Hey guys! Are you looking to take your Figma designs to the next level? Icons are a crucial part of any user interface, and having the right ones can make all the difference. But who has time to scour the internet for the perfect icon, right? That's where Figma icon plugins come in! These handy tools let you access thousands of icons directly within Figma, saving you time and effort. In this article, we're diving into the best free icon plugins for Figma that will boost your design workflow. Let's get started!

Why Use Icon Plugins in Figma?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why you should even bother using icon plugins in Figma. I mean, you could always download icons from various websites and import them, but trust me, that gets old real fast. Here's why icon plugins are a game-changer:

• Time-Saving: Seriously, this is the biggest benefit. Instead of wasting precious time searching for icons across multiple websites, you can find what you need in seconds, right within Figma. This is especially useful when you are mocking up user flows. You can drag and drop different icons directly into the flow, giving your users a clear visual guide on what to expect.
• Consistency: Icon plugins often provide access to entire icon sets, ensuring that all your icons have a consistent style. This is super important for maintaining a professional and polished look in your designs. Ensuring icon consistencies across your design is super helpful for keeping the same tone and voice of your UI. Having a familiar design helps users feel more at home and helps them traverse the application with ease.
• Easy Customization: Many icon plugins allow you to customize the color, size, and stroke weight of icons directly within Figma. This means you can easily adapt the icons to match your brand's style and the overall aesthetic of your design. This also helps with making sure your designs are responsive, since you can always resize or recolor any icon that you place into your design.
• Organization: Plugins help keep your icon library organized. No more hunting through folders on your computer! Everything is neatly categorized and easily searchable within Figma. This also comes in handy for team projects, since everyone will have access to the same library of organized icons.
• Free Resources: There are tons of free icon plugins available for Figma, so you don't have to break the bank to access high-quality icons. While there are always paid options that offer more features, there is no reason not to start out with a free option. Free plugins are perfect for hobbyists, and even for professional designers to test out different icons for their project.

Top Free Icon Plugins for Figma

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best free icon plugins for Figma that you should definitely check out:

1. Iconify

Iconify is a powerhouse of an icon plugin. It boasts a massive library of over 100,000 icons from various open-source icon sets, including Material Design Icons, Font Awesome, and many more. Seriously, you'll find just about any icon you could possibly need in here.

• Key Features:
  • Access to 100,000+ icons.
  • Icons from multiple popular icon sets.
  • Easy search and filtering.
  • Customizable color, size, and stroke weight.
  • Import icons as vector shapes.
• Why it's great: Iconify is a one-stop shop for all your icon needs. The sheer number of icons available is mind-blowing, and the customization options are fantastic. Plus, it's super easy to use. The search function is very accurate, allowing you to quickly find icons. It can also be used for simple tasks such as finding a magnifying glass for your search icon, or a cart icon for your shopping website. The possibilities are endless!

2. Font Awesome Icons

Font Awesome is a classic icon set that's been around for ages. It's known for its clean, simple, and versatile icons that work well in a wide range of designs. The Font Awesome Icons plugin gives you easy access to the entire Font Awesome library within Figma. Keep in mind that the free version has a smaller icon set than the paid version, but it is still a very useful resource.

• Key Features:
  • Access to the Font Awesome icon library.
  • Simple and clean icons.
  • Easy search and insertion.
  • Scalable vector graphics.
• Why it's great: Font Awesome is a reliable and well-established icon set. The icons are consistently designed and easy to work with. This plugin is perfect if you're looking for a clean and minimalist aesthetic. This is also a classic design choice, so if you want to go for something familiar, then Font Awesome is a great pick. If you are a beginner, this icon set can serve as a great starting point for any design!

3. Material Design Icons

If you're designing for Android or following Google's Material Design guidelines, the Material Design Icons plugin is a must-have. It provides access to the complete set of official Material Design Icons. This is an absolute essential if you're trying to adhere to Material Design guidelines, as it is a one-stop shop for icons that are compliant with the design principles. The icons are consistent and adhere to a specific standard, which can greatly increase the overall feel of your application.

• Key Features:
  • Access to the official Material Design Icons.
  • Icons designed specifically for Android and Google products.
  • Consistent and well-documented.
  • Easy to integrate into Material Design projects.
• Why it's great: This plugin ensures that your designs are perfectly aligned with Material Design principles. The icons are meticulously crafted and come with detailed documentation, making them easy to use and understand. If you're developing apps that are designed for the Google Play Store, then this is definitely a plugin you should be using!

4. Feather Icons

Feather Icons is a collection of simple, beautiful, and open-source icons. The icons are designed with a focus on minimalism and readability, making them a great choice for a variety of projects. If you are looking to create a very sleek and modern design, then Feather Icons is a great plugin to pick up.

• Key Features:
  • Open source and free to use.
  • Consistent stroke weight of 2px.
  • Easy to customize and resize.
  • Perfect for minimalist designs.
• Why it's great: Feather Icons are incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your specific needs. The consistent stroke weight ensures that the icons look great at any size. Perfect if you want to create a clean and modern look. The icons are incredibly well-made and useful in a variety of modern application designs.

5. Remix Icon

Remix Icon is a set of open-source neutral-style system symbols elaborately crafted for designers and developers. All of the icons are free for personal and commercial use. If you need an icon for a more unique use case, this might be a great place to browse since it is a large library of intricate designs that are available to you.

• Key Features:
  • Open source and free to use.
  • Neutral style system symbols.
  • Great for both designers and developers.
• Why it's great: Remix Icon has a very unique set of icons that are designed for a lot of use cases. If you can't find what you are looking for from the other simple icon plugins, you can definitely find what you are looking for with Remix Icon. You can use these in unique ways to make your designs stand out from the rest.

How to Install and Use Figma Icon Plugins

Installing and using icon plugins in Figma is a breeze. Here's a quick guide:

1. Open Figma: Launch Figma in your browser or desktop app.
2. Go to Community: Click on the "Community" tab in the top toolbar.
3. Search for Plugins: In the search bar, type the name of the icon plugin you want to install (e.g., "Iconify").
4. Install the Plugin: Click on the plugin in the search results and then click the "Install" button.
5. Use the Plugin: To use the plugin, go back to your design file, right-click on the canvas, select "Plugins," and then choose the plugin you just installed.
6. Browse and Insert Icons: The plugin window will open, allowing you to search for and insert icons into your design.

Tips for Using Icons Effectively

Now that you have access to all these amazing icons, here are a few tips to use them effectively in your designs:

• Maintain Consistency: Use icons from the same icon set or with a similar style to ensure a consistent look and feel.
• Use Icons Sparingly: Don't overcrowd your designs with too many icons. Use them strategically to enhance clarity and visual appeal.
• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure your icons are large enough and have sufficient contrast to be easily seen by users with visual impairments. This can greatly help improve the overall user experience of your applications, so make sure that you follow the proper guidelines.
• Test with Users: Get feedback from users to ensure that your icons are clear and understandable. This is a great way to catch any inconsistencies in your designs, so user testing is a crucial part of the design process!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The best free icon plugins for Figma to supercharge your design workflow. With these tools at your disposal, you'll be able to find and use high-quality icons quickly and easily, saving you time and helping you create stunning designs. Give these plugins a try and see how they can transform your Figma experience!

Happy designing, everyone! Don't forget to share your favorite icon plugins in the comments below. I'm always on the lookout for new and awesome tools to add to my design arsenal!