How to Use Figma AI for Design

Step 1: Enable AI Features and Set Up Your Workspace

First, ensure you're on Figma's paid plan (Professional or higher) as AI features require this. Open Figma and create a new file. In the top toolbar, click on the 'Plugins' menu (puzzle piece icon), then select 'Find more plugins.' Search for 'Figma AI' and install it if not already available. Once installed, you'll see AI options appear in your right-hand panel under the 'Design' tab. I recommend creating a new frame for your project—use the Frame tool (F) and select a desktop or mobile frame size. You should now see AI icons (lightning bolt) appear in various menus, indicating AI features are active and ready to use.

Step 2: Generate UI Copy and Placeholder Text with AI

Select any text layer or create a new one using the Text tool (T). With the text layer selected, look for the AI icon (sparkle) in the right-hand properties panel under the 'Text' section. Click it to open the AI writing assistant. Type a clear prompt like 'Write a compelling headline for a fintech app about budgeting' or 'Create descriptive placeholder text for a user profile section.' The AI will generate multiple options—click on one to insert it directly into your text layer. You can regenerate if needed. I use this for everything from button labels to error messages. The text appears as editable Figma text that you can style normally.

Step 3: Create Custom Icons from Text Prompts

Select any shape or frame, or create a new one using the Shape tools (R for rectangle, O for ellipse). With the object selected, find the 'Make Icon' button in the right panel (it looks like a magic wand with a square). Click it to open the icon generator. In the text field that appears, describe the icon you want—for example, 'a simple calendar icon with a checkmark' or 'a minimalist shopping cart icon.' Choose a style from the dropdown (line, filled, duotone). Click 'Generate' and Figma AI will create multiple icon options. Click on your preferred design to apply it to the selected shape. The icon becomes a vector that you can edit like any other Figma shape.

Step 4: Use AI for Intelligent Layout Suggestions

Select multiple elements on your canvas (Shift+click or drag to select). In the right-hand panel, look for the 'Suggest Layout' button (it appears as a grid icon with a sparkle). Click it to see AI-generated layout alternatives. The AI analyzes your selected elements and suggests better arrangements based on design principles. You'll see options for different grid structures, spacing, and alignment. Click on any suggestion to apply it instantly. I use this most when arranging form fields, card components, or navigation elements. You can also use this with empty frames—create several rectangles, select them all, and ask AI to arrange them as a dashboard grid or feature list.

Step 5: Automate Design Tasks with AI Commands

Press 'Cmd+/' (Mac) or 'Ctrl+/' (Windows) to open the command palette. Start typing AI-related commands like 'AI: Generate image placeholder,' 'AI: Rename layers,' or 'AI: Create color palette.' For example, type 'AI: Generate image placeholder' and press Enter. A dialog appears where you can describe the image you need—try 'person working on laptop in coffee shop' or 'abstract tech background with blue gradients.' The AI creates a placeholder image that fits your selected frame. Similarly, use 'AI: Rename layers' to automatically name selected layers logically based on their content and position. These commands save me 10-15 minutes per design file on organizational tasks alone.

Step 6: Refine and Polish Your AI-Generated Designs

Now that you have AI-generated content, it's time to refine. Select any AI-created element and use Figma's standard tools to polish it. For text: adjust font, size, color, and spacing in the Text panel. For icons: use the Edit Object mode (Enter key) to modify vector points or change fill colors. For layouts: fine-tune spacing using the Design panel's spacing controls or the Smart Selection features. I always check alignment using Figma's built-in alignment guides (View > Show Layout Grids). Create components (Cmd+Option+K) from your polished AI elements to reuse them. Finally, use Auto Layout on sections to make them responsive—select elements and click 'Auto Layout' in the right panel.

Step 7: Export and Collaborate Using AI-Enhanced Features

With your design complete, use AI to prepare it for collaboration and handoff. First, select all frames and use 'AI: Add annotations' from the command palette to automatically generate descriptive notes for developers. Next, go to the Prototype tab and use 'AI: Suggest interactions' to get smart transition recommendations between frames. For exporting, select elements and use 'AI: Suggest export formats' in the Export panel—the AI will recommend PNG, SVG, or PDF based on content type. Finally, when sharing with stakeholders, use the 'AI: Generate changelog' feature in the version history to automatically summarize what changed since the last review. I use these features to cut my handoff time in half.