Figma AI Tools: Design Websites, Apps & Marketing Assets Faster

Figma Unveils Suite of AI-Powered Tools for Web Creation and Design

Figma, a leading design company, has announced a range of new features today. These include AI-driven capabilities for building websites and web applications, a streamlined asset creation process for marketers, and an enhanced drawing tool.

Introducing Figma Sites: AI-Powered Website Development

The newly launched Figma Sites allows designers to transform prototypes into fully functional websites with ease. Previously, designers often constructed site mockups within Figma itself. Now, they can directly publish these designs as live websites.

Collaborators can modify site elements directly through an intuitive editor, eliminating the need for constant re-prompting. Users are also able to incorporate transitions, animations, and responsive design elements.

Integrated Content Management System

Figma is integrating a content management system (CMS) directly into Figma Sites. This upcoming feature will enable users to edit blog posts within the design environment. It will also facilitate the management of associated assets like thumbnails and slugs.

For dynamic elements, such as live stock tickers, users can either write custom code or leverage AI to generate the necessary code.

Figma Make: Prototyping and Ideation with AI

Figma Make is another AI-powered tool, focused on the initial stages of web application development. Users can input a simple prompt to generate a functional web application prototype.

This prototype is designed for collaborative work. Team members can request changes or additions from the AI assistant. Developers can also directly modify the underlying code for precise adjustments.

Interactive components, like digital clocks, can be created and subsequently embedded into pages published via Figma Sites.

Distinction Between Figma Sites and Figma Make

Yuhki Yamashita, Figma’s chief product officer, highlighted the complementary nature of these two products. Both share core technologies and features.

“Figma Make excels at high-fidelity prototyping, allowing for thorough viability testing of ideas. Figma Sites, conversely, is ideal for marketing and design teams who have a clear vision for a website’s appearance and require complete control,” Yamashita explained to TechCrunch.

The Rise of AI-Powered Creative Tools

Numerous companies are now exploring the use of AI to facilitate interactive experience creation. Website hosting platforms like Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, and Hostinger have all introduced AI-powered website builders.

Furthermore, platforms such as Replit and Lovable are empowering users to build applications and prototypes without requiring coding expertise. Canva recently launched Canva Code, enabling interactive elements within its designs.

Past Challenges and Lessons Learned

This isn’t Figma’s initial venture into prototyping. A previous feature, Make Design, was discontinued following concerns from users regarding the training data used by the tool.

Figma Buzz: Empowering Marketers with AI

Figma Buzz, a new tool designed for marketers, allows for the efficient creation of marketing assets. Marketers can utilize designer-created templates with brand-specific designs.

AI-generated images can be seamlessly integrated, and backgrounds of existing assets can be altered. Bulk asset creation is also supported, leveraging data from sources like spreadsheets.

Introducing Figma Draw: Enhanced Vector Editing

Figma is also launching Figma Draw, a tool dedicated to vector editing and illustration. Designers previously needed to export designs for vector modifications.

Draw now includes features like text on a path, pattern fills, brushes, multi-vector editing, noise and texture effects, and a lasso selection tool.

Positioning Against Competitors

With the addition of asset creation and drawing tools, Figma is now positioned alongside established creative suites like Adobe and Canva. Yamashita clarified that Figma isn’t directly competing with these tools.

He emphasized that Figma’s focus remains on building digital products, with a significant portion of its user base – approximately one-third – being developers, thanks to features like Dev Mode.

New Content Seat Plan

Figma is introducing a new “content seat” plan, priced at $8 per month. This plan provides access to Figma Buzz, Slides, FigJam, and the Figma Sites CMS.