Figma MCP tools and prompt patterns
Quick reference for the Figma MCP toolset, when to use each tool, and prompt examples to steer output toward your stack.
Core tools
get_design_context(Figma Design, Figma Make): Primary tool. Returns structured design data and default React + Tailwind code. Selection-based prompting works on desktop; the remote server uses a frame/layer link to extract the node ID.get_variable_defs(Figma Design): Lists variables/styles (colors, spacing, typography) used in the selection. Useful to align with tokens.get_metadata(Figma Design): Sparse XML outline of layer IDs/names/types/positions/sizes. Use before re-callingget_design_contexton large nodes to avoid truncation.get_screenshot(Figma Design, FigJam): Screenshot of the selection for visual fidelity checks.get_figjam(FigJam): XML + screenshots for FigJam diagrams (architecture, flows).create_design_system_rules(no file context): Generates a rule file with design-to-code guidance for your stack. Save it where the agent can read it.get_code_connect_map(Figma Design): Returns mapping of Figma node IDs to code components (codeConnectSrc,codeConnectName). Use to reuse existing components.add_code_connect_map(Figma Design): Adds/updates a mapping between a Figma node and a code component to improve reuse.get_strategy_for_mapping(alpha, local only): Figma-prompted tool to decide mapping strategy for connecting a node to a code component.send_get_strategy_response(alpha, local only): Sends the response afterget_strategy_for_mapping.whoami(remote only): Returns the authenticated Figma user identity (email, plans, seat types).
Prompt patterns (design context)
- Change framework: “generate my Figma selection in Vue” or “in plain HTML + CSS” or “for iOS”.
- Use my components: “generate my Figma selection using components from
src/components/ui”. - Combine: “generate my Figma selection using components from
src/uiand style with Tailwind”. - Note: On the remote server, selection-based prompting requires a frame/layer link; the server extracts the node ID from the URL.
Prompt patterns (variables/styles)
- “get the variables used in my Figma selection”
- “what color and spacing variables are used in my Figma selection?”
- “list the variable names and their values used in my Figma selection”
Prompt patterns (code connect)
- “show the code connect map for this selection”
- “map this node to
src/components/ui/Button.tsxwith nameButton”
Best-practice flow reminder
Use get_design_context → (optionally get_metadata for large nodes) → get_screenshot, and keep project rules from SKILL.md in mind when applying the generated output.