PSD to Figma Migration Checklist for Design and Brand Teams
Why You Need a Checklist
PSD-to-Figma migration is not just a file conversion task. It is a design operations project involving archive cleanup, fidelity expectations, design system mapping, stakeholder review, and governance.
This checklist helps teams migrate Photoshop assets into Figma without turning the process into a chaotic file dump.
1. Inventory the Archive
Before converting anything, answer:
- How many PSD files exist?
- Where are they stored?
- Which files are still active?
- Which files are duplicated or obsolete?
- Which assets are legally or historically important?
- Which teams depend on the archive?
Create four buckets: active assets, reference material, one-time deliverables, and duplicates.
2. Define Fidelity Requirements
Not every file needs the same level of preservation. Decide what matters:
- Editable text
- Layer names and groups
- Masks and clipping groups
- Effects and shadows
- Smart objects
- Brand colors
- Print-specific color metadata
High-value active assets deserve deeper review. Old campaign exports may only need archival conversion.
3. Run a Pilot Batch
Choose 20 to 50 files that represent the archive:
- Text-heavy layouts
- Photo-heavy marketing comps
- Icon sheets
- Complex layered mockups
- Print files
- Web landing pages
Review the output in Figma and document common issues before scaling.
4. Create Review Rules
Define rules for:
- Who reviews converted files
- What counts as acceptable fidelity
- Which issues block migration
- Which issues can be documented and accepted
- How files move from staging to production Figma teams
Without review rules, migrations stall after conversion.
5. Map to the Design System
Where possible, bind converted colors, text styles, and components to your current Figma library. This is what turns a migrated archive into a usable modern asset base.
FAQ
How many PSD files should we migrate first?
Start with 20 to 50 representative files. Do not begin with the full archive until you understand fidelity and review effort.
Should old campaign files be migrated?
Only if they have reuse, compliance, or historical value. Otherwise, keep them archived and prioritize active assets.
Who should own a PSD migration?
Usually design operations or brand operations, with support from design leads and IT/security when files are sensitive.