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How you can design end to end on a Chromebook | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)

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Chromebooks, once considered too limited for professional design, can now support an end-to-end design workflow when paired with cloud-based tools. The author’s year of using Chrome OS professionally shows that Figma, web apps, and cloud storage can replace most desktop software, although custom fonts, internet access, and specialized audio/video work remain limitations.

Why Switch to a Chromebook?

  • The author moved from a Mac at Square because Chromebooks offered:
    • Stronger security
    • Lower cost
    • Automatic file backup and synchronization
  • Using a Chromebook helped the author understand coworkers who used Chrome OS.
  • Because Figma already ran in the browser, the transition was easier than expected.

Six Things Designers Should Know About Chrome OS

  • Figma is essential: It is the author’s preferred cloud-based design tool and works natively in the browser.
  • Keyboard shortcuts differ: The Control key replaces Command, while the Search key can act as a modifier. Figma’s shortcut menu displays Chrome OS-specific commands.
  • Performance is sufficient: Figma performed well across three different Chromebooks.
  • Most supporting tools are web-based: Slack, Grammarly, Funkify, and G Suite worked without major issues.
  • Font installation is limited: Chrome OS does not currently support custom typefaces, though Google Fonts provides many alternatives.
  • Internet access matters: Offline functionality exists, but cloud-based workflows are strongest when connected. Touchscreens are useful for scrolling and navigating canvases.

Choosing Chromebook Hardware

  • The author tested an HP Chromebook, the touchscreen-and-stylus Samsung Pro, and eventually chose the Google Pixelbook.
  • The Pixelbook’s keyboard and trackpad were the deciding factors.
  • Although it started at $999, it cost less than one-third of the author’s previous MacBook Pro.
  • Cheaper devices, including the $85 Chromebit, could also support lightweight workflows.

Cloud-Based Tools for a Complete Workflow

  • Creating: Figma, SuperHi, Google Slides, Paste, Grammarly, Google Docs, and Dropbox Paper.
  • Organizing: Asana, Google Tasks, Bonsai, Notion, and 1Password X.
  • Messaging and meetings: Signal, Telegram, Slack, and Google Meet.
  • Media: Spotify and Pocket Casts.
  • The author still used a Mac for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, since video and audio editing remained desktop-focused.

The Web as a Design Platform

  • Cloud software eliminates much of the burden of saving and backing up files.
  • Files are accessible from any browser rather than being tied to a particular device.
  • Advancements such as WebGL demonstrate that browsers can handle sophisticated, real-time applications.
  • The web’s openness and accessibility make it an increasingly viable platform for professional software.

Overall, designers who primarily use cloud-based tools can confidently consider a Chromebook, especially if affordability, portability, and synchronized files are priorities. Those dependent on custom fonts or advanced media-production software may still need a traditional computer.