Figma is launching a new tool that can help AI models more effectively translate designs into fully coded applications. The product design company is giving LLMs and agentic coding tools like Copilot in VS Code and Claude Code more context about how designs are created in Figma via a new Dev Mode Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, which is rolling out in beta for users with Dev or Full seat Figma access.
The MCP server is a developer tool that allows AI models to directly tap into data from Figma, such as precise figures used in graphs or the exact color shades used in a design, instead of visually guessing based on image files. Figma likens this process to replicating a painting, as someone would need to both see the image and know the technique used to make it — the design data, in this example — to accurately recreate it. It should help to reduce LLM usage by minimizing the amount of work it takes for AI coding tools to transform designs into functional applications that accurately reflect what the developer was envisioning.
Figma says it plans to release a slew of Dev Mode MCP Server updates “in the coming months,” including remote server capabilities and “deeper codebase integrations.” The beta rollout follows the prompt-to-code Figma Make platform introduced in May becoming fully available to all Full seat Figma users on Tuesday, which allows users to create working applications by describing them. The Figma Sites Code Layers feature that provides AI tools for turning designs into interactive website experiences will be rolling out on June 12th.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/
