Create a plugin for development
Before you start
Who can use this feature
Supported on any team or plan
You must use the Figma desktop app to create and publish plugins. The Figma desktop app is only available for Mac and Windows. Download the Figma desktop app →
This article covers one step in the plugin development process. Learn how to make plugins for Figma →
Find all the information you need to get started writing plugins in the Plugin API documentation.
Create a plugin
When you create a plugin, Figma generates a directory that includes the folders and critical files that you'll need to build your plugin.
- Open the Figma desktop app.
- Create or open a file.
- In the upper-left corner, open the Figma menu and select Plugins.
- Under Development:
- Select New Plugin... to create a plugin using a plugin template. The set of templates that are available to you depend on the product you're using.
- Select Import new plugin from manifest... if you already have your source code on your computer.
- Follow the prompts provided to create your plugin.
- After you create your plugin, you can find it listed under Development.
- You can also find your plugin under the Development section of the Plugins tab in Figma Design, Dev Mode, FigJam, and Figma Slides.
Now that you have your plugin files, to learn more about developing plugins for Figma, check out the Build your first plugin course.
When your plugin is ready to share with others, you can publish it! Read more about how to publish plugins to the Figma Community.
Plugin templates
Figma provides templates that you can use to get started with your plugin. You select a template when you create a plugin.
When you create a plugin in Figma Design, FigJam, or Figma Slides, you're asked if you want your plugin to be Multi-product or specific to the product you're using at the time. Your selection determines the editor type of your plugin.
After you make a choice, you're prompted to select one of the available templates:
- Default: A blank slate where you can build your plugin from the ground up.
- Run once: This is a template for a plugin that runs once with no further interaction from the user. Use this template if your plugin doesn't need a UI.
- Custom UI: Use this template if you want to create a plugin with an interactive UI or that uses browser APIs.
When you create a plugin in Dev Mode, the following templates are available:
- Inspect: Build a plugin that inspects a design. Implement UI elements that are rendered in the Plugins tab of the inspect panel in Dev Mode.
- Code Generator: Create a plugin that generates code snippets in the inspect panel in Dev Mode.