Figma
The essential design tool. Critical 2026 features: Variables, Code Connect (DS↔code multi-framework bridge), `use_figma` skill (March 2026 agent write access), Make kits (April 2026 importable Code/styles/variables/tokens DS), Skills framework (DS-grade exposure to agents).
Strengths
- Native variables/tokens: design tokens syncable with code via plugins
- Dev Mode: CSS inspection, SVG export, spec snapshots directly from canvas
- Auto-layout behaves like Flexbox, pixel-perfect handoff possible
- Real-time multi-cursor collaboration, design and code in one tool
Limitations
- Free plan limited to 3 projects, paid once a team exceeds 2 editors
- Degraded performance on heavy files (>200 frames, many assets)
- Figma AI sometimes imprecise, annotations misaligned with actual code
Best for
- DesignOps teams, design systems, handoff to React
- PMs/POs for wireframes and product concept validation