---
title: "Structure your Figma file for better code"
aliases: [figma-file-best-practices, figma-clean-file, figma-code-quality]
tags: [figma, mcp, code-generation, design-system, components]
sources: [raw/Structure your Figma file for better code.md]
created: 2026-05-15
updated: 2026-05-15
---

# Structure your Figma file for better code

How to organize a Figma file so the MCP server and AI can generate clean, consistent, system-aligned code.

## 7 Practices

### 1. Use Components
Anything repeated (buttons, cards, inputs, nav items) must be a component. Enables reuse — especially when paired with [[wiki/claude-code/figma-mcp-code-connect|Code Connect]].

### 2. Link Components to Code via Code Connect
The #1 lever for consistent component reuse. Without it the model guesses which code component to use.

### 3. Use Figma Variables for Tokens
Apply variables for spacing, color, border-radius, and typography. Maps directly to design tokens in generated code.

### 4. Use Semantic Layer Names
Replace default names (`Frame1268`, `Group5`) with intent-driven names: `CardContainer`, `ProductImage`, `CTA_Button`. The model uses names to infer functionality.

### 5. Use Auto Layout
Communicates responsive layout intent. Avoids absolute positioning in generated code. Test: resize the frame in Figma before generating code — if it breaks, fix layout first.

### 6. Use Annotations
Convey behavior that's invisible in visuals: interaction states, alignment rules, responsiveness notes.

### 7. Use Dev Resources *(coming soon)*
Links to developer documentation attached to layers in Dev Mode.

## Key Takeaways

- **Components + Code Connect** = the highest-impact combination; skip it and the model guesses
- **Semantic names** feed directly into generated variable/class names and component selection
- **Auto Layout** → cleaner flexbox/grid code; absolute positioning = a red flag
- **Variables** map 1:1 to design tokens; unlabeled colors/spacing = magic numbers in output
- **Annotations** are the escape hatch for logic that can't be expressed visually
- Pre-flight check: resize frame in Figma → verify layout holds → then generate code

## Related

- [[wiki/claude-code/figma-mcp-code-connect|Code Connect integration]] — how to map Figma components to real code components
- [[wiki/claude-code/figma-code-connect-skill|Code Connect skill]] — step-by-step `.figma.ts` template creation
- [[wiki/claude-code/figma-mcp-guide|Figma MCP guide]] — full overview of MCP server capabilities
- [[wiki/claude-code/figma-skill-build-screens|Build Screens skill]] — workflow for creating screens from a design system

## Sources

- [Structure your Figma file for better code](https://developers.figma.com/docs/figma-mcp-server/structure-figma-file/) — Figma Developer Docs
