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Set instance properties

figma_set_instance_properties
Idempotent

Change an instance's component properties — its label text, a variant (Size, State), a boolean, a swapped icon — the way the right panel does, keeping it linked to its component. Names may be given without their #id suffix.

Instructions

Change an instance's component properties — its label text, a variant (Size, State), a boolean, a swapped icon — the way the right panel does, keeping it linked to its component. Names may be given without their #id suffix. figma_get_design_context lists an instance's properties; figma_get_component lists every option. A SLOT is not set here: create layers inside it (parentId = the slot). Editors: Design; unverified: FigJam, Slides.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
forceNoOverwrite on purpose. A write to a node someone changed after you last read it is refused (STALE); read it again and resend instead. Pass true only when the person said to overwrite their edit.
nodeIdYesThe INSTANCE.
sessionNoOptional sessionId or file name, to pick a Figma file when more than one is connected.
propertiesYesJSON object, e.g. {"Label": "Buy now", "Size": "Large", "Show icon": "false"}.
idempotencyKeyNoCaller-owned retry key, ≤128 chars. Re-calling with the same key never executes twice: it returns the existing result, or waits for the op still in flight. Supply your own for anything large — if the MCP client times out (rather than the bridge), only a key you chose can be used to retry safely.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv0.3.0
    • addedInput schema / properties / force
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "Overwrite on purpose. A write to a node someone changed after you last read it is refused (STALE); read it again and resend instead. Pass true only when the person said to overwrite their edit.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
  2. First observedv0.1.1

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare idempotentHint=true and destructiveHint=false; the description adds the key behavioral nuance that property names may omit the #id suffix, that instances stay linked to their component, and that slots must be handled differently. It does not cover the STALE-write protection or error semantics (which are in the schema), so a 4 is appropriate.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The first sentence front-loads the core action with clear examples. The following sentences add routing, naming, slot, and editor information without significant fluff, though it is slightly longer than strictly necessary; still well-structured and informative.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the annotations (idempotent, non-destructive), a full set of schema parameter descriptions, and no output schema, the description covers the essential behavioral and routing context. It could be slightly more complete about failure modes or return values, but those are either covered by the schema or not critical for correct invocation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds meaningful semantics: it clarifies that property names can be given without the #id suffix, and explains that a SLOT is not set here but requires creating layers with parentId equal to the slot. These details go beyond the schema's parameter descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States the specific verb and resource: changing an instance's component properties, with concrete examples (label text, variant, boolean, swapped icon). It immediately distinguishes itself from related tools like figma_get_design_context and figma_get_component, and explicitly notes what it does not do (set a slot).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly names alternatives and when to use them: figma_get_design_context to list properties, figma_get_component to see options, and create layers inside a slot rather than setting one here. It also notes supported editors, giving clear context for use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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