How to connect GitHub to Figma or design tools?

 
Step 1: Prepare Your GitHub Environment
 

Before connecting Figma to GitHub, make sure you have everything set up on the GitHub side:

• You have a GitHub account. If not, sign up at https://github.com/.
• You’ve created or forked a repository where design files or assets will live.
• You have Git installed locally if you plan to use the command line:

  
  git --version
  

• (Optional) You have generated a Personal Access Token (PAT) with “repo” scope for API authentication:

curl -u "YOUR_GITHUB_USERNAME" \\
  -X POST \\
  -d '{"scopes":["repo"],"note":"Figma Integration"}' \\
  https://api.github.com/authorizations

 
Step 2: Install the GitHub for Figma Plugin
 

• Open Figma and navigate to Community → Plugins.
• Search for “GitHub” and locate the official “GitHub for Figma” plugin.
• Click “Install” to add it to your Figma workspace.

 
Step 3: Authenticate Figma with GitHub
 

• In any Figma file, go to Plugins → GitHub for Figma.
• Click “Connect to GitHub.” A window will open, asking you to authorize the plugin.
• Sign in with GitHub and grant the requested repository permissions.
• Once authorized, you’ll see a confirmation in Figma.

 
Step 4: Link a Figma File to a GitHub Repository
 

• With the plugin open, click “Link File.”
• Select the target GitHub repository and branch where you want to store design exports.
• Choose a folder path (e.g., /designs) within the repo for your Figma exports.
• Click “Link” to establish the connection.

 
Step 5: Export Frames and Commit Changes
 

• Select one or more frames or components in your Figma file.
• Open the GitHub for Figma plugin and click “Export.”
• Enter a descriptive commit message (e.g., “Add landing page header design”).
• Click “Commit” to push the exported assets directly into your GitHub repo.

 
Step 6: Pull Changes Locally (Optional CLI Workflow)
 

If you prefer working with Git on the command line, follow these commands to fetch the exported assets:

git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/YOUR_REPO.git
cd YOUR\_REPO
git pull origin main

Now you’ll see the exported Figma assets (PNG, SVG, PDF) in the designated folder.

 
Step 7: Set Up Continuous Collaboration
 

• In GitHub, create branches for new design iterations (e.g., feature/new-homepage).
• Back in Figma, switch the plugin’s target branch when exporting updates.
• Open Pull Requests for design reviews—team members can comment on commits directly in GitHub.
• Merge approved changes into your main branch to keep everyone in sync.

 
Step 8: Version Control Best Practices
 

• Keep commit messages clear and reference related tickets or user stories.
• Organize exported files into logical folders (e.g., /designs/mobile, /designs/web).
• Use GitHub Actions or CI to automate design asset checks or previews if needed.
• Regularly pull the latest changes to avoid conflicts between designers and developers.

 
Step 9: Troubleshooting Common Issues
 

• If authentication fails, revoke the GitHub app in your account’s Settings → Applications and reconnect.
• Ensure your PAT has the proper “repo” permissions if using token-based auth.
• Check network/firewall settings if exports do not appear in the repo.
• Consult the plugin’s GitHub Issues page for known bugs and fixes.

 
Step 10: Advanced Integration Tips
 

• Integrate design linting or file structure enforcement with GitHub Actions.
• Use commits of exported JSON to drive automated styleguide generation.
• Combine Figma’s API with webhook-triggered scripts for real-time sync.

 
Step 11: Celebrate Your Workflow
 

• Share the integrated process in your team handbook or wiki.
• Train new team members on how to maintain the Figma ↔ GitHub sync.
• Enjoy versioned design assets, traceable changes, and seamless handoff to development!