figma-code-connect

Code Connect

Overview

Create Code Connect template files (.figma.ts) that map Figma components to code snippets. Given a Figma URL, follow the steps below to create a template.

Note: This project may also contain parser-based .figma.tsx files (using figma.connect(), published via CLI). This skill covers templates files only — .figma.ts files that use the MCP tools to fetch component context from Figma.

Prerequisites

• Figma MCP server must be connected — verify that Figma MCP tools (e.g., get_code_connect_suggestions) are available before proceeding. If not, guide the user to enable the Figma MCP server and restart their MCP client.
• Components must be published — Code Connect only works with components published to a Figma team library. If a component is not published, inform the user and stop.
• Organization or Enterprise plan required — Code Connect is not available on Free or Professional plans.
• URL must include node-id — the Figma URL must contain the node-id query parameter.
• TypeScript types — for editor autocomplete and type checking in .figma.ts files @figma/code-connect/figma-types must be added to types in tsconfig.json:

  {
    "compilerOptions": {
      "types": ["@figma/code-connect/figma-types"]
    }
  }
  

Step 1: Parse the Figma URL

Extract fileKey and nodeId from the URL:

Always convert nodeId hyphens to colons: 1234-5678 → 1234:5678.

Worked example:

Given: https://www.figma.com/design/QiEF6w564ggoW8ftcLvdcu/MyDesignSystem?node-id=4185-3778

• fileKey = QiEF6w564ggoW8ftcLvdcu
• nodeId = 4185-3778 → 4185:3778

Step 2: Discover Unmapped Components

The user may provide a URL pointing to a frame, instance, or variant — not necessarily a component set or standalone component. Call the MCP tool get_code_connect_suggestions with:

• fileKey — from Step 1
• nodeId — from Step 1 (colons format)
• excludeMappingPrompt — true (returns a lightweight list of unmapped components)

This tool identifies published components in the selection that don't yet have Code Connect mappings.

Handle the response:

• "No published components found in this selection" — the node contains no published components. Inform the user they need to publish the component to a team library in Figma first, then stop.
• "All component instances in this selection are already connected to code via Code Connect" — everything is already mapped. Inform the user and stop.
• Normal response with component list — extract the mainComponentNodeId for each returned component. Use these resolved node IDs (not the original from the URL) for all subsequent steps. If multiple components are returned (e.g. the user selected a frame containing several different component instances), repeat Steps 3–6 for each one.

Step 3: Fetch Component Properties

Call the MCP tool get_context_for_code_connect with:

• fileKey — from Step 1
• nodeId — the resolved mainComponentNodeId from Step 2
• clientFrameworks — determine from figma.config.json parser field (e.g. "react" → ["react"])
• clientLanguages — infer from project file extensions (e.g. TypeScript project → ["typescript"], JavaScript → ["javascript"])

For multiple components, call the tool once per node ID.

The response contains the Figma component's property definitions — note each property's name and type:

• TEXT — text content (labels, titles, placeholders)
• BOOLEAN — toggles (show/hide icon, disabled state)
• VARIANT — enum options (size, variant, state)
• INSTANCE_SWAP — swappable nested instances tied to a specific component (icon, avatar)
• SLOT — flexible content regions (freeform layout, mixed children); use getSlot() in templates (not the same as INSTANCE_SWAP)

Save this property list — you will use it in Step 5 to write the template.

Step 4: Identify the Code Component

If the user did not specify which code component to connect:

1. Check figma.config.json for paths and importPaths to find where components live
2. Search the codebase for a component matching the Figma component name. Check common directories (src/components/, components/, lib/ui/, app/components/) if figma.config.json doesn't specify paths
3. Read candidate files and compare their props interface against the Figma properties from Step 3 — look for matching variant types, size options, boolean flags, and slot props
4. If multiple candidates match, pick the one with the closest prop-interface match and explain your reasoning to the user
5. If no match is found, show the 2 closest candidates and ask the user to confirm or provide the correct path

Confirm with the user before proceeding to Step 5. Present the match: which code component you found, where it lives, and why it matches (prop correspondence, naming, purpose).

Read figma.config.json for import path aliases — the importPaths section maps glob patterns to import specifiers, and the paths section maps those specifiers to directories.

Read the code component's source to understand its props interface — this informs how to map Figma properties to code props in Step 5.

Step 5: Create the Template File (.figma.ts)

File location

Place the file alongside existing Code Connect templates (.figma.tsx or .figma.ts files). Check figma.config.json include patterns for the correct directory. Name it ComponentName.figma.ts.

Template structure

Every template file follows this structure:

// url=https://www.figma.com/file/{fileKey}/{fileName}?node-id={nodeId}
// source={path to code component from Step 4}
// component={code component name from Step 4}
import figma from 'figma'
const instance = figma.selectedInstance

// Extract properties from the Figma component (see property mapping below)
// ...

export default {
  example: figma.code`<Component ... />`,       // Required: code snippet
  imports: ['import { Component } from "..."'], // Optional: import statements
  id: 'component-name',                         // Required: unique identifier
  metadata: {                                    // Optional
    nestable: true,                              // true = inline in parent, false = show as pill
    props: {}                                    // data accessible to parent templates
  }
}

Property mapping

Use the property list from Step 3 to extract values. For each Figma property type, use the corresponding method:

TEXT — get the string value directly:

const label = instance.getString('Label')

VARIANT — map Figma enum values to code values:

const variant = instance.getEnum('Variant', {
  'Primary': 'primary',
  'Secondary': 'secondary',
})

const size = instance.getEnum('Size', {
  'Small': 'sm',
  'Medium': 'md',
  'Large': 'lg',
})

BOOLEAN — simple boolean or mapped to values:

// Simple boolean
const disabled = instance.getBoolean('Disabled')

// Mapped to code values (e.g. when the code prop is an enum, not a boolean)
const size = instance.getBoolean('Show Label', { true: 'large', false: 'small' })

Map Figma properties to code props where there's a valid correspondence. Figma properties and code props don't always line up 1:1 — some Figma properties map directly (by name, or via the API methods above), others have no code equivalent. Where a mapping exists, use it; where none fits, omit the Figma property rather than invent a code prop. Never emit an attribute whose name doesn't appear in the code component's Props interface.

Exhaustive variant handling

When a VARIANT property has multiple possible values, the getEnum mapping must list every value returned by get_context_for_code_connect. Don't omit values — an unmapped value silently returns undefined, producing broken output.

// WRONG — omits 'Warning', which will render as undefined
const status = instance.getEnum('Status', {
  'Success': 'success',
  'Error': 'error',
})

// CORRECT — every value is mapped
const status = instance.getEnum('Status', {
  'Success': 'success',
  'Error': 'error',
  'Warning': 'warning',
  'Info': 'info',
})

When two or more VARIANT properties combine to produce different code output, generate exhaustive conditional branches. For example, 2 variants × 2 values = 4 branches:

const type = instance.getEnum('Type', { 'Filled': 'filled', 'Outlined': 'outlined' })
const status = instance.getEnum('Status', { 'Success': 'success', 'Error': 'error' })

let colorClass
if (type === 'filled' && status === 'success') {
  colorClass = 'bg-green-500 text-white'
} else if (type === 'filled' && status === 'error') {
  colorClass = 'bg-red-500 text-white'
} else if (type === 'outlined' && status === 'success') {
  colorClass = 'bg-transparent border-green-500'
} else if (type === 'outlined' && status === 'error') {
  colorClass = 'bg-transparent border-red-500'
}

If the combinations produce repetitive output (e.g., Size doesn't change the snippet structure — it's just passed through as a prop), a single getEnum mapping per variant is sufficient — no need for cross-product branches.

INSTANCE_SWAP — access swappable component instances:

const icon = instance.getInstanceSwap('Icon')
let iconCode
if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE') {
  iconCode = icon.executeTemplate().example
}

SLOT — getSlot(propName) is only valid when the Figma component property reported in Step 3 has type SLOT. Do not use getSlot() for INSTANCE_SWAP properties (those use getInstanceSwap()). Slots are explicit “content regions” in the component definition, not generic nested instances.

• Signature: getSlot(propName: string): ResultSection[] | undefined

// Figma property "Content" must be type SLOT in component properties
const content = instance.getSlot('Content')

export default {
  example: figma.code`<Card>${content}</Card>`,
  // ...
}

Interpolation in tagged templates

When interpolating values in tagged templates, use the correct wrapping:

• String values (getString, getEnum, textContent): wrap in quotes → variant="${variant}"
• Instance/section values (executeTemplate().example): wrap in braces → icon={${iconCode}}
• Slot sections (getSlot() result — ResultSection[] | undefined): interpolate directly inside figma.code`...` (same shape as nested snippet sections), e.g. figma.code`<Select>${content}</Select>` — do not treat as a plain string
• Boolean bare props: use conditional → ${disabled ? 'disabled' : ''}

Finding descendant layers

When you need to access children that aren't exposed as component properties:

Nested configurable instances

A component may contain child instances that are not exposed as component properties (no INSTANCE_SWAP) but are still independently configurable — they have their own variants, properties, or swap slots. These must be resolved dynamically, not hardcoded.

1. Check whether the child already has a Code Connect template — use get_code_connect_suggestions or check existing .figma.ts files in the project.
2. If no template exists, create one for the child so it renders correctly both standalone and when nested.
3. Reference the child from the parent using findInstance() or findConnectedInstance(), then call executeTemplate().

// Parent template — the Badge child isn't a prop, but it's configurable
const badge = instance.findInstance('Status Badge')
let badgeCode
if (badge && badge.type === 'INSTANCE') {
  badgeCode = badge.executeTemplate().example
}

export default {
  example: figma.code`<Card>${badgeCode}</Card>`,
  // ...
}

This applies to icons, badges, labels, and any other nested instance that is configurable by itself — always connect them and render dynamically, never hardcode their content.

Nested component example

For multi-level nested components or metadata prop passing between templates, see advanced-patterns.md.

const icon = instance.getInstanceSwap('Icon')
let iconSnippet
if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE') {
  iconSnippet = icon.executeTemplate().example
}

export default {
  example: figma.code`<Button ${iconSnippet ? figma.code`icon={${iconSnippet}}` : ''}>${label}</Button>`,
  // ...
}

Conditional props

const variant = instance.getEnum('Variant', { 'Primary': 'primary', 'Secondary': 'secondary' })
const disabled = instance.getBoolean('Disabled')

export default {
  example: figma.code`
    <Button
      variant="${variant}"
      ${disabled ? 'disabled' : ''}
    >
      ${label}
    </Button>
  `,
  // ...
}

Step 6: Validate

Read back the .figma.ts file and review it against the following:

• Property coverage — every Figma property from Step 3 should be accounted for in the template. Flag any that are missing and ask the user if they were intentionally omitted.
• Valid, correctly typed code — all emitted code must be valid and correctly typed against the code component's Props interface. Never make up component properties — if a Figma property has no corresponding code prop, omit it rather than invent one.
• No hardcoded children — verify that every INSTANCE_SWAP property and child component slot uses the dynamic APIs (getInstanceSwap(), findInstance(), findConnectedInstance(), etc.) with executeTemplate(). No slot should contain hardcoded component content.
• Rules and Pitfalls — check for the common mistakes listed below (string concatenation of template results, unnecessary hasCodeConnect() guards, missing type === 'INSTANCE' checks, etc.)
• Interpolation wrapping — strings (getString, getEnum, textContent) wrapped in quotes, instance/section values (executeTemplate().example) wrapped in braces, slot sections (getSlot) interpolated as snippet sections inside figma.code`...`, booleans using conditionals

If anything looks uncertain, consult api.md for API details and advanced-patterns.md for complex nesting.

Inline Quick Reference

instance.* Methods

InstanceHandle Methods

TextHandle Properties

SelectorOptions

{ path?: string[], traverseInstances?: boolean }

• traverseInstances: true — required when the target lives inside another nested instance. Without it, findInstance/findText only search the current instance's own layers and stop at nested instance boundaries.
• path: string[] — disambiguates when multiple descendants share the same layer name. Lists parent layer names that must appear on the path to the target.

Examples:

// Layer hierarchy:
//   A > C (instance) > "mychild"
// "mychild" sits inside nested instance C, so plain findInstance returns ErrorHandle.
instance.findInstance('mychild', { traverseInstances: true })

// Layer hierarchy:
//   A > C (instance) > "mychild"
//   A > D (instance) > "mychild"
// Two "mychild" layers exist — use path to pick the one under C.
instance.findInstance('mychild', { traverseInstances: true, path: ['C'] })

When to reach into a nested instance from a parent template: only when the parent code component (from Step 4) takes the nested layer as a prop value itself (e.g. <C show={<B />} /> — A forwards B into C). If the parent just composes C and C renders B internally, resolve C with executeTemplate() and let C's own template handle B — don't duplicate B's rendering at the parent level.

Export Structure

export default {
  example: figma.code`...`,                      // Required: ResultSection[]
  id: 'component-name',                         // Required: string
  imports: ['import { X } from "..."'],          // Optional: string[]
  metadata: { nestable: true, props: {} }        // Optional
}

Rules and Pitfalls

1. Never string-concatenate template results. executeTemplate().example is a ResultSection[] object, not a string. Using + or .join() produces [object Object]. Always interpolate inside tagged templates: figma.code`${snippet1}${snippet2}`

2. Do not use hasCodeConnect() guards. Call executeTemplate() directly on any instance after a type === 'INSTANCE' check. The runtime handles instances without Code Connect automatically.

   // WRONG — hasCodeConnect() gate drops non-CC instances
   if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE' && icon.hasCodeConnect()) {
     iconCode = icon.executeTemplate().example
   }
   
   // CORRECT — let the runtime handle all instances
   if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE') {
     iconCode = icon.executeTemplate().example
   }
   

3. Check type === 'INSTANCE' before calling executeTemplate(). findInstance(), findConnectedInstance(), and findText() return an ErrorHandle (truthy, but not a real node) on failure — not null. Always add a type check to avoid crashes: if (child && child.type === 'INSTANCE') { ... }

4. Prefer getInstanceSwap() over findInstance() when a component property exists for the slot. findInstance('Star Icon') breaks when the icon is swapped to a different name; getInstanceSwap('Icon') always works regardless of which instance is in the slot.

5. Use getSlot() only when the Figma property type is SLOT. For INSTANCE_SWAP props, use getInstanceSwap() (returns an InstanceHandle). getSlot() returns structured slot sections, not instances — never call executeTemplate() on its return value.

6. Property names are case-sensitive and must exactly match what get_context_for_code_connect returns.

7. Handle multiple template arrays correctly. When iterating over children, set each result in a separate variable and interpolate them individually — do not use .map().join():

   // Wrong:
   items.map(n => n.executeTemplate().example).join('\n')
   
   // Correct — use separate variables:
   const child1 = items[0]?.executeTemplate().example
   const child2 = items[1]?.executeTemplate().example
   export default { example: figma.code`${child1}${child2}` }
   

8. Never hardcode slot or children content. Always resolve child instances dynamically — use getInstanceSwap() for INSTANCE_SWAP properties, findInstance()/findConnectedInstance() for direct children — and render them via executeTemplate(). Never construct JSX from a layer name (e.g., <StarIcon />) or guess import paths. If an instance has no Code Connect, omit it — do not add a hardcoded fallback.

   // WRONG — hardcodes the icon from its layer name
   example: figma.code`<Button icon={<StarIcon />}>Submit</Button>`
   
   // CORRECT — resolves dynamically, works for any swapped icon
   const icon = instance.findInstance('Icon')
   let iconCode
   if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE') {
     iconCode = icon.executeTemplate().example
   }
   example: figma.code`<Button${iconCode ? figma.code` icon={${iconCode}}` : ''}>...</Button>`
   

9. Attempt to represent every Figma property via a code prop. The code component's Props interface (from Step 4) is the authoritative list of attribute names. For each Figma property, figure out the right way to represent it using the API methods from Step 5 — direct name match, value transformation, or whatever fits. If no code prop fits at all, omit it — don't invent a prop name.

Complete Worked Example

Given URL: https://figma.com/design/abc123/MyFile?node-id=42-100

Step 1: Parse the URL.

• fileKey = abc123
• nodeId = 42-100 → 42:100

Step 2: Call get_code_connect_suggestions with fileKey: "abc123", nodeId: "42:100", excludeMappingPrompt: true. Response returns one component with mainComponentNodeId: "42:100". If the response were empty, stop and inform the user. If multiple components were returned, repeat Steps 3–6 for each.

Step 3: Call get_context_for_code_connect with fileKey: "abc123", nodeId: "42:100" (from Step 2), clientFrameworks: ["react"], clientLanguages: ["typescript"].

Response includes properties:

• Label (TEXT)
• Variant (VARIANT): Primary, Secondary
• Size (VARIANT): Small, Medium, Large
• Disabled (BOOLEAN)
• Has Icon (BOOLEAN)
• Icon (INSTANCE_SWAP)

Step 4: Search codebase → find Button component. Read its source to confirm props: variant, size, disabled, icon, children. Import path: "primitives".

Step 5: Create src/figma/primitives/Button.figma.ts:

// url=https://figma.com/design/abc123/MyFile?node-id=42-100
// source=src/components/Button.tsx
// component=Button
import figma from 'figma'
const instance = figma.selectedInstance

const label = instance.getString('Label')
const variant = instance.getEnum('Variant', {
  'Primary': 'primary',
  'Secondary': 'secondary',
})
const size = instance.getEnum('Size', {
  'Small': 'sm',
  'Medium': 'md',
  'Large': 'lg',
})
const disabled = instance.getBoolean('Disabled')
const hasIcon = instance.getBoolean('Has Icon')
const icon = hasIcon ? instance.getInstanceSwap('Icon') : null
let iconCode
if (icon && icon.type === 'INSTANCE') {
  iconCode = icon.executeTemplate().example
}

export default {
  example: figma.code`
    <Button
      variant="${variant}"
      size="${size}"
      ${disabled ? 'disabled' : ''}
      ${iconCode ? figma.code`icon={${iconCode}}` : ''}
    >
      ${label}
    </Button>
  `,
  imports: ['import { Button } from "primitives"'],
  id: 'button',
  metadata: { nestable: true }
}

Step 6: Read back file to verify syntax.

Additional Reference

For advanced patterns (multi-level nested components, findConnectedInstances filtering, metadata prop passing between parent/child templates):

• api.md — Full Code Connect API reference
• advanced-patterns.md — Advanced nesting, metadata props, and descendant patterns