Figma Config 2025 - recap + how to benefit from the new features

We could say this was just another Config and another batch of new features… but not this time. Figma didn’t just showcase improvements to its core tool, they introduced a whole range of new design tools tailored to specific use cases.

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What’s new

If you missed the announcement, here’s a brief update. Figma introduced four completely new products:

• Figma Sites – Design, build, and publish websites directly within the Figma environment.
• Figma Make – Turn existing designs into living prototypes using AI prompts.
• Figma Buzz – An asset management tool where you include brand templates and allow others to replace content (text, photo) in new instances. It feels like a niche product but will benefit users with specific needs.
• Figma Draw – The most artistic tool in the Figma family. It feels like a younger sibling to Adobe Illustrator.

Figma itself also received a significant performance boost, improving how files load and how objects are manipulated on the canvas. As for new features, here’s a list of releases and updates:

• Grid – New Auto Layout option – You can now choose the number of columns, rows, and spacing. Objects automatically snap to the grid, and by default, it supports responsive design, resizing the preview frame adjusts the layout.
• Vector paths and manipulation improvements – Numerous enhancements behind the scenes will be especially noticeable when working with complex paths.

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What does it mean for designers?

Features are just features—until they change the way we work. Here’s how the new products will reshape our workflows and design approach.

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Grid for Auto Layout

This feature encourages more fluid interface design. It was the last missing piece for layouts in Figma. No more workarounds using nested frames to simulate grid-like UIs. In Dev Mode, developers can clearly see CSS grid parameters. In short: a faster and more convenient Figma workflow.

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Figma Sites (Beta)

It looks like the battle between two no-code giants—Framer and Webflow—has a new contender. Figma just joined the race. I’ve used Webflow, which is a comprehensive tool. I’ve built sites in Framer, which made crafting websites a genuinely pleasurable, design-centric experience. Figma has one significant advantage—its massive user base. Most designers already work in Figma daily.

Starting a website in Figma Sites is simple: copy your design from the Figma canvas into a Figma Sites document. From there, you create breakpoints. Editing feels very similar to the standard Figma design process, and adding interactions resembles prototyping (interactive components work as HTML components).

Figma added support for extra animation effects (parallax, typewriter, etc.), drag-and-drop functionality, and custom cursors.

Once the site is ready, you hit the familiar “Publish” button, and that’s it.

You can preview examples by launching a series of Figma Sites Templates.

The first release doesn’t include a CMS, so it’s currently best for static sites. However, the team has promised to introduce CMS features in a future release. CMS collections will resemble Figma Variables. Another upcoming feature is “code layers,” which allow for embedding custom code in Figma Sites.

What does this mean for designers? For professionals already using Figma, the learning curve is minimal. Everything feels familiar. This makes Figma a new major player in the no-code space, alongside Framer and Webflow.

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Figma Make (Beta)

This tool leverages AI to bring Figma designs to life. Figma Make uses battle-tested models like Claude Sonnet 3.7.

What does this mean for you? It’s like prototyping on steroids. No more spaghetti noodles or countless frames. Just copy your design and describe what you want to achieve. The LLM processes your request and outputs code—just like using ChatGPT, Claude, or Vercel V0.

You design exactly what you envision, then let AI bring it to life. This isn’t about AI replacing your skills—it’s about enhancing them. You can even use shaders and animate complex graphic effects, including 3D. One example was a simple game. Another involved accessing hardware like a camera.

The true power of Figma is its integrated environment. You can create a site in Figma Sites and add enhancements using Figma Make.

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Figma Draw

You no longer need Adobe Illustrator to create artistic vector illustrations. The newest member of the Figma family enhances vector manipulation tools behind the scenes.

Figma Draw includes a new range of tools—ink, brush, and pencil—for freeform illustrations. You also have the option to add textures.

This is clearly the next step toward unifying the entire design workflow within a single ecosystem.

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Summing up – What does it really mean for designers?

Config announced significant improvements. Figma now offers a comprehensive set of tools for creative professionals—from artists and graphic designers to product designers and no-code developers. It feels reminiscent of Adobe and its Creative Cloud.

This approach brings a new level of convenience, lowers the learning curve, and offers a consistent ecosystem. Let’s just hope Figma doesn’t follow Adobe’s path of becoming a monopolist that prioritizes numbers over users.

New features bring new possibilities. AI is not replacing creative professionals but supporting them. It’s an exciting time to be a designer!

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