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How to Prototype Interactive UI with Cursor from a Figma Screenshot

Turn a static Figma screenshot into a fully interactive, resizable prototype using Cursor. This workflow helps designers test dynamic layouts and improve collaboration with engineers before writing production code.

From How I AI

How I AI: Atlassian's Joel Unger on Prototyping UI, Animating Logos, and Illustrating Puppies

with Claire Vo

How to Prototype Interactive UI with Cursor from a Figma Screenshot

Tools Used

Cursor

AI-first code editor

Figma

Collaborative design tool

02Step-by-Step Guide
1

Identify the Limits of Static Mockups

Start with your design in a tool like Figma. Recognize when a static mockup is insufficient for conveying complex interactions, such as layouts with user-resizable panels, which require a real, tactile feel to evaluate.

2

Set Up Your Environment and Input a Screenshot

Get your development environment and Cursor, an AI-first code editor, set up. Instead of writing code from scratch, simply paste a screenshot of your Figma design directly into the Cursor chat.

Pro Tip: You don't need a complex setup. The goal is rapid prototyping, not a production-ready environment.
3

Prompt the UI into Existence

Give Cursor a simple prompt in plain English describing the functionality you want to see. The AI will interpret the screenshot and the prompt to generate the necessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Prompt:
build me a three panel system with a toolbar to toggle on and off panels.
4

Interact with the Prototype to Find Edge Cases

Run the generated code to get a working prototype. Physically drag, resize, and interact with the elements to test the user experience in real-time. This process helps uncover subtle responsive design issues that are invisible in static mockups.

5

Improve Collaboration with Engineering

Record a short Loom video of you interacting with the prototype to show your engineering team the exact desired behavior. This serves as a powerful communication tool, making the handoff smoother and more precise than static specs.

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