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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. Start Your First Claude Code Session
PrototypeLesson 9 of 23

Start Your First Claude Code Session

2 min readClaude Code for DesignersUpdated Feb 18, 2026

Time to actually launch Claude Code. You'll open a terminal, run one command, paste your API key, and pick a model. Three minutes from here to a working session.

Start Your First Claude Code Session

Open Terminal

  • Mac: Command + Space → "Terminal" → Enter
  • Windows: Windows logo → "Command Prompt" → Enter

Launch Claude Code

Type this command and press Enter:

Terminal
claude

Paste Your API Key

Claude Code will ask for your API key. Paste the one you saved in the setup guide.

Your key won't appear as you type—that's normal for security!

Choose a Model

Claude Code will ask which model you want. Choose Claude 3.5 Sonnet—it's the best balance of speed and power for designers.

You're inside Claude Code

  • Opened a terminal session
  • Launched Claude Code with the claude command
  • Pasted your API key and picked a model

Next: giving Claude Code a project folder to work in so your files don't end up scattered.

← Previous LessonBring Code Back to FigmaNext Lesson →Create Your Project Folder
← Back to Claude Code Course for Designers overview

On this page

  • Start Your First Claude Code Session
  • Open Terminal
  • Launch Claude Code
  • Paste Your API Key
  • Choose a Model

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