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Locofy.ai Technical Reference

Core Functionality

Primary Service: AI-powered conversion of Figma/Penpot designs to frontend code
Supported Frameworks: React, React Native, Next.js, Vue, Angular, HTML/CSS, Flutter
Architecture: Plugin-based integration with design tools, token-based pricing model

Performance and Quality Metrics

Code Generation Accuracy

  • Simple layouts: Generally functional, minimal manual fixes required
  • Complex interactions: 30% code rewrite typically needed for custom animations
  • Mobile responsiveness: Generates hardcoded pixel values that break on non-desktop
  • Dark mode/RTL support: Not supported - requires manual implementation

Token Consumption

  • Simple screen: 600 tokens ($240 at pay-as-you-go rates)
  • Complex screen: 1,250+ tokens ($500+ at pay-as-you-go rates)
  • Complexity factors: Nested Auto Layout groups, custom animations, micro-interactions

Pricing Structure

Tier Breakdown

Plan Cost Token Rate Screens/Month
Pay-as-you-go $0.40/token $240-500/screen Variable
Starter $400/year $0.27/token ~5 simple screens
Pro $1,200/year $0.20/token ~24 simple screens
Enterprise Custom Bulk discounts Unlimited

Cost Reality Check

  • MVP development: 3x speed improvement with proper design prep, 1.5x without
  • Production projects: $500+ bills common for complex screens
  • Hidden costs: Design preparation time, manual fixes for animations

Critical Requirements

Design Preparation (MANDATORY)

  • Auto Layout: Must be used throughout design - hardcoded positions generate div soup
  • Component naming: Proper layer names required (not "Rectangle 1", "Rectangle 2")
  • Component structure: Logical hierarchy essential for clean code output
  • Skip preparation cost: Results in unusable code with position: absolute everywhere

Technical Limitations

  • Responsive breakpoints: Non-functional - hardcoded values only
  • Complex animations: Expect complete rewrite for anything beyond basic transitions
  • Custom interactions: Requires manual state management implementation
  • Plugin stability: Frequent crashes with nested Auto Layout groups

Integration Ecosystem

Version Control

  • GitHub sync: Works until design restructuring occurs
  • Merge conflicts: Poor resolution - assumes design always correct
  • Backup requirement: CRITICAL - manual changes get overwritten during sync
  • Smart merge: Marketing term - conflict resolution is primitive

Development Workflow

  • VS Code extension: Available, decent quality
  • Claude/Cursor integration: MCP support for AI coding tools
  • Storybook integration: Functional for design system maintenance

Competitive Position

Market Differentiation

  • Mobile support: React Native/Flutter output (unique advantage)
  • Code quality: Actually readable output vs competitor div soup
  • Enterprise features: SAML SSO, team permissions, audit logs
  • Multi-framework: Same design to multiple tech stacks

Competitor Comparison

  • Builder.io: Marketing sites only, better visual editing
  • Anima: Rule-based conversion, good for prototypes
  • TeleportHQ: Decent code quality, limited framework support
  • Figma Dev Mode: Native integration, basic functionality

Failure Scenarios

High-Risk Situations

  • Complex nested components: Plugin crashes, undefined children errors
  • Animation-heavy designs: 30%+ code rewrite required
  • Tight deadlines: Token costs can exceed AWS bills for large projects
  • Design changes during development: GitHub sync overwrites custom code

Common Misconceptions

  • "10x faster development": Marketing claim - reality is 1.5-3x depending on design quality
  • "Production-ready code": Requires significant manual work for complex features
  • "Smart merge": Conflict resolution is basic, favors design over custom logic

Implementation Success Factors

Prerequisites

  • Designer familiar with Auto Layout best practices
  • Budget planning for token consumption (test on throwaway designs first)
  • Backup strategy for custom code before sync operations
  • Understanding that generated code is starting point, not final product

Resource Requirements

  • Time investment: 50-70% of traditional development time with proper prep
  • Expertise needed: Frontend development skills still required for customization
  • Design skills: Auto Layout proficiency mandatory for clean output

Enterprise Considerations

  • Security compliance: SAML SSO, audit logging available
  • Team workflow: Multi-user support, permissions management
  • Bulk pricing: Custom enterprise rates for high-volume usage
  • Support quality: Dedicated enterprise support vs community forums

Operational Warnings

Critical Breaking Points

  • Token budget exhaustion: $500+ bills possible for single complex screens
  • Plugin stability: Requires Figma restarts for nested Auto Layout issues
  • Sync conflicts: Manual code changes lost without proper backup procedures
  • Framework limitations: No RTL, dark mode, or complex animation support

Success Indicators

  • Clean Auto Layout structure in design
  • Simple to moderate interaction complexity
  • Budget allocated for 20-30% manual code refinement
  • Team trained on backup procedures before sync operations

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