Implementing Figma Variables in Next.js and Mantine: Navigating MCP Server and Tokens Studio Integration

In modern web development, aligning your codebase with your design system is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency. When working with tools like Figma, Next.js, and Mantine, developers often seek seamless ways to synchronize design tokens such as colors, spacing, and typography. Two prominent approaches to achieve this integration include utilizing Figma’s Tokens Studio and leveraging Figma’s new Dev Mode MCP Server. This article explores these options, their capabilities, and practical considerations for implementation.

Understanding the Landscape: Figma Variables, Tokens Studio, and MCP Server

Figma Variables serve as a centralized way to manage design tokens directly within Figma, promoting consistency across design and development teams. To incorporate these tokens into a codebase, developers traditionally export them using tools like Tokens Studio, which converts variables into formats compatible with CSS-in-JS frameworks such as Mantine.

Recently, Figma introduced Dev Mode’s MCP Server, a feature intended to facilitate direct access to design tokens via external tools without the need for plugins. This approach aims to streamline the synchronization process by allowing tools like Cursor to ingest variables directly, potentially simplifying workflows.

Evaluating MCP Server for Design Token Integration

Feasibility Without Tokens Studio

The MCP Server’s capabilities open up possibilities for integrating Figma variables directly into your development environment. Theoretically, it can provide real-time access to design tokens, enabling dynamic updates and reducing dependency on manual exports. However, using the MCP Server to map all Figma variables comprehensively into a framework like Mantine requires careful consideration:

• Reliability: As of now, MCP Server is a relatively new feature, and its stability and completeness vary depending on the complexity of your design system. While promising, it may not yet support all token types or complex variable hierarchies flawlessly.
• Implementation Complexity: Setting up MCP Server to bridge Figma variables with your Next.js app involves configuring APIs, managing authentication, and ensuring your build process can consume this data reliably. This may require custom tooling or scripts.

Use Cases Favoring Tokens Studio

Despite the advancements with MCP Server, Tokens Studio remains a preferred tool for many developers due to its maturity and dedicated features. It offers:

• Structured Export: Converts Figma variables into well-organized JSON, compatible with Mantine’s theming system.
• Automation and Customization: Supports automated workflows and customization of exported tokens.
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