figma-architecture-variants

name	figma-architecture-variants
description	Choose between Figma integration architectures: CLI script, webhook service, or plugin. Use when deciding how to integrate with Figma, comparing REST API vs Plugin API, or planning a Figma-connected application. Trigger with phrases like "figma architecture", "figma blueprint", "how to integrate figma", "figma plugin vs api", "figma project type".
allowed-tools	Read, Grep
version	1.6.0
license	MIT
author	Jeremy Longshore <[e-mail]>
tags	["saas","figma"]
compatibility	Designed for Claude Code

Figma Architecture Variants

Overview

Three proven architecture patterns for Figma integrations, based on the two primary Figma APIs: the REST API (external tools) and the Plugin API (in-editor experiences).

Prerequisites

• Clear use case requirements
• Understanding of Figma REST API vs Plugin API differences

Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Architecture

Architecture	API Used	Best For	Hosting
CLI/Script	REST API	Design token sync, asset export	None (runs locally or in CI)
Webhook Service	REST API	Real-time automation, Slack bots	Server/serverless
Figma Plugin	Plugin API	In-editor tools, design linting	Runs in Figma desktop app

Variant A: CLI Script (Simplest)

Use case: Extract design tokens, export icons, sync to code

Developer runs script
        │
        ▼
  ┌─────────────┐
  │ CLI Script   │  (Node.js)
  │ - extract.ts │
  └──────┬───────┘
         │ GET /v1/files/:key
         │ GET /v1/images/:key
         ▼
  ┌─────────────┐
  │ Figma REST  │
  │ API         │
  └──────┬──────┘
         │
         ▼
  ┌─────────────┐
  │ Output      │
  │ - tokens.css│
  │ - icons/    │
  └─────────────┘

{
  "scripts": {
    "figma:tokens": "tsx scripts/extract-tokens.ts",
    "figma:icons": "tsx scripts/export-icons.ts",
    "figma:sync": "npm run figma:tokens && npm run figma:icons"
  }
}

Pros: Zero infrastructure, runs in CI, easy to debug Cons: Not real-time, manual trigger, no webhook support

---

Variant B: Webhook Service (Event-Driven)