A file is the individual document where you create and design your work. It's similar to a document in word processing software or a canvas in a painting app. Each file in Figma is a separate workspace where you can draw, design, and prototype. For instance, if you're designing a website, each webpage you design might be a different file.

A Figma file contains all your design elements, like text, shapes, images, and layers. You can also add interactive components and create prototypes within the same file. In short, files are where you do the hands-on work of designing. To create a new file, navigate to Figma's file browser, select the desired project, and click the + button. You can create a standalone project by directly clicking the Design button at the top of the file browser. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl N (Windows) or Cmd N (Mac) when in the home view.

Figma uses a proprietary cloud-based format for its design files, supporting collaboration and real-time editing. For exports, it supports PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF formats, while imports can include SVG, PNG, JPG, and files from Sketch.