How to Use Figma AI: Step-by-Step Guide for Designers

What is Figma AI and How to Access It?

Figma AI brings AI tools directly into your Figma workspace, so you can complete many design tasks without switching to another tool. You can use it to generate UI designs, edit images, rewrite text, organize layers, and create prototypes. The tools available to you may differ depending on the Figma product you are using.

To access Figma AI, open the Actions menu from the toolbar in a supported Figma product. The AI tools you see depend on your Figma plan and the permissions available in your workspace. If you cannot find any AI features, your workspace administrator may have turned them off.

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How to Use Figma AI

Once you have access to Figma AI, you can start using its tools for different design tasks. Below are some of the most useful ways to use Figma AI in your workflow: 

• Generate UI Designs with First Draft

Starting a design from scratch can take time, especially when you are still exploring ideas. First Draft gives you an initial layout based on a text prompt, so you have something to build on right away. Open a new design file, launch First Draft from the Actions menu, and describe the screen you want to create. Include details such as the platform, layout, sections, and overall style.

A prompt like "Create a mobile food delivery home screen with a search bar, category filters, restaurant cards, and a bottom navigation menu" usually produces a better result than a short request like "Design a home screen." After the layout appears, review every section carefully. Replace the placeholder content, adjust the spacing, apply your own colors and typography, and replace generated elements with components from your design system wherever possible.

• Edit Images and Remove Backgrounds

Images might require some adjustments to fit into a design. Many of those edits can be done right in Figma instead of switching back and forth between applications. Select an image and use the editing options to remove its background or make supported modifications.

This works well for product photos, profile pictures, logos,  or any image that needs a clean background before adding to a layout. After you’ve made your changes, take a close look at the image to make sure the edges look clean and natural. If necessary, make small manual adjustments before using the image in your final design.

• Rewrite, Translate, or Duplicate Content

UI content can change several times throughout the design process. A heading may need to be shorter, a button label may need clearer wording, or the same screen may need content in another language. Rather than updating every text layer manually, select the content and use Figma AI to rewrite it, translate it, or create another variation.

Review the updated text before moving on to the next task. Check that the wording matches your product's tone, fits within the available space, and remains clear for users. A quick review at this stage can prevent unnecessary revisions later.

• Organize Layers and Clean Up Files

As more screens and components are added, keeping the file organized becomes just as important as creating the design itself. Layer names such as Frame 18, Rectangle 24, or Group 12 make it difficult to locate the right element later. Figma AI can rename these layers based on what they represent, making the Layers panel much easier to navigate.

Clean layer names also improve collaboration. Designers can understand the file more quickly, and developers spend less time searching for the correct elements during handoff. A well-organized file also makes future edits much easier when you return to the project.

• Create Prototypes with Figma Make

Interactive prototypes allow you to test ideas before development begins. With Figma Make, you can describe the interface or interaction you want to create and get a working prototype right away. You can use it to build a sign-up flow, a dashboard with interactive filters, or a settings page with clickable controls.

When the prototype is ready, carefully test all interactions, not only the generated result. Before sharing the prototype with your team, review the navigation, transitions, and overall user flow and make any necessary adjustments so the prototype works the way you expect.

You can also watch this video for a practical walkthrough of how to use Figma AI to turn an idea into a website design and build an interactive prototype.

Tips for Using Figma AI Better

In addition to understanding how to use Figma AI, following a few best practices can help you make the most of its features. Here are some tips to improve your experience with Figma AI:

• Use AI During the Early Stages of a Project

Figma AI works well when you are exploring ideas and testing different possibilities. You can use it early to compare layouts, explore different approaches, or quickly create a starting point for discussion with your team. Bringing AI into the process before the design is finalized gives you more flexibility to make changes and experiment with different directions.

• Keep Your Design Decisions User-Focused

While Figma AI can help you create and refine design elements, the final decisions should always consider the people who will use the product. Make sure the layout is clear, the navigation is logical, and the content helps the user reach their goal. A design may look good but still needs to be modified if it creates confusion or adds unnecessary steps.

• Combine Figma AI with Your Existing Workflow

Figma AI works best when it becomes part of your regular design process instead of replacing the methods you already use. Continue using your research, feedback, design reviews, and testing practices along with these tools. Combining AI features with your existing workflow helps you maintain control over the outcome while reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.

• Experiment With Different Approaches

The first result may not always be the one you were looking for, so trying different approaches can help you find better solutions. Try rephrasing your instructions, adjusting your requirements, or approaching it from a different angle. By trying out different options, you can discover new ideas and see which approaches are best suited for your type of project.

Conclusion

• Figma AI helps designers complete common design tasks faster while keeping the entire workflow inside Figma.
• You can use Figma AI features like First Draft, image editing tools, content tools, and Figma Make to create and refine different parts of a project.
• A clear design goal and proper review process help you get more useful results while working with Figma AI.
• Using Figma AI with your existing design skills lets you create better experiences without losing control over key design decisions.

FAQs

1. Can Figma AI generate images from text prompts?

Yes, Figma AI can generate images from text prompts using the Make an image feature. Select a layer where you want the image to appear or deselect all layers to create a new image layer. Open the Actions menu, choose Make an image, enter a detailed prompt, and select an available AI model. You can also add a reference image to guide the output.

2. What is the difference between Figma Make and Figma AI?

Figma AI is the broader collection of AI-powered tools available across Figma products. These tools can help users generate designs, edit images, rewrite text, translate content, and organize files. Figma Make is a specific prompt-to-app tool that turns written instructions and existing designs into functional prototypes, interactive interfaces, and web applications.

3. Can Figma AI translate an entire frame?

Figma AI can translate selected text layers into another language. Select a text layer, open the Actions menu, choose Translate to, and select the required language. Figma’s current instructions describe this feature for selected text layers rather than promising that every text element inside an entire frame can be translated with one action.

4. What is the Figma agent?

The Figma agent is an AI assistant that works directly within the Figma Design canvas. Designers can use prompts to explore new design directions, make text or image changes, apply elements from a design system, and update multiple parts of a design. Generated results should still be reviewed for visual consistency, usability, and alignment with the project requirements.

5. Is Figma AI available to Education users?

Figma AI tools are available to eligible higher education students, educators, and bootcamp users with verified Education accounts. Figma Make is also available to these users. However, Figma AI tools and Figma Make are not currently available to K-12 Education users. Education accounts receive a monthly allocation of AI credits.

6. Is Figma AI free or available only on paid plans?

Most Figma AI features are available on paid Figma plans and require the appropriate file permissions. Starter plan users have limited AI access, including restricted access to Figma Make. Figma uses AI credits to manage usage, and the number of credits available depends on the user’s plan and seat type. Workspace administrators can also disable AI features for their teams.