set_item_spacing · MCP Figma MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_item_spacing does on MCP Figma

AI agents use set_item_spacing to create or update resources in MCP Figma — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP Figma environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_item_spacing needs a policy

set_item_spacing modifies design properties (spacing/layout) but does not delete or destroy data, nor does it execute arbitrary code or move money. It is a reversible modification operation, fitting the Write category. Severity is medium because misuse could degrade design layouts requiring manual correction, but changes are easily undoable in Figma's version history.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Set distance between children in an auto-layout frame', which modifies layout properties of design elements.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_item_spacing Rate-limited

set_item_spacing stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_item_spacing": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_item_spacing_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches MCP Figma, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_item_spacing

What does the set_item_spacing tool do? +

Set distance between children in an auto-layout frame. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Figma MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_item_spacing? +

Register the MCP Figma MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_item_spacing: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches MCP Figma. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_item_spacing? +

set_item_spacing is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit set_item_spacing? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_item_spacing rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block set_item_spacing completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for set_item_spacing. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides set_item_spacing? +

set_item_spacing is provided by the MCP Figma MCP server (yelowflash09/figma_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.