Figma is built for collaboration, and annotations—whether comments, labels, or notes—are essential for communicating intent. But if you’re sharing a file with someone who only has View access, you might be wondering:
Can viewers see annotations in Figma?
The short answer is: Yes, but with limits.
In this article, we’ll break down what viewers can and can’t see when it comes to annotations, and how to use Figma’s built-in tools to communicate design decisions effectively.
✅ What Viewers Can See in Figma
If someone has View-only access to your Figma file, here’s what they can see:
1. Comments (from the comment tool)
Viewers can:
- See all visible comment pins
- Read threaded comment discussions
- Reply to comments (if comment access is allowed)
- Filter comments by status (Resolved, Unresolved, etc.)
💡 Comment visibility is tied to canvas zoom and visibility — if a comment is placed on a hidden layer or in a collapsed page, they might not notice it.
2. Sticky Notes (in FigJam files)
In FigJam, sticky notes and other collaborative annotations are fully visible to viewers.
3. Visible Text Annotations on Canvas
If you’ve added labels, callouts, or text boxes manually as part of your design (like “Note: Placeholder Image”), viewers will see them like any other design layer.
❌ What Viewers Can’t Do
With View-only permissions, users cannot:
- Move or edit annotations
- Add new comments or comment pins (unless “Can comment” access is granted)
- See hidden pages or layers with annotations
- Use Dev Mode (unless specifically invited)
🔒 Important: Figma’s access settings control whether a user is a Viewer, Commenter, or Editor. Only Editors can make changes to annotations placed on the canvas (like text notes or guide lines).
🛠️ Best Practices for Annotations in Shared Files
If you’re sending a design for review or handoff, and want to ensure your annotations are seen:
- Use Comments for Collaboration
Use Figma’s comment tool to place targeted feedback directly on UI elements. - Label Things Clearly
Add non-editable text labels like “Dev Note” or “Do Not Touch” directly on the canvas using a dedicated annotation style. - Create a Review Page
Add a separate page titled “Review Notes” or “Dev Handoff” that compiles key guidance for viewers. - Use Color-Coded Frames
Group annotated sections in colored frames (like red or yellow outlines) for visibility.
🤝 When to Use Comment Access vs. View-Only
| Use Case | Best Access Type |
|---|---|
| Design handoff | Viewer (with Dev Mode, if needed) |
| Design review or feedback | Commenter |
| Internal collaboration | Editor |
| Stakeholder visibility | Viewer or Commenter |
📌 Summary: Can Viewers See Annotations?
| Annotation Type | Visible to Viewers? |
|---|---|
| Figma Comments | ✅ Yes |
| Sticky Notes (FigJam) | ✅ Yes |
| Canvas Text Notes | ✅ Yes |
| Hidden Layer Notes | ❌ No |
| Ability to Add/Edit | ❌ No (View-only) |
So yes, viewers can see annotations in Figma—but only the ones you’ve made visible and accessible. For clear communication, use a mix of Figma comments, styled text notes, and clearly labeled frames to ensure your message gets across.
Want a faster way to leave developer notes, tag teammates, or manage annotations at scale? Check out our guides on smart commenting workflows and Dev Mode enhancements at Designilo.com.
Designilo 