Do I Need Figma to Use Vertex 3D?

Updated

Yes. Vertex 3D runs as a Figma plugin, so you need a working Figma environment before you can use it. The product description states plainly that "with this plugin, you can create 3D scenes directly in Figma" — the 3D work happens inside Figma, not in a separate standalone app. If you don't use Figma, this tool isn't a fit for your workflow.

What "needing Figma" actually means

It's not just that Figma is a nice-to-have companion. The plugin model determines where your work lives:

  • Figma is the host. The plugin loads into a Figma file, and the 3D scene you build is created within that Figma context.
  • Your output stays in the design file. Because it's a plugin rather than an export tool, the scenes you make are part of your Figma work, not a separate project you manage elsewhere.
  • No Figma account, no plugin. Plugin access is tied to being in Figma, so the prerequisite is simply having a Figma environment to open it in.

What you can do once you're inside

According to the product description, the plugin covers:

  • A library of pre-made models you can drop into a scene
  • A variety of materials to apply
  • SVG upload with conversion to 3D
  • A 3D text tool
  • Controls for lighting, camera, and image size

So the value proposition is aimed at people already designing in Figma who want 3D visuals without leaving the tool — not at people looking for a standalone 3D application.

Who this is for

Vertex 3D suits you if:

  • You already design in Figma and want to add 3D scenes to that work
  • You'd rather build 3D visuals inside your existing design file than switch to separate 3D software
  • You want pre-made models and materials rather than modeling from scratch

It's a poor fit if you don't use Figma at all, or if you need a full standalone 3D suite with its own file management and rendering pipeline.

One practical thing to check

The site itself notes: "You need to enable JavaScript to run this app." That's about the Vertex 3D web presence, but it's a reminder that the tool depends on a browser/JavaScript-capable environment. Make sure JavaScript is enabled in the browser you use with Figma, or the app won't run.

Bottom line

If you have Figma, you have what you need to try Vertex 3D — install it as a plugin and open it inside a file. If you don't use Figma, this tool won't work for you, since it's built to run inside Figma rather than on its own.