Figma MCP Server

Overview

The Figma MCP Server bridges the gap between AI assistants and the Figma design ecosystem by exposing a Model Context Protocol (MCP) interface that can both read from and write to Figma files. In readonly mode it fetches a comprehensive snapshot of any design through a public URL, delivering structured data on file metadata, node hierarchies, styles, assets, variables, components, variants, and responsive layout cues. This makes it trivial for an AI to perform design audits, generate documentation, or synthesize visual summaries without manual export steps. In write mode the server opens a WebSocket bridge to a dedicated Figma plugin, enabling Claude or other assistants to create frames, shapes, text blocks, and components; update node properties such as fills, strokes, and effects; or delete elements entirely. The plugin connection ensures that changes are applied in real time within the Figma desktop app, preserving the native design workflow and version history.

Key capabilities include a unified API that abstracts Figma’s REST endpoints into intuitive tool calls, a robust configuration system for secure access token handling, and a mode‑management layer that guarantees the correct operation context. Developers can leverage these tools to build conversational interfaces where users describe a layout change—e.g., “Add a new button with primary styling”—and the assistant instantly materializes it in the design file. The server also supports smart element creation, automatically generating component instances and applying contextual styles based on the existing design system.

Real‑world use cases span automated UI generation for rapid prototyping, dynamic theme switching driven by AI, and continuous integration pipelines that validate design consistency against business rules. For instance, a product team could ask the assistant to “Generate a dark theme variant for all components,” and the server would iterate through relevant nodes, apply new color variables, and commit the changes. In educational settings, instructors can let students experiment with design concepts through natural language while the server preserves a clean version history.

Integration into AI workflows is straightforward: an MCP‑enabled assistant sends tool requests to the server, receives structured JSON responses, and renders them in a conversational UI. The write mode’s WebSocket bridge allows the assistant to receive acknowledgments or error reports in real time, ensuring that users see immediate feedback. Because the server encapsulates both read and write operations behind a single protocol, developers can build end‑to‑end solutions—such as design‑driven content generation or automated accessibility audits—without juggling separate APIs.

What sets this MCP server apart is its dual‑mode architecture coupled with a plugin bridge that preserves the fidelity of Figma’s native editing experience. By providing a consistent, secure, and extensible interface, it empowers developers to embed sophisticated design interactions directly into AI assistants, unlocking new levels of productivity for designers and product teams alike.