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). **Figma Agent, since 20 May 2026.** Figma also has its own agent, right on the canvas: you select layers, write your request, and it explores several directions side by side using your components and variables, fills frames with realistic content or applies a change across dozens of screens at once (renaming variables, switching a flow to dark mode). Do not confuse it with `use_figma`, which opens the canvas to an outside agent such as Claude Code. Waitlisted beta, limited to full seats on the Professional, Organization and Enterprise plans, with no AI credits consumed during the beta. It is the right entry when the generated screen has to stay editable in Figma rather than turn into code.
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 (Starter) plan limited to one team, one folder and 3 Figma files
- 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