Using Components and Variants in Figma

Key Concepts

• Components
• Variants

Components

Components in Figma are reusable elements that maintain consistency across your design. Once you create a component, you can duplicate it throughout your project without losing the ability to update all instances simultaneously. This is particularly useful for buttons, icons, and other frequently used elements.

For example, if you create a button component, you can use it multiple times across different screens. If you need to change the button's color or size, you can update the original component, and all instances will reflect the change automatically.

Variants

Variants extend the concept of components by allowing you to create different states or variations of a component. For instance, you can create a button component with variants for different sizes, colors, or states (e.g., hover, active). This ensures that your design is both consistent and flexible.

For example, you can create a button component with variants for primary, secondary, and disabled states. Each variant can have its own unique properties, such as color and opacity, while still being part of the same component family.

Examples and Analogies

Components

Think of components as building blocks in a construction set. Each block can be reused in different configurations, ensuring that all structures maintain a consistent look and feel.

Variants

Consider variants as different configurations of those blocks. For instance, a button component can have variants for different sizes, colors, or states, allowing you to use the same building block in various contexts while maintaining consistency.