How to Use Dev Mode in Figma: Quick Guide for Developers
To use
Dev Mode in Figma, open your design file and click the Dev Mode toggle in the top-right corner. This mode lets developers inspect design elements, view CSS code, and export assets easily for development.Syntax
The basic steps to use Dev Mode in Figma are:
- Open a Figma file: Your design must be accessible.
- Click the Dev Mode toggle: Found in the top-right corner of the interface.
- Inspect elements: Click on design layers to see properties and code.
- Export assets: Use the export options to get images or SVGs.
This mode is designed for developers to get exact specs and code snippets from designs.
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Open Figma file -> Click 'Dev Mode' toggle (top-right) -> Select design elements -> View code and export options
Example
This example shows how a developer can inspect a button design in Dev Mode to get CSS code and export the button icon.
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1. Open your Figma design file. 2. Click the 'Dev Mode' toggle in the top-right corner. 3. Click the button element in the design. 4. On the right panel, view the CSS code snippet for the button's styles. 5. Use the export button to download the icon as SVG or PNG.
Output
CSS snippet example:
.button {
background-color: #007AFF;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 12px 24px;
font-size: 16px;
color: white;
}
Common Pitfalls
- Not toggling Dev Mode: Developers sometimes forget to enable Dev Mode and try to inspect designs in regular view, missing code snippets.
- Insufficient permissions: If you don’t have edit or view access, Dev Mode features may be limited.
- Ignoring export settings: Exporting assets without checking resolution or format can cause quality issues.
Always confirm you have the right access and use Dev Mode toggle for best results.
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Wrong way: - Trying to copy code from design view without Dev Mode enabled. Right way: - Enable Dev Mode toggle first, then select elements to get code and export options.
Quick Reference
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Figma file | Access the design you want to inspect |
| Toggle Dev Mode | Click the Dev Mode button in top-right corner |
| Select element | Click any design layer to inspect properties |
| View code | See CSS, iOS, or Android code snippets on right panel |
| Export assets | Download images or SVGs with correct settings |
Key Takeaways
Always enable Dev Mode toggle to access developer tools in Figma.
Use Dev Mode to inspect design properties and get accurate code snippets.
Check your permissions to ensure full access to Dev Mode features.
Export assets carefully by selecting the right format and resolution.
Dev Mode streamlines collaboration between designers and developers.