aiux
PatternsPatternsCoursesCoursesNewsNewsResourcesResources
Overview

Setup

  • Get Your Anthropic API Key
  • Install Node.js
  • Install Claude Code

Figma ↔ Code

  • Set Up Figma MCP
  • Turn Figma Frames into Code
  • Using Figma Links in Prompts
  • Figma to Code Best Practices
  • Bring Code Back to Figma

Prototype

  • Start Your First Claude Code Session
  • Create Your Project Folder
  • Generate Your First Prototype
  • See Your Prototype Live
  • Get Back to Editing

GitHub

  • Create a GitHub Account
  • Create a Repository on GitHub
  • Connect Your Local Project to GitHub
  • Save Your Changes Going Forward
  • Share Your Work & Use Claude's /save Command

Best Practices

  • How to Describe Your Design to Claude Code
  • Testing Your Prototype
  • Iterating Based on Feedback
  • Handing Off Work to Developers
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues
  1. Guides
  2. /
  3. Claude Code Course for Designers
  4. /
  5. Set Up Figma MCP
Figma ↔ CodeLesson 4 of 23

Set Up Figma MCP

2 min readClaude Code for DesignersUpdated Feb 18, 2026

The Figma MCP server connects your Figma designs directly to Claude Code. Instead of describing your designs in words, Claude Code can read your actual Figma files — components, colors, spacing, layout — and generate accurate code from them.

What is MCP?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that lets AI tools like Claude Code connect to external services. The Figma MCP server gives Claude Code direct access to your design files.

Option A: Desktop MCP Server (Recommended)

The desktop server runs locally on your computer and lets you select frames directly in the Figma app. This is the best option for most designers.

1

Update the Figma Desktop App

Open the Figma desktop app and make sure it's updated to the latest version. The MCP server requires a recent update.

2

Open a Design File

Open any Design file in the Figma desktop app (not FigJam — you need a Design file for the MCP toggle).

3

Switch to Dev Mode

Press Shift + D or click the Dev Mode toggle in the toolbar. The MCP server option lives in Dev Mode.

4

Enable the MCP Server

In the Dev Mode panel, find the "MCP" section and click "Enable desktop MCP server." The server will start running locally.

Connect Claude Code to the Desktop Server

Add the Figma MCP server to your Claude Code configuration. Run this command in your terminal:

Terminal
claude mcp add figma-desktop --transport http http://127.0.0.1:3845/mcp

Option B: Remote MCP Server

If you don't have the desktop app or prefer a cloud connection, you can use the remote server instead. This works with any Figma plan.

Terminal
claude mcp add figma-remote --transport http https://mcp.figma.com/mcp
Desktop vs Remote

The desktop server lets you select frames directly in the app — a faster workflow. The remote server requires you to paste Figma URLs. Use desktop if you can.

Verify the Connection

Start a new Claude Code session and ask it to check the Figma connection:

Terminal
claude

> Can you see my Figma MCP server? List the available tools.

Claude Code should respond listing Figma-related tools like reading files, getting design data, and extracting components.

Figma MCP connected

  • Enabled the desktop MCP server in Figma's Dev Mode
  • Added the figma-desktop transport to Claude Code
  • Verified the connection by listing the available Figma tools

Claude Code can now read your actual Figma files. Next: turning a selected frame into working code.

← Previous LessonInstall Claude CodeNext Lesson →Turn Figma Frames into Code
← Back to Claude Code Course for Designers overview

On this page

  • Option A: Desktop MCP Server (Recommended)
  • Connect Claude Code to the Desktop Server
  • Option B: Remote MCP Server
  • Verify the Connection

aiux

AI UX patterns from shipped products. Demos, code, and real examples.

Have an idea? Share feedback

Get daily AI UX news

Resources

  • All Patterns
  • Browse Categories
  • Contribute
  • AI Interaction Toolkit
  • Agent Readability Audit
  • Newsletter
  • Documentation
  • Figma Make Prompts
  • Designer Guides
  • All Resources →

Company

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact

Links

  • Portfolio
  • GitHub
  • LinkedIn
  • More Resources

Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved.