Creating and Using Components in Figma

Key Concepts

• Creating Components
• Using Components
• Managing Component Variants

Creating Components

Components in Figma are reusable elements that can be used across different parts of a design. To create a component:

1. Select the element you want to turn into a component.
2. Right-click on the selected element and choose "Create Component" from the context menu.
3. Name your component descriptively, such as "Primary Button" or "Card Layout."

Example: If you have a button design that you want to use multiple times, creating it as a component ensures that any updates to the button will be reflected everywhere it is used.

Using Components

Once a component is created, you can use it throughout your design by placing instances of the component. To use a component:

1. Open the Assets panel by clicking on the "Assets" tab on the right side of the Figma interface.
2. Find the component you want to use and drag it onto the canvas.
3. Adjust the properties of the instance as needed, such as changing the text or color.

Example: If you have a "Card Layout" component, you can create multiple card instances for different content, ensuring a consistent design across your project.

Managing Component Variants

Component variants allow you to create different states or variations of a component without creating separate components. To manage component variants:

1. Select the component in the Assets panel.
2. Click on the "Create Variant" button to generate a new variant.
3. Modify the properties of the variant, such as changing the color or size.
4. Name the variant descriptively, such as "Primary Button - Disabled" or "Card Layout - Expanded."

Example: If you have a "Primary Button" component, you can create variants for different states like "Hover," "Active," and "Disabled," ensuring a consistent look and feel across all button states.

Conclusion

Mastering the creation and use of components in Figma is essential for efficient design handoff. By understanding how to create, use, and manage component variants, you can ensure consistency and streamline your design process.