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clone_node

Clone a Figma design node by specifying its ID and positioning the duplicate at new X and Y coordinates programmatically via natural language commands.

Instructions

Clone an existing node in Figma

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nodeIdYesThe ID of the node to clone
xNoNew X position for the clone
yNoNew Y position for the clone

Implementation Reference

  • MCP tool registration and handler for 'clone_node'. Registers the tool with Zod schema for inputs (nodeId required, x/y optional) and implements the handler that forwards the clone_node command to the Figma plugin via WebSocket, handles the response, and returns formatted content or error.
    server.tool(
      "clone_node",
      "Clone an existing node in Figma",
      {
        nodeId: z.string().describe("The ID of the node to clone"),
        x: z.number().optional().describe("New X position for the clone"),
        y: z.number().optional().describe("New Y position for the clone")
      },
      async ({ nodeId, x, y }: any) => {
        try {
          const result = await sendCommandToFigma('clone_node', { nodeId, x, y });
          const typedResult = result as { name: string, id: string };
          return {
            content: [
              {
                type: "text",
                text: `Cloned node "${typedResult.name}" with new ID: ${typedResult.id}${x !== undefined && y !== undefined ? ` at position (${x}, ${y})` : ''}`
              }
            ]
          };
        } catch (error) {
          return {
            content: [
              {
                type: "text",
                text: `Error cloning node: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`
              }
            ]
          };
        }
      }
    );
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. 'Clone' implies a mutation operation, but the description doesn't specify whether this requires edit permissions, what happens to the original node, or if the clone inherits properties. It lacks details on error conditions, rate limits, or response format.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is a single, efficient sentence with zero wasted words. It's front-loaded with the core action and resource, making it easy to parse quickly.

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

Completeness2/5

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

For a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what the tool returns (e.g., the cloned node's ID or properties), error handling, or behavioral nuances like whether x and y are optional or default values. Given the complexity of cloning in a design tool, more context is needed.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema fully documents all three parameters (nodeId, x, y). The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, such as explaining coordinate systems or node ID formats. Baseline 3 is appropriate when the schema handles parameter documentation.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the verb ('clone') and resource ('an existing node in Figma'), making the purpose unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate this from sibling tools like 'create_component_instance' or 'create_frame', which might also create new nodes but through different mechanisms.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., needing an existing node), exclusions, or comparisons to sibling tools like 'create_frame' or 'create_rectangle' for creating new nodes from scratch.

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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