Design Systems
Design DNA
Extract a reference design into structured JSON, then generate from it.
What it is
A three-phase workflow that captures design identity across measurable tokens, qualitative style, and visual effects. It outputs a complete Design DNA JSON, then applies that JSON to new content.
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Why it matters for design
- Turns a screenshot or URL into named color, type, and spacing values.
- Records mood, composition, and brand voice, not just measurable tokens.
- Captures Canvas, WebGL, shader, and scroll effects that plain CSS cannot express.
What it covers
- Design system tokens
- Design style
- Visual effects
- Analyzing references
- Generating from JSON
- Phase combinations
How to install
Design DNA
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Clone the repo.
git clone https://github.com/zanwei/design-dna -
Point Codex at the skill file.
SKILL.md -
Then describe the UI you want. Codex follows the skill.
How to run it with Codex
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Ask for the schema to see all three dimensions before analyzing anything.
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Hand Codex reference images or URLs and request a populated DNA JSON.
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Pass the JSON plus your content to generate a self-contained HTML page.
Every plugin here is free, open source, and links to its real upstream source.
More on the codex-design list ↗Next step
Design with Open Design, without the setup
Install this plugin yourself, or run a whole curated design layer around Codex with Open Design. Bring your own key, own your output.