Creating and Using Components in Figma

Key Concepts

• Creating Components
• Using Components
• Editing Components
• Component Variants

Creating Components

Creating components in Figma allows you to design reusable elements that can be used across multiple instances in your design. To create a component, first design the element you want to reuse, such as a button or card. Then, select the element and click the "Create Component" button in the right sidebar. This turns the element into a master component that can be duplicated and used throughout your design.

Using Components

Using components ensures consistency and efficiency in your design. Once you have created a component, you can place instances of it in your design by dragging the component from the Assets panel or by duplicating the master component. Each instance will automatically update if you make changes to the master component, ensuring all instances remain consistent.

Editing Components

Editing components allows you to make global changes that affect all instances of the component. To edit a component, double-click any instance of the component to enter its editing mode. Here, you can make changes to the master component, and all instances will update accordingly. This is particularly useful for making design system updates or fixing errors across multiple instances.

Component Variants

Component variants allow you to create different versions of a component while maintaining a single master component. To create a variant, select the master component and click the "Create Variant" button. You can then customize the variant with different properties, such as color, size, or text. Variants are useful for creating variations of a component, such as different button states (e.g., default, hover, active) while keeping the core design consistent.

Examples and Analogies

Think of components as prefabricated building blocks. Each block is designed to fit together seamlessly, ensuring a consistent and modular design. For example, a button component can be used across multiple pages, ensuring all buttons have the same design and behavior.

Editing components is like updating a blueprint. Once the blueprint is changed, all buildings constructed from it will reflect the new design. For instance, updating the color of a button component will change the color of all button instances in your design.

Component variants are like different models of a car. Each model shares the same core design but has unique features. For example, a button component can have variants for different states (e.g., primary, secondary, disabled), ensuring a consistent look while accommodating different use cases.