Figma Expands Model Context Protocol to Enable AI Access to Design Code
Key Points
- Figma expands its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to support Figma Make.
- AI models can now access the underlying code behind designs, not just visual renders.
- The MCP server integrates with AI tools from Anthropic, Cursor, Windsurf, and Visual Studio Code.
- Remote access enables AI agents, browser‑based models, and IDEs to connect without local desktop apps.
- Upcoming Design Snapshot will turn Make snapshots into editable layers in Figma Design.
- An AI‑prompt editing feature is in testing, allowing design manipulation without leaving the canvas.
Figma has unveiled updates that let artificial‑intelligence models interact directly with its design platform. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) server now supports Figma Make, allowing AI agents to retrieve the underlying code behind prototypes instead of just visual renderings. The expansion supports tools from Anthropic, Cursor, Windsurf and Visual Studio Code, and enables remote access from AI coding assistants, browser‑based models and integrated development environments. Upcoming features include a Design Snapshot that turns Make snapshots into editable layers and an AI‑prompt editing mode currently in testing.
Figma’s New AI Integration
Figma announced a set of updates that open its design ecosystem to artificial‑intelligence models. Central to the rollout is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, a bridge that lets AI systems tap directly into the code behind designs and prototypes created with Figma’s tools. The MCP server has been extended to support the platform’s AI‑driven prompt‑to‑app coding feature, Figma Make.
How the MCP Server Works
By using a Figma Make file via an MCP client, AI models can see the underlying code instead of a rendered prototype or image. As Figma’s technology chief Kris Rasmussen explained, “The Figma MCP server indexes the code in your Make file so you and your favorite platforms can request exactly what’s needed.” This capability means AI agents can retrieve precise implementation details, enabling more accurate recreation or modification of designs.
Broader AI Compatibility
The expanded MCP service now works with products from Anthropic, Cursor, Windsurf and an integration with Visual Studio Code, making the interface accessible to a range of AI‑powered development tools. Developers who previously needed local access to Figma’s desktop app can now connect remotely from AI coding agents, browser‑based models, and integrated development environments, broadening the pool of users who can leverage Figma’s design data.
Upcoming Features
Figma also previewed upcoming enhancements. A Design Snapshot feature will convert Make snapshots into editable layers within Figma Design, allowing designers to seamlessly transition from high‑level prototypes to detailed editability. Additionally, an editing feature under test will let users manipulate designs with AI prompts without leaving the Design canvas, further integrating AI assistance into the everyday workflow.
Implications for Designers and Developers
The updates position Figma as a more AI‑friendly platform, reducing the friction between design and code. By exposing the code behind designs to AI agents, the company aims to streamline hand‑off processes, accelerate prototyping, and enable new AI‑driven workflows. The remote accessibility of the MCP server also opens opportunities for cloud‑based AI services to integrate directly with Figma projects, potentially expanding the ecosystem of third‑party tools that can now interact with design assets in a programmatic way.