Figma’s Dev Mode: All You Need to Know

When it comes to product design and front-end development, handoffs between designers and developers can be messy. That’s exactly why Figma introduced Dev Mode. With this dedicated space inside Figma, developers get what they need (specs, assets, code snippets) without getting lost in the design chaos. In this article, you’ll learn what Figma’s Dev Mode is, why it matters, how to use it, and how it can improve your workflow.

What is Dev Mode?

Dev Mode is a special mode within Figma that is designed for developers. According to Figma, it’s “built for developers, giving you the power to easily inspect designs and translate them into code without changing the design file.”

In other words, instead of exporting a design and blindly building it, Dev Mode lets you dive into the design itself, view the layers, variables, and code, and link directly to your implementation. It bridges the gap between design and development.

Why Dev Mode Matters?

Here are some reasons why Dev Mode is a game-changer:

• Streamlined handoff: Designers mark frames/components as “ready for dev”, which makes clear what is finished and ready to build.

• Reduced mis-communication: Developers get access to specs, token values, spacing, color codes, and code-snippets. That means fewer “but the design changed” surprises.

• Efficient workflow: Instead of juggling separate tools (design file, documentation, codebase), Dev Mode consolidates multiple needs into a single view. It also integrates with tools such as VS Code, GitHub, Jira, and Storybook.

• Design system consistency: With features like a component playground and linking design variables to tokens, you ensure that builds match the design system and codebase.

In short, when you have Dev Mode in your toolkit, your design-to-development process becomes tighter, faster and with fewer errors.

Who Should Use Dev Mode?

Dev Mode is ideal for teams where designers and developers collaborate closely. Specifically:

• Developers working on the front-end or mobile who need design specifications.

• Design leads who oversee multiple components and want to hand off clearly.

• Design-system maintainers who need consistency between design and code.

• Agencies or product teams where the design-to-code path is a bottleneck.

Note: Dev Mode is available only on paid plans in Figma. You need a Full or Dev seat. If you’re a sole freelancer on the free plan, you may not have the full features.

Key Features of Figma’s Dev Mode

Figma’s Dev Mode is packed with features that simplify the way developers interpret and implement design files. Below are some of the most notable features that distinguish Dev Mode.

Component Playground

The Component Playground is where developers can explore how components behave without affecting the actual design. 

When you select a component instance, Dev Mode displays all its variants and properties in one place. This makes it easy to test different states, review behavior, and understand component logic before coding. It’s a practical way to preview design functionality in a controlled space.

Code Connect & Design Token Integration

With Code Connect, developers can link real code directly to design components. This connection generates accurate, ready-to-use snippets that reflect your design system’s tokens such as colors, spacing, and typography. 

As a result, design and development remain aligned, ensuring that what you build visually matches the original design. Moreover, this integration reinforces consistency across projects and platforms.

Version Diff and Compare Changes

The Version Diff feature lets you compare current frames with older versions or master components. This makes it simple to track updates and identify visual or layout changes.

Consequently, developers can ensure that their build aligns with the latest approved design and avoid confusion caused by silent updates or design tweaks.

Asset Export and Icon Detection

Another standout capability is automatic asset detection. Dev Mode identifies icons, images, and other assets instantly. You can then export them as PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF, eliminating the need for manual preparation from designers. This automation streamlines the process, reducing effort and speeding up implementation.

Integrations for Developer Tooling

Lastly, Dev Mode integrates seamlessly with developer environments like VS Code, GitHub, and Storybook. Developers can inspect design properties, pull code snippets, and reference specs without switching tools. This connectivity keeps workflow efficient and context-rich, bridging design and code in real time.

How to Turn on Figma’s Dev Mode and Navigate it

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you get started and confidently move through Dev Mode’s features.

Step 1: Enable Dev Mode

To begin, open your desired Figma design file. On the top toolbar, you’ll find a toggle labeled “Dev Mode.” Simply click it to switch from design view to developer mode. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + D for quick access.

Once activated, the interface transforms into a developer-friendly layout, highlighting design specs, tokens, and assets rather than design tools. This clean, focused interface makes it easier for developers to extract the information they need without distractions from the design environment.

Step 2: Navigate the Design in Dev Mode

After enabling Dev Mode, navigation becomes intuitive. On the left sidebar, you’ll see all the frames or sections marked as “Ready for Dev.” These are the areas the design team has finalized and handed off for development.

From here, you can select any frame or component to inspect. You’ll also have access to version history, allowing you to track changes made over time. This is a lifesaver when designs evolve during the web development phase, ensuring that developers always build from the latest approved design version.

Step 3: Use the Inspect Panel

The Inspect Panel is one of the most powerful parts of Dev Mode. When you click on any layer, it reveals detailed information, including the layer name, type (frame, component, or text), and the last updated timestamp.

You’ll also find all key design specs here, such as the width, height, spacing, colors, and design tokens. To make things even more convenient, Figma automatically generates code snippets in various languages like CSS, SwiftUI, and Jetpack Compose.

Moreover, developers can download assets such as icons or images directly from the panel. This eliminates the need for designers to create separate export packages and keeps the process quick and consistent.

Step 4: Explore Ready-for-Dev and Focus Views

Dev Mode provides two main viewing modes to streamline handoffs:

• Ready-for-Dev View: This view displays all designs or components tagged as “Ready for Dev.” It helps developers identify what’s approved and next in the build pipeline.

• Focus View: When you click on a particular design or frame from the Ready-for-Dev list, you enter Focus View. This isolates the selected design, removing distractions and providing complete inspection and measurement tools.

These two views make it simple to manage your workflow and prioritize tasks.

Step 5: Work with Annotations and Statuses

Communication is vital during handoff, and Figma has made it easier with annotations and statuses. 

Designers can mark frames and components as “Ready for Dev”, “In Progress,” or “Completed.” They can also add annotations, such as short notes explaining interactions, states, or design decisions.

This context ensures that developers understand the reasoning behind each element and reduces the need for back-and-forth clarification during builds.

Step 6: Use Plugins and Integrations

Finally, Figma’s Dev Mode supports a wide range of developer-oriented plugins and integrations. 

You can connect tools like Jira for task tracking, GitHub for code management, or Storybook for component documentation. Additionally, you can use custom plugins for code generation frameworks such as Tailwind CSS or React.

These integrations enable developers to integrate design data into their workflow tools, creating a seamless ecosystem that connects design and development.

How to Adopt Dev Mode in Your Workflow

Here’s how teams can make the most of Dev Mode:

• Define roles clearly: Designers continue working in Design Mode; once a section/component is finalized, they tag it “Ready for dev”. Developers pick up from Dev Mode.

• Create a Design-system Backbone: Ensure that components, tokens (including colors, typography, and spacing) are defined and used consistently throughout the system. Dev Mode shines when your design system is mature.

• Train Developers on Dev Mode Usage: Although the UI is intuitive, demonstrate how to toggle, inspect panels, use filters, export assets, and copy code.

• Leverage Annotations and Statuses: Encourage designers to annotate relevant specifications and add links (e.g., to a Jira ticket, story, or documentation) to facilitate clear communication. It reduces back-and-forth.

• Link to Codebases: Use Code Connect or another integration so that the design system in Figma links to components in your code repository. That will reduce divergence between design and code.

• Use Plugins: If your team uses tools like Storybook, GitHub, Jira, pick or build plugins that integrate inside Dev Mode to keep everything connected.

• Iterate the Process: Like any workflow, refine how you use Dev Mode. Perhaps establish a “handoff checklist” (marked as “ready”, version check, annotations, and token review) before development begins.

Benefits of Figma’s Dev Mode

Figma’s Dev Mode is more than just a handoff feature; it’s a productivity booster that strengthens collaboration between designers and developers. It helps teams build faster, maintain consistency, and minimize misunderstandings.

Here are the key benefits that make Dev Mode a must-have for modern product teams.

• Faster and Clearer Handoff: With Dev Mode, handoffs happen seamlessly. Designers can mark components as “Ready for Dev,” giving developers instant clarity on what’s finalized and ready to build.

• Reduced Search Time: Developers no longer waste time searching for specs, assets, or snippets. Everything they need is organized in one place for quick access.

• Consistent Builds: Design tokens and component links ensure that every build remains aligned with the design system, minimizing mismatches and visual bugs.

• Transparent Version Tracking: Dev Mode displays version histories, making it easier to track updates and prevent unexpected changes.

• Focused Implementation: Finally, by enabling direct asset export and code copying, developers can concentrate on writing quality code instead of manually translating designs.

Limitations of Figma’s Dev Mode

While Figma’s Dev Mode offers remarkable advantages, it’s not without its limitations. Understanding these constraints helps teams plan their workflow better and avoid potential bottlenecks. Here are some key drawbacks to consider before full adoption.

• Paid Feature Access: Dev Mode is only available on paid Figma plans. Teams using the free version have limited access, which can restrict collaboration for smaller projects.

• Dependency on a Strong Design System: The tool performs best when a design system is already established. Without defined tokens or components, Dev Mode may not deliver its full value.

• Learning Curve for Developers: Although user-friendly, developers may need time to adapt to new workflows and features, especially when integrating with existing tools.

• Integration and Licensing Confusion: Finally, managing Dev Mode seats and integrating external tools, such as GitHub or Jira, can sometimes create confusion, particularly in large teams.

Figma’s Dev Mode: Use Case Scenarios

Here are a few examples of where Dev Mode adds real value:

• Start-up Product Team: A lean team with one designer and two developers. The designer finishes screens, sets status to “ready for dev”. Developers jump in via Dev Mode, inspect specs, download assets, copy code snippets, and build faster.

• Large Organization Maintaining a Design System: Many designers create components; many dev teams consume them. With Dev Mode + Code Connect, the system tokens stay in sync with code.

• Agency Working with Multiple Clients: The agency’s designers hand off to different developer squads. By tagging ready-for-dev and using consistent tokens and components, quality and speed improve across clients.

• Mobile and Web Teams Working Together: Perhaps one design system feeds both a web app and a mobile app. Dev Mode supports inspection for web (CSS) and mobile (SwiftUI/Compose), enabling unified workflows across both platforms.

To Sum Up

It is a simple fact that the smoother the design-to-development handoff, the better your product outcomes will be. Figma’s Dev Mode provides a purpose-built workspace for developers to access the design file, inspect layers, derive specifications, download assets, and integrate with code. 

For teams that adopt it well, especially those with a clear design system and collaboration practices, Dev Mode can reduce errors, improve speed and keep your builds true to the design vision.

If you’re looking to tighten your process, reduce misinterpretation between design and code, and enable your dev team to work more efficiently; Dev Mode is definitely worth exploring.

FAQs About Figma’s Dev Mode

Regina Patil

Hey there! I'm Regina, an SEO Content Writer, living in Mumbai, India. I've been navigating the web design, Figma, and WordPress industry for 10 years. I have a deep passion for words, encapsulated by the quote, "In every word, there's a universe waiting to be explored." My role involves writing various content formats, including website content, SEO articles, and in-depth blog posts. I also craft social media posts and have a strong affinity for WordPress.

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