Dynamic Styles and Variables in Figma
Key Concepts
- Dynamic Styles
- Variables
- Creating Variables
- Applying Variables
- Variable Sets
- Variable Overrides
- Dynamic Text Styles
Dynamic Styles
Dynamic styles in Figma allow designers to create styles that can be updated across multiple elements simultaneously. These styles can include colors, text styles, and effects. Dynamic styles ensure consistency and make it easier to update designs.
Think of dynamic styles as a universal remote control. Just as a remote control can change the settings of multiple devices, dynamic styles can change the appearance of multiple design elements with a single update.
Variables
Variables in Figma are placeholders for values that can be reused across different elements. These values can include colors, text styles, and other properties. Variables make it easier to manage and update design elements consistently.
Consider variables as reusable ingredients in a recipe. Just as a recipe can use the same ingredient in multiple places, variables can be used in multiple design elements, ensuring consistency and ease of modification.
Creating Variables
Creating variables in Figma involves defining a value that can be reused across different elements. This is done by selecting a property, such as a color or text style, and converting it into a variable. Once created, the variable can be applied to multiple elements.
Think of creating variables as setting up a template. Just as a template ensures consistency in a document, creating variables ensures consistency in your design, making it easier to update and maintain.
Applying Variables
Applying variables in Figma involves using the created variables in different design elements. This can be done by selecting the element and applying the variable from the right-hand panel. Applying variables ensures that changes to the variable are reflected across all elements.
Consider applying variables as using a preset. Just as a preset can be applied to multiple photos, variables can be applied to multiple design elements, ensuring consistency and ease of update.
Variable Sets
Variable sets in Figma are collections of related variables that can be managed together. These sets can include colors, text styles, and other properties. Variable sets help organize and manage complex designs.
Think of variable sets as a toolkit. Just as a toolkit contains all the tools needed for a specific task, variable sets contain all the related variables needed for a specific part of your design.
Variable Overrides
Variable overrides in Figma allow designers to change the value of a variable for specific elements without affecting the original variable or other elements. This provides flexibility and customization within a design.
Consider variable overrides as customizing a mass-produced item. Just as a mass-produced item can be customized for individual use, variable overrides allow you to customize elements for specific needs without altering the original variable.
Dynamic Text Styles
Dynamic text styles in Figma allow designers to create text styles that can be updated across multiple text elements simultaneously. These styles can include font family, size, color, and other properties. Dynamic text styles ensure consistency and make it easier to update text elements.
Think of dynamic text styles as a universal font setting. Just as a font setting can change the appearance of multiple text elements, dynamic text styles can change the appearance of multiple text elements with a single update.
Examples and Analogies
Imagine designing a website with multiple pages. By creating dynamic styles for buttons, headers, and footers, you can ensure consistency across all pages. If you need to update the button design, changing the dynamic style will update all instances, saving time and effort.
Consider a mobile app design. By creating variables for different button states (e.g., default, hover, pressed), you can simulate user interactions and ensure a consistent user experience. Variable overrides can be used to customize button text or color for specific screens, while variable sets can organize all related UI elements for easy access and use.