Figma launches Specs editor and code layers beta for AI agent control

Design platform Figma announced new features to help define how artificial intelligence agents operate within its ecosystem during its first Config event in India. The company introduced Figma Specs, a Markdown-based editor, and expanded access to its code layers feature, aiming to provide better control over AI-generated design outputs.

Figma Specs allows users to define their design language in a simple, centralized document that serves as a reference for both human teams and automated agents. This feature addresses the non-deterministic nature of AI by providing tools to steer outcomes toward more predictable results that adhere to specific brand rules and design systems.

Context and Background

The new Specs feature functions as more than a text editor, enabling users to reference other Figma elements such as canvas items, FigJam diagrams, code layers, and existing designs. Teams can import additional context, including design libraries, code libraries, and guidelines, to manage the design system effectively. Agents can then refer to this centralized system to ensure they follow established rules while creating content.

Figma’s chief design officer Loredana Crisan told TechCrunch that the platform is evolving into a place where software teams decide what to build and ship. She noted that while code production has increased seventeen times compared to the past, release frequency has only grown by 1.3 times, suggesting much of the code is built for discovery and design rather than shipping.

Who is Affected

The code layers feature, which adds coding capabilities to designs on the canvas for more interactive prototypes, is now available in public beta. The company had announced this feature in private beta in June. Users can now ask the platform’s agent to turn a design into code or modify parts of the code to iterate on prototypes more efficiently.

Figma also announced support for over 20 new tools via its Model Context Protocol, including Open Code, Dia, Grok Bot, and Indian AI startup Sarvam. This expansion aims to integrate third-party agents better while ensuring they adhere to the company’s design rules through the new Specs framework.

What should you do?

Security and design professionals should monitor how these new AI agent capabilities interact with existing design systems and code libraries. Teams should evaluate whether the centralized Specs feature aligns with their current governance models for brand consistency and code quality.

What to do and how to stay safe: Figma

• Review the new Figma Specs documentation to understand how to define design languages for AI agents.
• Test the public beta of code layers to assess integration with existing development workflows.
• Evaluate the security implications of connecting third-party agents via the Model Context Protocol.
• Monitor Figma’s announcements for further updates on agent behavior controls and library integrations.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is Figma Specs?

Figma Specs is a Markdown-based editor that lets users define their design language and rules for teams and AI agents to follow.

When did Figma announce the code layers public beta?

Figma announced the public beta for code layers during its Config event in India this week, after a private beta in June.

How many new tools does Figma support via MCP?

Figma stated it is supporting over 20 new tools with its MCP, including Open Code, Dia, Grok Bot, and Sarvam.