Introduction
The integration between Jira by Atlassian and Figma allows development and design teams to work more collaboratively, bringing designs directly into the development workflow. With this connection, you can view live previews of Figma files inside Jira issues, sync updates in real time, and reduce the time spent switching between different tools.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how to install the integration, connect files and prototypes, view design status, and automate workflows between Jira and the Figma design tool.
What Is the Jira–Figma Integration
The integration combines the Figma for Jira app with specific features that allow you to:
- Link Figma design files and prototypes directly to Jira issues.
- View design previews without opening Figma separately.
- Synchronize design status in real time with development status in Jira.
This integration is designed for Agile teams working with sprints, backlogs, and issue tracking, helping improve communication between designers and developers.
How to Install “Figma for Jira”
To use the integration, the first step is installing the Figma for Jira app in your Jira instance:
- In your Jira account, open the sidebar menu and go to Apps → Explore more apps.
- Search for Figma for Jira in the available apps list.
- Click Get it now and follow the installation process.
Once installed, a Designs section will appear inside Jira issues, where you can add your Figma files.
How to Link Figma Files and Prototypes to Jira Issues
After installing the app:
- Open the Jira issue where you want to add a design.
- If the Designs section is not visible, click Add design.
- Paste the URL of the Figma file or prototype into the indicated field.
- Click Link to connect the design to the issue.
Once linked, you can view and interact with the design directly in Jira by expanding the preview or opening the full file in a new tab.
Jira Plugin in Figma for Developers
In addition to the basic integration, you can install the official Jira plugin in Figma to:
- Import and link Jira issues to pages or layers within a Figma file.
- View issue details without leaving Figma.
- Create new issues directly while working on the design.
This feature is especially useful for developers and designers who want to maintain full context between design work and Jira tasks.
Viewing Design Status in Jira
Once a Figma file is connected, Jira displays the current design status:
- Design updated: the file has been modified after being linked.
- Ready for dev: indicates the design is ready for the development phase.
These details are automatically updated through webhooks connected to the Figma file, with no additional configuration required.
Useful Automations for Development Teams
With Jira, you can create automations based on linked designs to:
- Automatically notify developers about updates.
- Change issue status based on design modifications.
- Add labels or tags when a design is linked or updated.
These automations improve productivity and reduce repetitive manual tasks.
Removing the Integration
If needed, you can:
- Remove individual linked files or prototypes from an issue.
- Completely uninstall the Figma for Jira app from your Jira account, removing all associated links and integrations.
Conclusion
The integration between Jira and Figma is a powerful solution for improving collaboration between designers and developers. It centralizes information, reduces communication errors, and keeps everyone updated in real time within the Agile workflow.
For teams working with sprints and complex design processes, implementing this integration can transform the UX-to-development handoff into a smooth and efficient workflow.
Follow here all the Release Notes.
