Figma is launching a new tool that can help AI models more efficiently turn designs into fully coded applications. The product development company is giving LLMs and agent-based coding tools such as Copilot in VS Code and Claude Code more context about how designs are created in Figma with the new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, which is launching in beta for users with Dev or Full seat access to Figma.
The MCP server is a developer tool that allows AI models to directly retrieve data from Figma, such as the exact numbers used in graphs or the exact color shades used in a design, instead of visually guessing based on graphic files. Figma compares this process to recreating a painting, as to accurately recreate it, you need to not only see the image, but also know the technique that was used to create it – in this example, design data. This should help reduce the use of LLMs by minimizing the amount of work required by AI coding tools to turn designs into functional applications that accurately reflect what the developer intended.
Figma says it plans to release many updates to Dev Mode MCP Server “in the coming months,” including remote server capabilities and “deeper integration with the codebase.” The beta follows the Figma Make code hinting platform introduced in May, which on Tuesday became fully available to all users of the full Figma plan, allowing users to create working applications by describing them. The Figma Sites Code Layers feature, which provides artificial intelligence tools to turn a design into an interactive website, will be launched on June 12.
