rendering intent
  • Enable soft proofing to preview

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Prevention: Export Best Practices

Before every export:
1

Organize Figma File

  • Name layers clearly
  • Delete unused layers
  • Remove hidden layers (if not needed)
  • Frame content properly
  • Check all content visible
2

Verify Settings

  • DPI: 300 (standard)
  • Compression: 85% (balanced)
  • PDF Format: PDF/X-1a (most compatible)
  • CMYK: Enabled with correct ICC profile
  • Embed fonts: Enabled
  • Bleed: Enabled (if applicable)
3

Test Export

  • Export single page first
  • Open in Acrobat/Preview
  • Verify all content present
  • Check colors reasonable
  • Zoom to check quality
  • If good, export full document
4

Verify Output

  • Open PDF immediately
  • Check file size reasonable
  • Verify page count correct
  • Spot-check content
  • If printing, check with printer they can open
Save time: Test exports early, catch issues before full export

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Getting Help

If still experiencing issues:
Before contacting support:Gather:
  • Exact error message (screenshot)
  • Browser console errors (F12 → Console tab)
  • File size and complexity (layer count)
  • Export settings used
  • What you’ve already tried
Helps support: Diagnose faster
For Print for Figma issues:
  • Check plugin page for support email
  • Or community forum
  • Include error details above
Response time: Typically 24-48 hours
May be Figma platform issue:
  • Visit status.figma.com
  • Check for outages
  • If platform issue, wait for resolution
During outages: Exports may fail regardless of settings
Search existing solutions:
  • Figma Community forum
  • Print for Figma discussions
  • Others may have solved same issue
Post your issue: Include details, others can help

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Learn More

File Size Issues

Optimize large PDFs

Color Issues

Fix color problems

Export Settings

Configure settings correctly

Preflight Checklist

Quality control before export
Pro tip: Save your export settings as a preset once you get them working. This ensures consistency and prevents errors from misconfiguration.