Figma Boosts AI Design-to-Code
Figma has unveiled a new tool designed to streamline the process of converting designs into functional code using AI. This new Dev Mode Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, currently in beta for users with Dev or Full Figma access, allows AI models, like those powering Copilot and Claude Code, to directly access design data. Instead of relying on image interpretation, the AI now receives precise details – numerical values from charts, specific color shades, etc. – providing significantly more context.
Figma illustrates this enhancement by comparing it to recreating a painting: simply viewing the image is insufficient; understanding the artist's techniques is equally crucial. Similarly, the MCP server provides AI with the "techniques" – the underlying design data – enabling more accurate and efficient code generation. This, in turn, promises to reduce the computational demands and overall resource consumption of large language models (LLMs).
Future Developments
Figma plans further improvements to the MCP server, including remote server functionality and deeper codebase integrations, in the coming months. This beta release builds upon the recent full rollout of Figma Make, a prompt-to-code platform, and precedes the June 12th launch of the Sites Code Layers feature, providing AI-powered interactive website generation.
The combined effect of these features could significantly impact the development workflow for many professionals, particularly those leveraging AI-assisted coding tools. The improved accuracy and efficiency offered by direct access to design data represent a substantial step forward in design-to-code automation.
Source: The Verge