Fig's Original Pricing Structure Explained
Before its sunset in September 2024, Fig operated on a tiered pricing model that included a generous free plan alongside premium options for power users and teams. This structure was a key part of the company's strategy, inspired by platforms like GitHub, to make core features accessible while monetizing advanced or team-specific capabilities.
The Free Tier (Legacy)
The free version of Fig was designed for individuals and open-source projects. It offered core productivity-enhancing features for the terminal, making it a powerful tool for many developers.
- Autocomplete for Public CLIs: Users had access to Fig's autocomplete functionality for popular command-line interface (CLI) tools, such as
git,docker, andnpm. - Community-Driven Completions: The open-source nature of many completions meant a large and growing library of supported tools was available for free.
- Plugin Store Access: Users could access the plugin store to enhance their terminal experience without cost.
The Paid Tiers (Legacy)
For more advanced use cases, Fig offered paid plans that unlocked additional features targeted at teams and enterprises.
- Fig Pro: This tier added productivity and collaboration features for power users. This included autocomplete functionality for
sshanddocker, as well as access to AI suggestions. - Enterprise: The top-tier plan included features like single sign-on (SSO), robust access controls, compliance features, and premium support, catering to the needs of large organizations.
The Transition to Amazon Q
On September 1, 2024, Fig officially ended its services and encouraged all users to migrate to Amazon Q for command line. This change fundamentally altered the landscape of Fig's availability and pricing. The core autocomplete features that Fig was known for were integrated into the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem.
Amazon Q for command line is designed to be a faster and more reliable successor to Fig, continuing the core functionality of enhancing terminal productivity. The good news for former Fig users is that Amazon Q's equivalent of the individual tier is free to use.
Comparison of Fig (Legacy) and Amazon Q
The table below contrasts the features and pricing of the legacy Fig service with its successor, Amazon Q for command line.
| Feature | Fig (Legacy - Free Tier) | Amazon Q for Command Line (Individual - Free Tier) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Service | Terminal Autocomplete | Command Line Enhancement |
| Availability | Discontinued September 2024 | Free on the Individual tier |
| Support for Public CLIs | Yes, extensive | Yes, and designed to be faster |
| Open Source Completions | Community-driven | New system integrated within AWS ecosystem |
| Custom Private Completions | Paid tiers | Part of paid plans, not included in the free tier |
| SSH/Docker Autocomplete | Fig Pro (Paid) | Likely part of paid AWS plans for teams/enterprise |
| AI Suggestions | Fig Pro (Paid) | Integrated into Amazon Q's core functionality |
Understanding the Free Tier of Amazon Q
For developers transitioning from Fig or new users looking for a free terminal enhancement tool, Amazon Q's free individual tier is the direct successor. It aims to provide a comparable, if not superior, experience for basic command-line productivity. For users who previously relied on the free Fig, the migration to Amazon Q on the individual plan should offer a seamless continuation of service without incurring new costs. However, users of the former Fig Pro or Enterprise tiers may need to explore Amazon's broader pricing and feature sets to find a comparable premium plan.
Alternatives to Fig and Amazon Q
Despite the clear migration path, some users may prefer to explore alternatives to the Amazon Q ecosystem. Many of Fig's core functions, particularly autocomplete, are available through other open-source projects or built-in shell features.
- Built-in Shell Completions: Modern shells like
zshandfishoffer powerful native auto-completion capabilities that can often rival or surpass what Fig provided. - Open-Source Tools: Projects such as
hstr,fzf-tab, andble.shoffer robust alternatives for terminal productivity. - Other Proprietary Tools: While the market for terminal enhancers is niche, other companies may offer similar or adjacent products. For those seeking website building rather than terminal tools, note that another company also named "Fig" offers a website builder with a free-to-start model and paid subscriptions. Be sure to confirm you are evaluating the correct product based on your needs.
Conclusion
The question "Is Fig free to use?" now has a historical answer and a current reality. The original Fig offered a free tier but was officially sunset in September 2024, with its functionality migrating to Amazon Q for command line. Amazon Q offers a free Individual tier that replaces Fig's basic functionality, ensuring that individual developers can still access terminal enhancements at no cost. For former paid Fig users, exploring Amazon's broader offerings or considering open-source alternatives is the next step. The free legacy version of Fig is no longer operational, so prospective users should focus their attention on Amazon Q or other available tools for their needs.
Visit Amazon Q for command line to learn more about the successor to Fig's services.
Key Takeaways
- Fig is No Longer Active: As of September 1, 2024, the Fig terminal tool has been officially discontinued and its services are integrated into Amazon Q.
- Amazon Q Has a Free Tier: The core functionality of Fig is now available for free to individual developers through the Amazon Q for command line Individual tier.
- Legacy Free Features Continued: The auto-completion for public CLIs that was available on Fig's free plan is still accessible through Amazon Q's free offering.
- Premium Features Require Paid Plans: Advanced features like autocomplete for
sshanddocker, or specific team functions, are now part of paid Amazon plans, similar to Fig's old Pro and Enterprise tiers. - Alternatives Exist: Users can find open-source alternatives like
zsh,fish,hstr, andfzf-tabfor terminal auto-completion. - Fig Isn't Always a Terminal Tool: Other products exist with the name "Fig," such as a food scanner app and a website builder, each with their own distinct pricing models.
- Check the Product: It is crucial to distinguish between the Fig developer tool (now Amazon Q) and other products with similar names when evaluating pricing and features.
FAQs
Question: Is there a free version of the old Fig developer tool? Answer: No, the old Fig developer tool was officially discontinued on September 1, 2024. Its functionality has been migrated to Amazon Q for command line, which offers a free tier for individuals.
Question: Do I need to pay to use the terminal autocomplete features that Fig offered? Answer: No, the basic terminal autocomplete features are available for free through the Amazon Q for command line Individual tier. You do not need to pay for individual use.
Question: What happened to my Fig account and data after the migration to Amazon Q? Answer: Fig encouraged users to migrate to Amazon Q. Users who previously had a Fig account can upgrade to Amazon Q directly from the old Fig dashboard, though specific data handling during migration would depend on the user's process.
Question: Are there other products called Fig that have a different pricing model? Answer: Yes, other products exist with the name Fig. For example, a food scanner app called Fig offers a free version with a monthly scan limit, and a separate website builder tool called Fig has a free-to-start plan.
Question: What are the best free alternatives if I don't want to use Amazon Q?
Answer: For terminal auto-completion, popular and powerful alternatives include native shell features in zsh or fish, as well as open-source tools like hstr or fzf-tab.
Question: What features of Fig are no longer free under Amazon Q? Answer: The features previously part of Fig Pro and Enterprise plans, such as private autocomplete for internal CLIs, private dotfiles/environments, and team collaboration features, are likely to be part of paid plans within the Amazon Q ecosystem.
Question: Is the Fig.io website still active? Answer: The Fig.io website now redirects users and provides information about the discontinuation of the service and the migration path to Amazon Q for command line.
