Introduction to Components in Figma
Key Concepts
- Components
- Instances
- Master Components
- Variant Components
- Component Properties
- Component Overrides
Components
Components in Figma are reusable elements that can be duplicated and modified without losing their connection to the original. They are the building blocks of a design system, allowing designers to create consistent and scalable designs. To create a component, select an element and click "Create Component" in the right-hand panel.
Think of components as LEGO blocks. Just as LEGO blocks can be assembled and disassembled to create different structures, components in Figma can be reused and modified to create various design elements.
Instances
Instances are copies of a component that retain a connection to the original component. Changes made to the master component automatically update all instances, ensuring consistency across the design. To create an instance, select the component and duplicate it.
Consider instances as branches of a tree. Just as branches share the same trunk, instances share the same master component, ensuring that any changes to the trunk (master component) are reflected in all branches (instances).
Master Components
Master components are the original versions of components from which instances are created. They serve as the source of truth for all instances, ensuring that any updates or modifications are propagated throughout the design. To create a master component, select an element and click "Create Component."
Think of master components as the blueprint of a house. Just as a blueprint defines the structure of a house, a master component defines the structure of all instances, ensuring consistency and coherence.
Variant Components
Variant components are different versions of a master component that share the same base structure but have unique properties or appearances. They allow designers to create multiple variations of a component without duplicating the entire design. To create a variant, select the master component and use the "Create Variant" option.
Consider variant components as different models of a car. Just as a car manufacturer creates different models with unique features, designers create variant components with unique properties, ensuring flexibility and variety in their designs.
Component Properties
Component properties are customizable attributes that define the behavior and appearance of a component. These properties can include text, color, size, and other visual elements. To define component properties, select the component and use the "Properties" panel in the right-hand menu.
Think of component properties as the settings of a digital camera. Just as a camera's settings determine the quality and appearance of a photo, component properties determine the behavior and appearance of a design element.
Component Overrides
Component overrides allow designers to modify specific properties of an instance without affecting the master component. This feature is useful for creating unique variations of a component while maintaining the overall consistency of the design. To override a property, select the instance and modify the desired attribute.
Consider component overrides as customizing a recipe. Just as a chef can modify a recipe to suit personal preferences, designers can override component properties to create unique variations, ensuring flexibility and creativity in their designs.
Examples and Analogies
Components Example
Design a button component that can be reused throughout a website. Create the button as a component and duplicate it to create instances for different sections of the site. This ensures that all buttons have a consistent appearance and behavior.
Instances Example
Create a navigation bar component and duplicate it to create instances for different pages. Any changes made to the master component will automatically update all instances, ensuring a consistent navigation experience across the site.
Master Components Example
Design a form component that serves as the master component for all form elements on a website. Any updates to the form structure, such as adding a new field, will be reflected in all instances, ensuring consistency and ease of maintenance.
Variant Components Example
Create different versions of a card component, such as a product card and a testimonial card, that share the same base structure but have unique properties. This allows for flexibility in design while maintaining a consistent visual language.
Component Properties Example
Define properties for a button component, such as text, color, and size. These properties can be customized for each instance, allowing for a variety of button styles while maintaining the underlying structure.
Component Overrides Example
Override the text property of a button instance to create a unique call-to-action button for a specific section of a website. This customization does not affect the master component, ensuring that other instances remain unchanged.