How to Share Figma Designs with Developers
Share Figma designs with developers using Dev Mode. Inspect properties, copy CSS code, export assets, and annotate complex interactions.
Step-by-step
How to Share Figma Designs with Developers
Prepare your file for handoff
Organize frames with clear names matching your route or component structure. Mark finalized designs as 'Ready for dev' using the status tag in Dev Mode. Remove or hide exploration and work-in-progress frames to avoid confusion.
Enable Dev Mode
Toggle Dev Mode from the toolbar (or press Shift+D). The interface switches to a developer-focused view with code panels, measurement tools, and asset export controls. Dev Mode is available on Professional plans and above.
Share the file link
Click 'Share' and copy the file link. Developers with 'can view' access can use Dev Mode to inspect designs for free (viewer seats are free). They open the link in their browser — no Figma editor seat required for inspection.
Annotate complex interactions
Add text annotations or sticky notes next to complex elements explaining behavior that isn't visible in the static design — loading states, animation details, keyboard shortcuts, error handling logic, and responsive breakpoints.
Review and iterate
Developers can leave comments directly on the design. Use Figma's comment threads to discuss implementation details, flag technical constraints, and resolve questions. Mark comments as resolved when addressed.
Tips
Pro tips
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Use consistent naming between Figma layers and your codebase component names — it makes the mapping obvious for developers
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Add a 'Changelog' page in your design file listing what changed in each update, so developers know what to re-implement
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Link Figma frames to Jira/Linear tickets using the integration so developers can navigate directly from the ticket to the design
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Use Figma's 'Compare changes' feature in Dev Mode to highlight exactly what changed between design versions
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