Connect to live API responses
Paste an endpoint URL, add headers or auth when needed, and preview the JSON response directly in the plugin before binding anything to the canvas.
Paint By JSON
Paint By JSON is a Figma plugin that binds layers to live REST or JSON endpoints, helping designers test layouts with real data instead of placeholder text. It supports reusable palettes, import-time transforms, and export formats for handoff.
Overview
Paint By JSON is a Figma plugin for binding design layers to real API data instead of placeholder text. It lets you connect an endpoint, map JSON paths to layer names, save that mapping as a Palette, and apply it to a frame when you want to populate a design with live or mocked response data.
The product is aimed at designers who need to test layouts against the data their product actually returns. The site emphasizes using live REST endpoints or other GET-able JSON sources, previewing the response in-plugin, and reusing the same Palette across files and devices through cloud sync on paid plans.
Core features
Map data to named layers
Bind JSON paths to layer names so the same palette can be applied to different frames without rewiring each layer by hand.
Save reusable palettes
Store the endpoint, headers, and mappings as a Palette, then reuse it on other frames or share it across files.
Transform values on import
Apply text and value transforms such as truncation, currency formatting, date parsing, and if/then/else branching before data lands in Figma.
Support single frames and collections
Fill a single frame from one response or iterate an array into repeated component instances for collection-style layouts.
Export design data for handoff
Export populated content as JSON, Markdown, or a Spec Frame to support handoff between design and engineering.
Common use cases
Test layouts with real content
Designers can populate mockups with live response data to see whether labels, dates, and long values still fit in the layout.
Reuse one data mapping across screens
Teams can keep a reusable Palette for a common endpoint and apply it to multiple frames without rebuilding the mapping each time.
Populate collections from arrays
When a design needs repeated cards or list items, the plugin can map an array onto repeated component instances instead of filling only one frame.
Share design data with engineers
During handoff, designers can export the populated state as JSON, Markdown, or a Spec Frame so engineering gets the data context alongside the design.
Shape data before it lands in Figma
If raw API values need cleanup, users can truncate text, format currency, parse dates, or branch values before they reach the canvas.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses real API data so layouts can be tested against actual names, lengths, and edge cases.
- Lets users save a setup once as a Palette and reuse it across frames and files.
- Supports transforms during import, reducing manual cleanup before data reaches the canvas.
- Includes export options for JSON, Markdown, and Spec Frames to support handoff.
- Runs in the plugin iframe, and the site says API responses and auth values stay on the user's machine.
Cons
- The site does not spell out the full set of supported authentication methods or endpoint types beyond headers/auth and GET-able JSON.
- Some capabilities are plan-gated, including higher palette limits and export options for handoff.
- The page does not provide a detailed list of supported platforms beyond Figma.
FAQ
What does Paint By JSON do?
Paint By JSON is a Figma plugin that connects a frame to a REST endpoint, maps JSON paths to layer names, and saves the setup as a reusable Palette.
What data sources can it use?
It supports any endpoint you can GET, including live API responses and mocked JSON. The source also says you can add headers or auth when needed, but it does not provide a full list of authentication methods.
What can you export from a Palette?
Export options listed on the site are JSON, Markdown, and a Spec Frame on the canvas for handoff.
Is there a free plan?
The pricing page shows a Free plan for personal use and a Pro plan for designers shipping against real data daily. The site says Pro adds larger palette limits, all transforms, exports for handoff, and priority support.
Can it be reused across files?
The site says palettes can be reused on any frame and shared across files, and that palettes stay portable across team libraries and refactors when layers are targeted by name.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Figma plugin
- Platform
- Figma
- Primary use
- Bind design layers to real API data
- Data source
- REST endpoints and JSON responses
- Output formats
- JSON, Markdown, Spec Frame
- Pricing
- Free tier and paid Pro plan
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