Figma used its annual Config conference to show off a batch of updates aimed at collapsing the gap between design and development. The headline features let designers work with code, animation, and shader effects directly on the canvas — no switching tools required.
Code layers are probably the biggest deal for developers working with design teams. You can clone a repo, tweak the code from inside Figma’s design view, then sync changes back. It’s a tighter feedback loop for teams that have been juggling design mockups and actual implementations separately.
On the creative side, motion graphics are now built directly into the canvas. You can prompt Figma’s AI chatbot to generate animations and transitions — describe what you want and it builds the timeline. Manual editing is still available if you want finer control.
Shaders are new for Figma. Powered by WebGPU, you can prompt custom visual treatments like dithering, pixelation, and various blur types that weren’t possible before in the design tool.
Figma is also adding agent skills — reusable actions that teams can share so repetitive work stays consistent. There are generative plugins too, letting anyone build custom tools without writing code.
All these features are rolling out now as part of the Config 2026 announcements.
