Figma MCP Server
Overview
The Unofficial Figma MCP Server is a free and open-source tool that allows AI assistants to edit Figma design documents, addressing the limitation of the official read-only Figma MCP server. Developed by Anton Tishchenko, this server enables designers and developers to collaborate with AI copilots like ChatGPT, Claude Desktop, and Cursor to streamline design workflows.
Key Features
- Edit Capabilities: Unlike the official Figma MCP server, this tool supports editing Figma design documents, including creating and modifying components, auto-layouts, and forms.
- AI Integration: Connects with AI assistants via the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing natural language commands to manipulate Figma elements.
- Real-time Collaboration: Works within the same design document context, supporting undo/redo actions for seamless workflow integration.
- Open Source: Freely available on GitHub, with a plugin-based architecture using WebSockets for communication between the MCP server and Figma plugin.
- Use Case Examples: Enables tasks like designing login forms, organizing documents, and generating design drafts through AI-driven commands.
Target Users
- Designers: To accelerate design tasks by automating repetitive actions and focusing on creative aspects.
- Developers: To integrate design workflows with development processes, such as creating Sitecore components from Figma designs.
- AI Enthusiasts: Those using AI assistants for productivity boosts in design and development projects.
Setup and Architecture
- Setup: Requires cloning the GitHub repository, building the Figma plugin, and configuring the MCP server with AI clients using Streaming HTTP transport.
- Architecture: Utilizes a WebSockets-based polling approach to bridge the Figma Plugin API (which allows editing) with the MCP server, overcoming the REST API's read-only limitation.
Practical Applications
- Design Automation: Generate and modify design components (e.g., input fields, buttons) via AI commands.
- Workflow Enhancement: Reduce development time by creating design-to-code pipelines, as demonstrated with Sitecore integration.
- Productivity Tool: Acts as a copilot for designers, similar to how AI tools assist developers, without replacing human creativity.
Conclusion
This server is a valuable tool for teams looking to leverage AI in design processes, offering editing capabilities that the official Figma MCP server lacks. It's ideal for boosting productivity in design-heavy projects and custom MCP implementations.
