Figma 2026: code layers, animations and AI for custom plugins

What changed in the June 2026 Figma update

On June 24, 2026, Figma announced a major update to its platform. As reported by TechCrunch , the updates are built around three main pillars. First: the introduction of a code layer native. Second: support for motion and shaders right in the editor. Third: the ability to generate custom plugins via AI .

So, these aren't just cosmetic or minor updates. Instead, these features tackle critical bottlenecks in the handoff between design and development. Plus, they're rolling out just as many Italian companies are rethinking how they handle digital production.

The code layer: less friction between designers and developers

The code layer is probably the most awaited feature for teams working in environments design-to-development . Basically, it lets designers add notes and structure technical specs right inside the Figma file. As a result, developers no longer have to guess by looking at the layout to figure out CSS properties or style tokens.

Actually, one of the most common bottlenecks in digital teams is just the handoff : that moment when the design gets handed over to the developer. But with the built-in code layer, this step is way smoother. Every component brings along the technical info it needs, so you don't need separate docs.

For digital leads at SMBs and mid-market companies, this means shorter development times and fewer implementation mistakes. Plus, it makes it easier to adopt scalable design systems, like design system structured.

Native motion and shaders: animations without external tools

Support for motion and shaders it is a big step forward for designer independence. Until now, if you wanted to add animations to your prototypes, you had to rely on third-party plugins or separate tools like After Effects, Lottie, or Rive. But this broke up the workflow and slowed down production time.

With the June 2026 update, Figma builds these capabilities right into the editor. So, you can design micro-interactions and UI animations without leaving your main workspace. In particular, teams that produce landing pages, mobile apps and interactive web interfaces benefit from a tighter process.

In the same way, shader support opens up cool possibilities for anyone working on visually rich interfaces. For example, you can now prototype dynamic background effects or fancy transitions right inside Figma. This means the gap between your prototype and the final product gets even smaller.

From a strategic point of view, this shift fits right in with what Gartner had pointed out as a trend: the convergence of design tools into all-in-one production environments.

AI for custom plugins: tailored automation for the team

The third new feature is arguably the one with the biggest long-term impact. Figma is introducing the ability to create custom plugins using AI . In practice, a designer or product manager can describe a desired feature in natural language, and AI generates the corresponding plugin.

So, you no longer need development skills to extend Figma's features. This significantly lowers the barrier to automating creative processes. Plus, it lets every team build custom tools for their specific workflow.

For example, a team managing visual campaigns for Linkedin could create a plugin that automatically resizes asset formats while respecting platform specifications. Similarly, those who produce content for Google Ads could automate making creative variations.

According to Harvard Business Review , automating those boring, repetitive tasks in creative workflows is one of the best ways to boost digital team productivity. So, this Figma feature fits right in with a well-established trend.

Immediate impact on Italian creative teams

For marketing managers and digital heads of Italian companies, this update has concrete implications. First of all, those who use Figma as a central tool in their web development process you can expect a measurable boost in efficiency. Plus, anyone considering adopting Figma now has stronger arguments in its favor.

However, it is important to distinguish between features that work right away and those that take some time to get used to. The code layer, for instance, requires the design team to learn new ways of adding notes. Because of this, you will need to plan a quick onboarding session for the team before you can fully enjoy the benefits.

We at SHM Studio we work daily with teams managing the production of digital interfaces, from the concept phase to release. Therefore, we understand how much these updates can impact project quality and speed. In particular, reducing friction in handoff is a theme that regularly emerges in the process analyses we conduct for our clients.

What the numbers don't say yet

It's too early to have consolidated data on the adoption of these features. However, some structural considerations are already possible. The design tool market is in an accelerated consolidation phase. Figma, after the failed acquisition attempt by Adobe in 2023, has accelerated its independent development. Therefore, this update should also be seen as a signal of competitive positioning.

Furthermore, the direction Figma is heading in — integrating AI, code, and animations into a single environment — matches the vision of a design tool as a production platform , not just prototyping. This changes the skill profile required of designers. Afterwards, a hybrid figure is likely to emerge, capable of working on both the visual and technical levels.

For companies investing in AI solutions for their digital processes, this Figma upgrade is definitely something you shouldn't ignore. Plus, anyone managing remote teams or working with outside agencies will find the code layer a super handy way to keep things consistent.

What to do now: three priorities for digital leaders

In light of this update, it's a good idea to set some operational priorities. First off, check which version of Figma your team is using and make sure everyone can access the new features. Also, it's worth planning an internal training session focused on the code layer.

Secondly, it's a good idea to map out current workflows and spot where native animation support could cut out redundant steps. For example, if the team uses separate tools for animated prototyping, now is the time to look into moving to a more integrated workflow.

Finally, the AI plugin feature is worth a focused test. So, it is helpful to pick two or three repetitive tasks in your creative workflow and try generating custom plugins. This way, you get the hang of the tool before rolling it out everywhere.

To learn more about how to streamline digital production workflows, you can check out the resources by SHM Studio on the blog or explore our digital marketing services . If you want to chat directly, you can reach out via the contact page .

Outlook: towards the design tool as a unified production environment

In the short term, the Figma update solidifies its position as the go-to tool for teams working on digital interfaces. However, the real transformation is structural. In fact, the convergence of design, code, and AI into a single environment redefines the line between a designer's work and a developer's.

By 2027-2028, we can expect even tighter integration between Figma and major front-end development frameworks. As a result, anyone who invests in adopting these tools today is building a competitive edge that will get tougher and tougher for laggards to catch up with.

Who manages the online presence of a company, or is responsible for digital content production , has every interest in following this evolution closely. Therefore, updating your own skills and those of your team is no longer a discretionary investment, but an operational necessity.