Advanced Styling and Theming in Figma

Key Concepts

• Color Themes
• Typography Themes
• Component Themes
• Dark Mode
• Light Mode
• Custom Themes
• Theme Switching

Color Themes

Color themes in Figma involve creating a set of predefined color palettes that can be applied across a design. These themes ensure consistency in color usage and make it easier to update the color scheme globally. For example, a brand might have a primary color theme for its website and a secondary theme for marketing materials.

Think of color themes as the paint palette of an artist. Just as an artist selects colors to create a cohesive painting, designers select color themes to create a cohesive design.

Typography Themes

Typography themes in Figma involve creating a set of predefined text styles that can be applied across a design. These themes ensure consistency in font usage and make it easier to update the typography globally. For example, a website might have a theme for headings, body text, and captions.

Consider typography themes as the script of a play. Just as a script defines the dialogue and stage directions, typography themes define the text styles and formatting for a design.

Component Themes

Component themes in Figma involve creating a set of predefined styles for components that can be applied across a design. These themes ensure consistency in component appearance and make it easier to update the components globally. For example, a button component might have themes for different states (default, hover, pressed).

Think of component themes as the costumes of actors. Just as costumes define the appearance of characters, component themes define the appearance of design elements.

Dark Mode

Dark mode in Figma involves creating a theme with dark backgrounds and light text. This mode is particularly useful for reducing eye strain and improving readability in low-light environments. For example, many apps and websites offer a dark mode option for users who prefer it.

Consider dark mode as the night setting of a city. Just as the city lights up at night, dark mode lights up the text on a dark background, creating a different visual experience.

Light Mode

Light mode in Figma involves creating a theme with light backgrounds and dark text. This mode is the default for most designs and is suitable for general use. For example, most websites and apps use light mode as their primary theme.

Think of light mode as the day setting of a city. Just as the city is bright during the day, light mode uses bright backgrounds and dark text, creating a clear and readable design.

Custom Themes

Custom themes in Figma involve creating unique themes that are tailored to specific design needs. These themes can combine different elements such as color, typography, and components to create a cohesive and personalized design. For example, a brand might create a custom theme that reflects its unique identity.

Consider custom themes as the signature style of a designer. Just as a designer develops a unique style, custom themes allow designers to create unique and personalized designs.

Theme Switching

Theme switching in Figma involves creating a mechanism to switch between different themes dynamically. This feature is useful for creating designs that can adapt to different contexts or user preferences. For example, a website might allow users to switch between dark mode and light mode based on their preference.

Think of theme switching as the ability to change the weather. Just as the weather changes throughout the day, theme switching allows designs to change their appearance based on different conditions or preferences.