Figma MCP for Claude Code
Yes. Claude Code can edit a live Figma file if it is connected to a tool that can act inside Figma. FigmaMCP is a free one: Claude Code talks to a small local MCP server, the server talks to a plugin in your Figma desktop app, and the edits appear in your file. It needs macOS, the desktop app, and no API token.
Set up
Install the app
Download FigmaMCP for Mac, open it, and click Add to Figma. Figma restarts once, and only if it was running and the plugin was missing. Optionally allow Accessibility so FigmaMCP can open the plugin for Claude Code.
Download for Mac Version 0.1.10
Ask Claude Code
There is nothing more to set up. Ask Claude Code to make the change.
Prompts that work well
| You ask | What happens |
|---|---|
| “On this page, rename every layer called Frame 12 to match its heading.” | Claude Code reads the page, then renames the matching layers in one validated batch. |
| “Replace the old product name in all text layers in this frame.” | It finds the text layers in the frame and rewrites them together. |
| “Build a pricing card with three tiers using our variables.” | It creates frames and text with auto layout, bound to your variables while the AI can edit this file switch is on. |
| “Delete this color variable.” | Refused if layers still use it, so you do not get broken references. |
Guardrails you control
- Edits go only to the open file where the plugin’s AI can edit this file switch is on. Turn the switch off and the agent can read but not edit.
- Each edit names its target layer, and the name must match.
- Variables and styles follow the same switch: off means they are read-only too.
- A wrong edit that follows the rules still goes through. Review the result, and use Figma version history.
Limits of this setup
Questions
Does Claude Code need a Figma token to edit a file?
Not with FigmaMCP. It works through the Figma desktop app on your Mac, so there is no access token to create.
Does the file need to be open?
Yes. The file must be open in the Figma desktop app. With the Mac app, FigmaMCP can open the plugin for you after you allow Accessibility. Without it, open the plugin yourself once per file.
Can Claude Code edit a file I did not open?
No. It edits the live file in front of you, and only while its AI can edit this file switch is on.
What if an edit is refused?
The tool returns a structured error explaining why, for example the layer name did not match or the file is switched to read-only. Claude Code can then correct the request.
Does this work with Codex?
Yes. Codex is a supported target. Setup connects it for you; see the setup note above.
