Using Components in Figma

Key Concepts

1. Creating Components
2. Using Instances
3. Editing Components
4. Component Variants
5. Managing Component Libraries

1. Creating Components

Creating components in Figma allows you to define reusable elements that can be used throughout your design. To create a component, select the element you want to turn into a component and click on the "Create Component" button in the right-hand panel. This will save the element as a master component that you can reuse.

Think of creating components as creating a template for a business card. Once you design the template, you can print multiple cards from it, each looking identical but with different information.

2. Using Instances

Instances are copies of a component that you can place throughout your design. When you create an instance, it inherits all the properties of the master component. You can place multiple instances of the same component without duplicating the original element.

Imagine instances as multiple copies of the same business card. Each card is an instance of the template, and you can distribute them without needing to redesign each one from scratch.

3. Editing Components

Editing a component allows you to make changes to the master component, which will then update all instances of that component. To edit a component, select any instance of the component and click on the "Detach Instance" button to edit it independently or go to the Components panel to edit the master component directly.

Think of editing components as updating the business card template. When you change the template, all the printed cards (instances) will reflect the new design automatically.

4. Component Variants

Component variants allow you to create different states or versions of a component. For example, you can create variants for a button component with different colors or sizes. To create a variant, select the master component and use the "Create Component Set" option in the right-hand panel.

Imagine component variants as different styles of the same business card. You might have a standard version, a premium version, and a special edition, each with its own unique design but still recognizable as part of the same series.

5. Managing Component Libraries

Component libraries allow you to organize and share components across different projects. You can create a library by selecting the components you want to include and clicking on the "Create Library" button. Once created, you can share the library with your team or use it in other projects.

Think of managing component libraries as organizing a collection of business card templates. You can store them in a central location, making it easy to access and use them in different projects or share them with colleagues.