penpot-uiux-design

The saved excerpt is a snapshot from when this skill was listed. The external source remains the complete and most current version.

---
name: penpot-uiux-design
description: 'Comprehensive guide for creating professional UI/UX designs in Penpot using MCP tools. Use this skill when: (1) Creating new UI/UX designs for web, mobile, or desktop applications, (2) Building design systems with components and tokens, (3) Designing dashboards, forms, navigation, or landing pages, (4) Applying accessibility standards and best practices, (5) Following platform guidelines (iOS, Android, Material Design), (6) Reviewing or improving existing Penpot designs for usability. Triggers: "design a UI", "create interface", "build layout", "design dashboard", "create form", "design landing page", "make it accessible", "design system", "component library".'
---

# Penpot UI/UX Design Guide

Create professional, user-centered designs in Penpot using the `penpot/penpot-mcp` MCP server and proven UI/UX principles.

## Available MCP Tools

| Tool | Purpose |
| ---- | ------- |
| `mcp__penpot__execute_code` | Run JavaScript in Penpot plugin context to create/modify designs |
| `mcp__penpot__export_shape` | Export shapes as PNG/SVG for visual inspection |
| `mcp__penpot__import_image` | Import images (icons, photos, logos) into designs |
| `mcp__penpot__penpot_api_info` | Retrieve Penpot API documentation |

## MCP Server Setup

The Penpot MCP tools require the `penpot/penpot-mcp` server running locally. For detailed installation and troubleshooting, see [setup-troubleshooting.md](references/setup-troubleshooting.md).

### Before Setup: Check If Already Running

**Always check if the MCP server is already available before attempting setup:**

1. **Try calling a tool first**: Attempt `mcp__penpot__penpot_api_info` - if it succeeds, the server is running and connected. No setup needed.

2. **If the tool fails**, ask the user:
   > "The Penpot MCP server doesn't appear to be connected. Is the server already installed and running? If so, I can help troubleshoot. If not, I can guide you through the setup."

3. **Only proceed with setup instructions if the user confirms the server is not installed.**

### Quick Start (Only If Not Installed)

```bash
# Clone and install
git clone https://github.com/penpot/penpot-mcp.git
cd penpot-mcp
npm install

# Build and start servers
npm run bootstrap
```

Then in Penpot:
1. Open a design file
2. Go to **Plugins** → **Load plugin from URL**
3. Enter: `http://localhost:4400/manifest.json`
4. Click **"Connect to MCP server"** in the plugin UI

### VS Code Configuration

Add to `settings.json`:
```json
{
  "mcp": {
    "servers": {
      "penpot": {
        "url": "http://localhost:4401/sse"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Troubleshooting (If Server Is Installed But Not Working)

| Issue | Solution |
| ----- | -------- |
| Plugin won't connect | Check servers are running (`npm run start:all` in penpot-mcp dir) |
| Browser blocks localhost | Allow local network access prompt, or disable Brave Shield, or try Firefox |
| Tools not appearing in client | Restart VS Code/Claude completely after config changes |
| Tool execution fails/times out | Ensure Penpot plugin UI is open and shows "Connected" |
| "WebSocket connection failed" | Check firewall allows ports 4400, 4401, 4402 |

## Quick Reference

| Task | Reference File |
| ---- | -------------- |
| MCP server installation & troubleshooting | [setup-troubleshooting.md](references/setup-troubleshooting.md) |
| Component specs (buttons, forms, nav) | [component-patterns.md](references/component-patterns.md) |
| Accessibility (contrast, touch targets) | [accessibility.md](references/accessibility.md) |
| Screen sizes & platform specs | [platform-guidelines.md](references/platform-guidelines.md) |

## Core Design Principles

### The Golden Rules

1. **Clarity over cleverness**: Every element must have a purpose
2. **Consistency builds trust**: Reuse patterns, colors, and components
3. **User goals first**: Design for tasks, not features
4. **Accessibility is not optional**: Design for everyone
5. **Test with real use