Figma skill for Codex review: verdict, safety and alternatives
OpenAI's Figma skill is an instruction-only Codex skill that turns Figma frames into code through the Figma MCP server. We rate it Conditional, 58/100, with safety grade C, because its repository is deprecated. Figma's own plugin now does the same job, with updates.
- Skill
- Figma (OpenAI, openai/skills curated)
- Verdict
- Conditional
- Score
- 58/100
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Safety grade
- C
- Best for
- Codex users with a working Figma MCP connection who want an enforced fetch-context, fetch-screenshot, adapt loop
- Poor fit
- Teams on current Codex, which ships Figma's own plugin with a newer figma-design-to-code skill
- Reviewed version
- no version tag · commit 49f948f
- Review date
- 2026-09-30
- Works in (verified)
- Codex (CLI and Desktop, with Figma MCP)
- Works in (claimed)
- Codex
- Status
- Skill unchanged since 2026-03-25; repository deprecated June 2026; successor is Figma's plugin
Get the skill: figma folder on GitHub · SKILL.md at the reviewed commit · skills.sh listing
What is the Figma skill, and how does it differ from Figma's own skills?
The Figma skill reviewed here is OpenAI's Codex skill, separate from Figma's own skills. It tells the agent to pull design context and screenshots from the Figma MCP server. Then it rebuilds the frame as code in your project.
Figma, the design tool, publishes its own skills too. This one is an Agent Skill for Codex, OpenAI's coding agent; see what an Agent Skill is. OpenAI added it as a "Figma partner skill". Figma's own lists omit it, so it is not Figma's official skill. The Figma MCP server serves Figma design data to agents as tools.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Publisher | OpenAI; content under Figma Developer Terms, labelled Beta (LICENSE.txt) |
| Type | Agent Skill, instructions only (0 scripts) |
| Files | 8: SKILL.md, two reference docs, agents/openai.yaml, three icons, LICENSE.txt |
| Size | SKILL.md 792 tokens; references 1,317; folder 2,109 |
| Path | skills/.curated/figma in openai/skills |
| Dependency | Figma MCP server at mcp.figma.com/mcp over streamable HTTP, declared in agents/openai.yaml |
| Status | Repository deprecated June 2026 (778b0e6); skill folder unchanged since 2026-03-25 |
The repository itself has no licence file, while agenticskills.io lists MIT.
What are Figma's own skills?
Figma's own skills come in three families. Figma skills for MCP run in Claude Code, Codex and Cursor. Custom skills run inside the Figma agent, and the Figma Community library collects shared ones.
The Figma agent is Figma's in-app design assistant, in open beta. Claude Code is Anthropic's coding agent; Cursor is an AI code editor.
| Family | Publisher | Where it runs | Format | How you get it | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figma skills for MCP | Figma (figma/mcp-server-guide) | Claude Code, Codex, Cursor | SKILL.md folders | Figma plugin, or a ZIP of the repo | Help Center: 9 skills + 2 examples; repo: 16 folders (2026-10-26) |
| Custom skills for the Figma agent | Figma users, shared to a team, organization or Community | Figma Design and Figma Make | One Markdown file, Agent Skills specification | Prompt the agent, upload, or write by hand | Not stated |
| Figma Community AI skills library | Figma Community | Figma agent | — | Browse at figma.com/community/ai-skills | Not stated |
MCP examples include figma-use, figma-code-connect and figma-design-to-code. Figma's blog lists 10 agent skills, such as /find-animation-opportunities, /better-interface and /create-color.
The custom skills Help Center page says "available on all plans". The Got skills? blog of 1 July 2026 names Full seats on paid plans. It said MCP support was coming "soon".
Is the Figma skill for Codex worth installing?
No, the Figma skill for Codex is worth installing only where Figma's plugin is unavailable. It scores 58/100, Conditional, at Moderate confidence. Its workflow is tight, but its repository is deprecated and its setup reference has drifted.
Its strength is an ordered flow that reuses project tokens and components; its tool references are stale.
Poor fit:
- Teams on current Codex, which ships Figma's plugin.
- Canvas writes, Figma design systems or Code Connect mapping.
- Users without a Figma account able to authorize the MCP server.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 70 |
| Reliability | 40 |
| Safety | 70 |
| Efficiency | 80 |
| Compatibility | 55 |
| Maintainability | 30 |
| Setup friction | 45 |
| Visual parity verification | 50 |
| Setup guidance currency | 35 |
| Tool catalog currency | 50 |
| Project-convention adaptation rules | 80 |
| Cost of adoption | 40 |
| Instruction weight versus value | 85 |
Compact instructions keep it out of Not Recommended. Deprecation and a newer successor pull it into Conditional. Still missing: a live run with and without the skill, with a visual diff.
See how we score verdicts and the best UI and frontend design skills.
What changed since our review?
Since our review on 30 September 2026, the skill itself has not changed. Its SKILL.md hash still matches the copy we reviewed. Figma's own skills moved on, reaching version 2.2.163 on 19 October.
- Folder unchanged since 2026-03-25 (
736f600);49f948fis still the latest commit. - Repository not archived, still marked deprecated.
- Codex issues #33587 and #48642 are still open.
- figma/mcp-server-guide added figma-spec and figma-code-workflows on 2026-10-15.
- Claude's official marketplace lists Figma's
figmaplugin atf278942. - Figma's Help Center says
codex mcp addalone "does not install Figma's skills".
Our verdict is unchanged.
How many tokens does the Figma skill use?
The Figma skill loads about 792 tokens per use, measured by file size. Its references add about 1,317 tokens on demand. Our estimate for one frame with one revision is 30,000 input and 5,000 output tokens.
| What | Input tokens | Output tokens |
|---|---|---|
| SKILL.md, loaded each time the skill runs | 792 | n/a |
| References, read on demand | 1,317 | n/a |
| Whole folder | 2,109 | n/a |
| One frame with one revision, our estimate (5 uses a week) | 30,000 | 5,000 |
| One typical call with the skill loaded | 31,792 | 5,000 |
Hidden costs: Figma context repeats on each re-fetch. One guide reports Figma responses above 25,000 tokens (community-reported, weak).
Is the Figma skill safe to install?
Yes, the Figma skill is safe to install with one caveat: safety grade C. It ships no scripts, but every use needs a Figma account authorised through OAuth. Its setup reference suggests keeping a token in your shell.
- Ships no scripts, hooks or MCP config files.
- Needs network access to mcp.figma.com/mcp.
- Asks for FIGMA_OAUTH_TOKEN in the shell and an X-Figma-Region header.
- Writes only project source files, never to Figma.
- Gives no guidance on untrusted text inside designs.
Audits on skills.sh: Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass, Socket Pass, Snyk Warn. Safety scores 70. Run our checks before installing an MCP-backed skill.
What does the community report about the Figma skill?
Community reports about the Figma skill centre on its Figma connection. Codex users filed OAuth errors, timeouts and missing Figma tools through 2026. Issue #45005 shows the agent claiming parity it had not reached.
These are the 19 dated reports we weighed, 9 of them strong.
| Source | Date | Report | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| openai/codex #45005 | 2026-09 | Agent claimed parity while icons, RTL and spacing differed | Strong |
| openai/codex #48642 | 2026-09 | Bridge failure leaves Figma tools non-callable in Codex Desktop | Strong |
| openai/codex #33587 | 2026-07 | Remote MCP connects, but Figma tools are not injected | Strong |
| openai/codex #17106 | 2026-04 | use_figma hangs with Figma skills in scope | Strong |
| openai/codex #23804 | 2026-05 | OAuth fails with invalid_redirect_uri on CLI 0.132 | Strong |
| openai/codex #16718 | 2026-04 | Figma reads time out at 120s | Strong |
| Tessl quality page | 2026-09 | Rates the skill 95/100; flags duplicated guidance | Strong, positive |
openai/skills 778b0e6 |
2026-06 | README marked deprecated, pointing to openai/plugins | Strong |
openai/plugins bd2122c |
2026-07 | Figma's plugin skills supersede this one | Strong |
| openai/codex #23929 | 2026-05 | Same OAuth error on Windows CLI 0.133 and 0.135 | Weak |
| openai/codex #20142 | 2026-04 | 401 errors despite re-authentication | Weak |
| openai/codex #19158 | 2026-04 | Figma plugin shown as unavailable for Pro users | Weak |
| openai/codex #31743 | 2026-07 | Codex Desktop memory reached 63 GB with Figma MCP on Windows | Weak |
| openai/codex #32667 | 2026-07 | Successor plugin hook fails with broken pipe | Weak |
| openai/codex #28394 | 2026-06 | Desktop connector exposed only read tools; closed as completed | Weak, neutral |
| Figma forum 52533 | 2026-04 | Read-only access fixed by re-adding the remote MCP | Weak |
| codex.danielvaughan.com guide | 2026-04 | 25k-token response limits, silent OAuth expiry | Weak, neutral |
| Pinned tool catalog | 2026-06 | Lists Code Connect tools missing from Figma's docs | Weak |
| Pinned setup reference | 2026-06 | Bearer-token env var, not an OAuth resource | Weak |
What are the Figma skill's known failures?
The Figma skill has three known failures at commit 49f948f. Its setup reference uses a bearer token where Figma now uses OAuth. Its tool catalog lists stale Code Connect tools, and parity checks slip.
- Setup drift: a bearer-token env var and an
rmcp_clientflag, where Figma's plugin uses an OAuth resource (score 35). - Tool drift: get_strategy_for_mapping and send_get_strategy_response are missing from Figma's docs. create_design_system_rules is now a prompt (score 50).
- Parity slips: #45005 reports false "matches Figma" claims, a wrong icon and broken RTL (score 50).
Host faults it cannot work around: timeouts (#16718), hangs (#17106), 401s (#20142), missing tools (#33587) and bridge failure (#48642). The worst failure is UI that differs from the Figma node while the agent claims 1:1 parity.
Which agents does the Figma skill work with?
The Figma skill works with Codex, verified from public reports in the CLI and Desktop app. Figma lists Claude Code and Cursor as clients of the same MCP server. No run of this skill in either agent is documented.
| Agent | Support | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Codex CLI | Verified from public reports (with Figma MCP) | openai/codex issues, danielvaughan guide |
| Codex Desktop | Verified from public reports | #48642, #31743 |
| Claude Code | Unknown; no published run | Figma lists it as an MCP client; skill setup docs cover Codex only |
| Cursor | Unknown; no published run | Figma lists it as an MCP client |
Compatibility scores 55. It needs the Codex CLI or app with remote MCP support.
How do you install the Figma skill?
In Codex, install the Figma skill with $skill-installer figma, then restart Codex. You connect the Figma MCP server through Figma's plugin or codex mcp add. The README documents this pattern, though OpenAI deprecated the repository in June.
Setup friction scores 45. Figma lists the remote server for Starter, Professional, Education, Organization, Government and Enterprise plans.
How do you install it in Codex?
- Run
$skill-installer figmainside Codex, ornpx skills add https://github.com/openai/skills --skill figma. - Restart Codex.
- Connect the Figma MCP server: Plugins, Figma, Install in the app, or
codex mcp add figma --url https://mcp.figma.com/mcpin the CLI. - Check one small frame with the test below.
The skill's reference prescribes FIGMA_OAUTH_TOKEN and rmcp_client. Figma's Codex setup page uses the app plugin or codex mcp add with sign-in. Login fixes in #23804 and forum thread 52533 used codex mcp add or a fresh login.
How do you install it in Claude Code?
Copy skills/.curated/figma/ to ~/.claude/skills/figma/ and add the Figma MCP server. No Claude Code run is documented. The maintained route is /plugin install figma@claude-plugins-official. See our guide to adding skills to Claude Code.
How do you use the Figma skill with the Figma MCP server?
You use the Figma skill by pasting a Figma frame link into Codex. The skill makes the agent call get_design_context, then get_screenshot, then fetch assets. It rebuilds the frame with your components and tokens.
- Copy a link to one frame or layer with "Copy link to selection".
- Paste it into Codex and ask for an implementation.
- Let the agent call get_design_context for structured data and reference React + Tailwind code.
- Expect get_metadata when the context truncates, then smaller node fetches.
- Let the agent call get_screenshot and use Figma-served localhost assets, with no new icon packages.
- Compare the result with the screenshot yourself, because #45005 shows parity claims slip.
Test the primary use case on one small frame:
- Connect the Figma MCP in Codex and paste the frame link.
- Check that the agent calls get_design_context and get_screenshot.
- Check that it reuses existing components and matches the screenshot.
How is the Figma skill different from the Figma MCP server?
The Figma MCP server is the connection that exposes design context, screenshots and assets as tools. The Figma skill is a short instruction file that sets the order of those calls and the adaptation rules. Every step calls an MCP tool, so the skill does nothing without the server. See skills and MCP servers compared.
What are the alternatives to the Figma skill?
The main alternatives to the Figma skill are Figma's own plugin and OpenAI's Figma Implement Design. Figma's plugin ships figma-design-to-code in Codex and Claude Code, and has no verdict yet. Figma Implement Design scores 59, Conditional.
| Alternative | Verdict | Score | Grade | Better choice when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Figma plugin for Codex (openai/plugins plugins/figma, 12 skills incl. figma-design-to-code) |
Not evaluated | n/a | n/a | You run current Codex and want the maintained route |
Figma plugin for Claude Code (figma@claude-plugins-official) |
Not evaluated | n/a | n/a | You work in Claude Code |
| Figma Implement Design (openai/skills) | Conditional | 59 | C | You want OpenAI's longer seven-step workflow; same deprecated repository |
| Frontend Design (Anthropic) | Recommended | 76 | A | You design UI without a Figma file |
Read the Figma Implement Design verdict, the Frontend Design review, or browse every design skill we rank.
Where is the Figma skill on GitHub?
The Figma skill is on GitHub in openai/skills, under skills/.curated/figma. We reviewed commit 49f948f, and the folder last changed on 25 March 2026. Figma's own skills sit in a separate repository, figma/mcp-server-guide.
- Folder:
skills/.curated/figma; reviewed commit49f948f. - Folder history: added 2026-02-01 (
dad3072), licence alignment 2026-03-25 (736f600). - Deprecation:
778b0e6on 2026-06-22. - Repository stars: 27,849 at review, 28,310 on 2026-10-26; 35 contributors (openai/skills).
- skills.sh installs: 5.6K at review, 5,793 on 2026-10-26.
- Same-name copies: 6,096 code-search hits for
name: figma, forks included.
Common questions
Is the Figma skill free?
Yes, the skill is free to install. Figma MCP access depends on your Figma plan and seat.
Does the Figma skill write to the Figma canvas?
No. It writes only project source files, and Figma's figma-use skill is the one that writes to the canvas.
Is the Figma skill the same as Figma's Codex plugin?
No. Figma's plugin in openai/plugins is the maintained successor, and Figma's Help Center recommends it for Codex.
Can you build your own Figma skill?
Yes. Figma's agent accepts one Markdown skill file; learn to write your own SKILL.md.
Does Codex have a design skill?
Yes. Figma's plugin for Codex ships 12 Figma skills, including figma-design-to-code.