Practical overview
When it fits
Use it when an MCP-compatible AI client needs direct access to one or more open Figma desktop files, especially for workflows intended to avoid relying solely on Figma API requests.
Who it is for
- Designers and developers using MCP-compatible AI clients with Figma desktop.
- Teams exploring AI-assisted design inspection, design-to-code workflows, or agent-driven changes to Figma files.
Documented uses
- Read a Figma page tree, selection, node details, styles, variables and file metadata through an AI client.
- Inspect prototype connections and trace navigation flows.
- Export selected nodes as images or save screenshots locally.
- Use opt-in write tools to update text and node properties, or apply supported fills and animation settings.
Requirements & limits
The project is public and MIT-licensed. Setup requires the Figma desktop app on macOS or Windows; browser Figma does not support importing the development plugin.
- The workflow depends on a local Figma desktop plugin, not the browser version.
- MCP server configuration and plugin import are both part of setup.
- The tool list includes both read operations and opt-in write operations; animation tools are marked beta.
- Dev Mode works read-only, while FigJam is also listed as a supported plugin context.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up the Figma MCP Bridge
Connect a Figma desktop file to an MCP-compatible AI client.
Before you start
- Figma desktop app on macOS or Windows; browser Figma cannot import development plugins.
- An MCP-compatible AI client, such as Cursor, Windsurf or Claude Desktop.
- The bridge package and plugin release.
Steps
Add the
figma-bridgeserver configuration to the AI client's MCP configuration, usingnpxand@gethopp/figma-mcp-bridge.Download the plugin from the project's releases and import
plugin/manifest.jsonthrough Figma's Plugins > Development > Import plugin from manifest menu.Open a Figma file, run the plugin, and prompt the AI client; the server connects to the plugin.
Expected outcome
The AI client can access the connected Figma file through the bridge's listed MCP tools.
Guide limitations
- The browser version of Figma does not support importing development plugins.
- Dev Mode is read-only.
- To connect multiple files, open the plugin in each file.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 13 October 2026
- Original website title
- gethopp/figma-mcp-bridge · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

