4 Free Figma Plugins That Will Replace Dev Mode

Contents:

• Standard Figma Features
• Figma to Code Plugin
• Inspect Styles Plugin
• Pixso — a Figma Analog
• What Else

As of January 31st, Dev Mode in Figma became available exclusively to subscription users. If you are not a Figma employee or do not plan to subscribe, you will need to find alternative ways to extract code from your layout. Consider using other code export tools or plugins to enable seamless collaboration between design and development without the need for a Figma subscription.

Here are four effective and affordable solutions that you might find useful.

Standard Figma Features

With the introduction of Dev Mode in Figma, a Properties tab was added to the settings sidebar that displays all available CSS styles for a selected element. This feature remains available, but its functionality may now be less consistent. Users can still use the Properties tab to view and edit styles, but the changes to the interface may impact the user experience. Streamlining the experience with CSS styles in Figma continues to be a valuable resource for designers and developers looking for a more efficient workflow.

The Properties tab will be available if you do not have permission to edit the layout.

If you do not have access to this tab, you will have to manually copy the CSS styles without the ability to preview. This can lead to errors and slow down the work process. It is recommended to provide access to the necessary resources to simplify editing styles and increase the efficiency of working with content.

Select any element on the layout.

Right-click and select «Copy/Paste As» → «Copy as Code» → CSS, iOS, or Android.

Paste the resulting lines into the code editor for further work. This will allow you to continue developing the project and make the necessary changes to the code. Make sure that the pasted lines meet the requirements of your project and correctly integrate with the rest of the code.

If you prefer not to use third-party tools, Figma's standard feature is a great choice. However, in this case, it is important to carefully monitor the copy and paste process to avoid accidentally adding unnecessary elements.

Figma to Code Plugin

A free, open-source plugin that allows you to display your mockup's layout in three languages. This tool is ideal for developers and designers looking to create multilingual interfaces. Use it to improve accessibility and expand the reach of your project.

To get started, download and install the plugin by following the link provided.

Right-click on the layout and select Plugins from the menu, then select Figma to Code. This process allows you to quickly and easily export your design from Figma to code, significantly speeding up the workflow of developers and designers. Using this plugin simplifies the integration of design and code, enabling more effective collaboration between teams.

Select an object on the layout, and you'll see its code in the window that opens. This allows you to quickly access the information you need about the selected element.

If necessary, you can choose a different development language: HTML, Flutter, SwiftUI, or the Tailwind CSS framework. This will allow you to tailor the project to your specific requirements and preferences, ensuring maximum flexibility and ease of use.

If you need to convert your design to code for Flutter or SwiftUI, Figma to Code is a great solution. However, it's worth noting that this plugin's HTML support leaves much to be desired. It doesn't optimize object styles into CSS, but simply provides them in their original form. This can make further work with the code for web development difficult. Therefore, for projects related to web technologies, it is recommended to consider alternative tools that work more efficiently with HTML and CSS.

Inspect Styles Plugin

This plugin offers convenient options for customizing search results. Developed by a Russian specialist, it fully supports the Russian language, making it accessible and understandable for users.

Install the plugin by following the link provided. This will allow you to add the necessary features to your site, improving its functionality and performance. Make sure you follow the installation instructions to avoid potential issues. Correct installation of the plugin is important to ensure its correct operation and integration with your content.

Right-click on the layout and select Plugins, then go to Inspect Styles. This process will allow you to view and modify the styles of elements on the page, which can be useful for optimizing the design and improving the user experience.

In the window that opens, on the "Basic" tab, the plugin displays the characteristics of all fonts used on the page and allows you to select two of them as primary ones.

The "Styles" tab displays the CSS code for the selected elements. When you select a frame with an icon, the plugin automatically generates SVG code that you can instantly copy. This allows you to quickly and effectively integrate graphic elements into your project, improving its visual appeal and functionality. Using SVG code ensures high-quality images at any scale, which is an important aspect of modern web design.

In the "Settings" tab, you can change the units of measurement to rem, add technical comments, and customize the line-height property. These parameters allow you to optimize styling and improve the readability of content on the web page. Setting the units of measurement to rem provides flexibility in responsive layout, and adding comments will help with future code editing. Changing the line-height property improves the visual perception of the text, making it easier to read.

Inspect Styles is a tool designed exclusively for working with CSS. If you develop websites, this plugin is one of the best free solutions for analyzing and editing styles. Its functionality allows you to quickly and effectively make changes to CSS code, which makes the web development process more convenient and productive.

Pixso - Figma Alternative

A free Figma alternative developed by a Russian team offers users the opportunity to use almost all the features and interface of the original. It includes a developer mode, available without payment, which makes it attractive to many. Additionally, this tool supports the Figma file format, providing convenience and compatibility for design and prototyping.

Create an account on the Pixso platform. This is the first step to taking full advantage of the tool's capabilities. Registration is quick and easy, allowing you to get started right away. Once you create an account, you'll have access to a variety of design and collaboration features, making your projects much easier. Don't miss the opportunity to improve your skills and increase your productivity with Pixso.

First, create a local copy of the original file. To do this, open any layout in Figma and go to the File menu, selecting Save local copy. This will allow you to save all your changes and ensure the original remains intact. A local copy of the file allows you to edit without risking data loss, which is especially important when working on projects.

Go to Pixso, create a new document, and select Import → Figma File from the menu. This process allows you to quickly and conveniently integrate your design mockups from Figma into Pixso for further work.

In the settings sidebar, open the Handoff section and activate developer mode by clicking the Enter Developer Mode button. This function is similar to the similar tool in Figma and allows you to select a language, as well as view indents and styles.

Please note that some newer Figma features may not be supported in Pixso. In particular, any variables in Figma will be displayed as standard styles in Pixso, which can limit your design capabilities.

If you regularly work with Figma, the Pixso interface will be familiar and easy to navigate. However, transferring files can be inconvenient, especially if your project is constantly updated. When changing the layout, color palette, or adding new elements, you will have to manually re-upload the entire file. This can significantly slow down your workflow and lead to errors. Consider using integrations or automation to streamline the update process and keep your project up-to-date.

What else?

The Community section presents a variety of plugins that can replace Dev Mode. We have tested and described only those solutions that are completely free.

If the plugins presented do not suit you, you can explore other options by following this link. Many of these plugins offer free versions, but they don't always provide the functionality needed for active use.

The Figma Self-Study Guide is the perfect solution for those looking to master this powerful design tool. Figma enables users to create interactive prototypes and high-quality mockups, and makes it easy to collaborate on projects. This tutorial provides helpful tips and practical exercises to help you quickly master the program's interface, key tools, and functionality.

Start by learning the basics of Figma: the interface, workspace, and tools. Then move on to creating simple objects and editing them. Practice creating layouts using grids and guides for precision. Explore working with text, colors, and styles to make your designs more engaging.

Discover Figma's collaboration features, which allow teams to collaborate in real time. Master the creation of prototypes and interactive elements to make your designs look professional and engaging.

This Figma tutorial will help you become a confident user step by step and open up new design possibilities. Start learning today and create unique projects with Figma.

Figma is a powerful design tool that allows you to create almost any visual element. In this article, we'll cover Figma's core features and share tips for creating unique designs.

To get started, open Figma and create a new file. Use drawing tools like the rectangle, ellipse, and line tools to create basic shapes. To add text, use the Text tool, which allows you to easily change fonts, sizes, and styles.

Figma supports vector graphics, making the editing process flexible and convenient. You can combine different elements, group them, and apply styles. Use layers to organize objects and facilitate editing.

Furthermore, Figma offers the ability to collaborate. You can share projects with other users, leave comments, and make changes in real time. This makes Figma ideal for design collaboration.

Don't forget about component libraries, which allow you to save and reuse elements across different projects, significantly speeding up the workflow. Use plugins to expand Figma's functionality, such as content generation or automation of routine tasks.

With Figma, you can create not only interfaces but also animations, prototypes, and graphics for social media. It is a versatile tool suitable for both beginner designers and professionals. Use all its capabilities to realize your boldest ideas.

Try mastering Blender—a powerful tool for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. This software suite offers a wide range of capabilities for creating visual content, from simple models to complex animations. Blender is ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals, thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive library of learning materials. Dive into the world of 3D design and create unique projects with Blender, which is widely used in the film industry, game development, and architectural visualization.

• Abstraction from "wires"
• Animated pattern from a texture
• Glass figure with dispersion
• Animation from plasticine
• Glass flowers
• Twisted parallelepiped made of glass
• Pattern from volumetric hexagons
• Concrete figures with round holes

Creating any design in Figma is possible thanks to the flexibility and powerful tools of this platform. Figma offers an intuitive interface that allows users to easily realize their ideas from concept to finished project. Key features such as vector drawing, components, and styles make it possible to create unique interface elements.

Use multi-level frames to organize your work and simplify project navigation. Integration with other tools and the ability to collaborate in real time make Figma an ideal choice for team design. Also, don't forget about plugins, which significantly expand the program's functionality and allow you to quickly add the elements you need.

The prototyping feature helps you visualize user interactions with your design, which is especially important for UX designers. As a result, Figma provides all the necessary tools for creating high-quality and attractive designs, making it an indispensable tool for designers.