MCP, the Model Context Protocol, is an open standard that lets AI agents connect to data sources and tools. For designers, it means an AI coding tool can read a design file directly instead of guessing from a screenshot, and in some cases create or change the design itself.
Figma has an MCP server that gives AI agents design context, such as variables, components and layout, so they can generate code from selected frames. It can also write native Figma content back to the canvas; Figma describes that feature as free during its beta and planned to become usage-based. According to Figma's help centre, the MCP server is available on Starter, Professional, Education, Organization, Government and Enterprise plans.
Penpot has a free and open MCP server. Penpot describes it as working with any MCP client and model, including Claude, Cursor, Visual Studio Code and OpenAI Codex, and teams can deploy it on their own servers to keep design data private.
ExodeUI, which we make, has an MCP server for interactive UI and animation. Claude Code, Cursor and other AI coding tools can create and edit animations, including states, spring physics, inputs and events, from plain-language prompts. The result is an open .exode file that runtime packages play in React, Vue, Svelte, Angular, Solid, React Native, SwiftUI and Flutter.
Other tools are adding MCP support quickly, so check each vendor's docs before you choose. Icons8, for example, offers an MCP server for its icon and illustration library, which is useful alongside its Lunacy design app but does not edit Lunacy files.