What is figma-pilot?
figma-pilot by youware-labs is an MCP server for editing Figma files from an AI agent. It exposes three tools, one to check the connection, one to execute JavaScript with the full Figma API, and one for API docs. A Figma Desktop plugin completes the link, and Node.js 18 or newer is required.
figma-pilot is an MCP server from youware-labs that lets an AI agent read and edit a Figma file by running JavaScript against the full Figma API. It has three tools, a Figma plugin that runs inside Figma Desktop, and a bridge between them.
The README claims 90% or more fewer tokens in tool definitions, and highlights batch operations, data filtering and complex workflows. These are the maintainers' claims, and this page has not measured them.
What the agent can do through the API
- Query, create, modify, delete and append nodes in a file.
- Work with components through listing, instantiating, converting to a component and creating variants.
- Run accessibility checks against WCAG.
- Create design tokens and bind them to nodes.
- Export from the file.
How the connection works
- Install Node.js 18 or newer and Figma Desktop, and use an MCP compatible client.
- Add the server to your client with the command or the JSON config.
- Download the plugin zip from the repository Releases and import it in Figma from the Development menu.
- Run the plugin in the file you want to edit, then ask the agent to check the connection status.
Related: figma-mcp, framelink-figma-mcp, gethopp-figma-mcp-bridge and figma-ui-mcp. Compare tool lists and setup steps before choosing, and check each against the file you plan to edit.
Who figma-pilot is for
Best for
- Designers and developers who want an agent to create and change layouts, components, variants and tokens in Figma Desktop.
- Teams that want WCAG accessibility checks run through the same API session.
Not for
- Anyone without Figma Desktop or Node.js 18 or newer, since both are prerequisites.
- Teams that do not want an agent running generated JavaScript in design files, because the execute tool runs code against the full Figma API.
Use it with UiChemy
figma-pilot edits designs inside Figma. UiChemy then turns a finished Figma design into a WordPress page, so build or adjust the design with your agent, convert it, and check the converted page yourself. Click Get Started on uichemy.com.
Connect figma-pilot MCP: Run Figma API Code from an AI Agent to your AI client
claude mcp add figma-pilot -- npx @youware-labs/figma-pilot-mcpCheck the prerequisites
The README lists Node.js 18 or newer, Figma Desktop and an MCP compatible client.
Add the server
Run the command above in Claude Code, or add the JSON config to your client's MCP settings file.
Find your config file
The README gives
~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.jsonfor Claude Desktop and~/.cursor/mcp.jsonfor Cursor.Install the Figma plugin
Download the figma-pilot plugin zip from Releases, import it with Plugins, Development, Import plugin from manifest, then run Plugins, Development, figma-pilot.
Confirm the connection
Ask your agent to check the Figma connection status. The README uses that prompt as its check.
Client configuration
{
"mcpServers": {
"figma-pilot": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@youware-labs/figma-pilot-mcp"]
}
}
}Endpoints and ports
HTTP port 38451Between the MCP server and the Figma pluginhttps://github.com/youware-labs/figma-pilot/releasesDownload figma-pilot-plugin-vX.X.X.ziphttps://github.com/youware-labs/figma-pilotREADME and sourceWhat you can do with it
- Full Figma API accessAgent written JavaScript can use the whole Figma API instead of a fixed list of operations.
- Plugin based connectionA plugin in Figma Desktop talks to the server over a bridge, so the agent works on the open file.
- Smaller tool definitionsThe README claims 90% or more fewer tokens in tool definitions, a figure this page has not measured.
- Batch operationsThe README highlights batching several changes together instead of sending them one at a time.
- Data filteringThe README lists data filtering so an agent can request only the node information it needs.
- Component and variant workThe API groups include listing components, instantiating them and creating variants.
- Design token supportThe README lists creating tokens and binding them to nodes.
- WCAG accessibility checksThe README lists an accessibility group for WCAG checks inside the same session.
Tools it exposes
figma_status
Checks the connection status between the server and the Figma plugin.
figma_execute
Executes JavaScript with the full Figma API.
figma_get_api_docs
Returns API documentation for the agent to read before writing code.
Frequently asked questions
What is figma-pilot?
figma-pilot is an MCP server by youware-labs that lets an AI agent edit Figma files. It exposes three tools and relies on a plugin in Figma Desktop. The agent writes JavaScript, and the execute tool runs it with the full Figma API.
How do I install figma-pilot?
Run claude mcp add figma-pilot -- npx @youware-labs/figma-pilot-mcp, or add the equivalent mcpServers JSON to your client config. Then download the plugin zip from the repository Releases and import it in Figma through the Development menu.
Which tools does it expose?
Three. figma_status checks the connection, figma_execute runs JavaScript with the full Figma API, and figma_get_api_docs returns API documentation. Everything else, including creating nodes, components, tokens and exports, happens inside JavaScript sent through the execute tool.
How does the agent reach Figma?
The MCP client talks to the server over stdio. The server has a bridge that talks over HTTP on port 38451 to the Figma plugin, which must be running in the file. Without the plugin running, the connection check should fail.
What do I need before setup?
Node.js 18 or newer, Figma Desktop and an MCP compatible client. The README also gives config file locations for Claude Desktop and Cursor, and skill directories for Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and Claude Desktop.
Does figma-pilot work outside Claude Code?
Yes. The README describes an MCP compatible client in general, shows a Cursor config path, and lists Codex and Cursor skill directories. Claude Code has a one line add command, and other clients use the JSON config.
Is the 90% token claim verified?
No. The README claims 90% or more fewer tokens in tool definitions, but this page has not measured it. Compare your own token use against another Figma server before treating the number as fact.
What license and activity should I expect?
The repository is MIT licensed. Its last push was January 29, 2026, so check recent commits and open issues before relying on it for production design work, and test it on a copy of your file first.