How they compare
Same comparison shape as Builder.io: Figma-first generation vs live-page-first iteration. Different starting points, different fits.
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Design Mode | Locofy |
|---|---|---|
| Visual editing on a scriptable webpage | Yes — typography, colour, layout, spacing, motion and effects on localhost, staging or production pages the extension can script. Browser-protected pages are excluded. | Figma → code generation |
| MCP (Model Context Protocol) handoff to AI agents | Yes — Cloud, Local, and Self-hosted modes; eight common session tools, plus Local feedback rounds | Figma plugin |
| Persistent change history (Changes tab) | Yes — searchable, filterable, exportable | Per-Figma file |
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | Proprietary |
| Price | Free MIT-licensed extension | Paid tiers |
| Markdown / JSON export of the diff | Yes | Generated component code |
| Best fit for | Designers, developers, QA, PMs, content, indie hackers, agencies, vibe coders | Figma-first teams |
When to pick Design Mode
- You iterate on an existing deployed product.
- You want diffs your AI agent applies into existing code.
When to pick Locofy
- You design in Figma and need first-pass code output.
Honest take
Both can coexist — Locofy for the first-pass component, Design Mode for the production-tuning loop.