View and manage branches

View and manage branches of a Figma Design file from the branches modal. You can identify design files with branches using the icon.

View branches

With view access to the main file, you can view its branches from the main file, a branch, or the file browser, including with a View seat.

From a file 

1. Click the next to the file/branch name in the toolbar.
2. Select See all branches to open the branches modal.
3. From the file name menu, you can duplicate the branch as a new file. To rename or archive a branch, you also need a seat that allows editing in Figma Design and edit access to the main file:
   • Select Duplicate as new file to create a new file from the branch. This will create a separate file, so you won't be able to apply any changes from that file back to the main file.
   • Select Rename to change the name of the branch (from branch only)
   • Select Archive to archive the current branch without merging (from branch only)

From the file browser

If a file has branches, you'll see an icon on the top-left of the file tile, and the total number of branches underneath the file name.

• Click to view the main file
• Use the dropdown to select one of the branches

Manage branches

View all branches in the Branches modal. You'll see three tabs for Active and Archived branches, as well as branches you created (Yours). The Archived tab includes both merged and archived branches.

With view access to the main file, you can open branches and copy their links. To rename, archive, restore, or merge branches, you also need a seat that allows editing in Figma Design and edit access to the main file.

The Branches modal includes the following actions:

• Open a branch
• Merge a branch
• Archive a branch
• Copy link to branch
• Rename a branch
• Restore an archived branch

Open branch

You can open, view, and explore any active or archived branches. You can view any pages, comments, and a full version history for that branch.

1. Find the branch you want to open. You can find merged branches in the Archived tab.
2. Hover over the branch and click Open. Figma will open that branch in the editor.

Archive branch

Archive any historic, abandoned, or incomplete branches.

1. Find the branch you want to archive.
2. Click to open the menu.
3. Select Archive to move the branch to the Archived tab.

Copy link to branch

Copy a link to the branch to share the file URL with a co-worker or collaborator.

1. Open the branches modal.
2. Next to the branch you want to share, click to open the menu.
3. Select Copy link to add the URL for the branch to your clipboard.

Rename branch

1. Open the branches modal.
2. Next to the branch you want to share, click to open the menu.
3. Select Rename from the options.
4. The branch name will now be an editable field. Enter the new name in the field provided.
5. Press Enter or click outside the field to apply your changes.

Restore an archived branch

Restore an archived branch. This allows you to continue to edit the file, as well as merge your updates into the main file. It's not possible to restore a merged branch. 

1. Select the Archived tab.
2. Find the archived branch.
3. Click to open the menu.
4. Select Restore to continue to edit the branch.