Introduction to Figma Components

Key Concepts

• Components: Reusable design elements that ensure consistency across your design system.
• Master Components: The base template from which all instances are created.
• Instance Components: Duplicates of the master component that can be customized.
• Overrides: Customizing instances without affecting the master component.
• Component Variants: Different states or variations of a component.

Components

Components are the building blocks of your design system. They are reusable design elements such as buttons, forms, and navigation bars. By using components, you ensure consistency across your design, making it easier to maintain and update.

Imagine a component as a LEGO block. Each block can be used in multiple structures, ensuring that every building is consistent in design and structure.

Master Components

Master Components are the foundational elements of your design system. They serve as the base template from which all instances are created. By defining a master component, you ensure that all instances share the same basic structure and style.

Think of a master component as a cookie cutter. The shape of the cookie cutter defines the basic form of each cookie, ensuring uniformity. Similarly, a master component defines the basic structure and style of each instance.

Instance Components

Instance Components are duplicates of the master component that can be customized. Each instance retains a connection to the master component, allowing for updates to be propagated across all instances. For example, if you create a button instance, you can change its text or color without altering the master component.

Consider instance components as individual cookies made from the same cookie cutter. Each cookie can be decorated differently, but they all share the same basic shape. In Figma, each instance can be modified to suit specific needs while maintaining a link to the master component.

Overrides

Overrides allow you to customize instances without affecting the master component. This feature is crucial for maintaining consistency while allowing for flexibility. For example, you can override the text of a button instance to display "Submit" instead of the default "Click Me."

Think of overrides as decorating individual cookies with different toppings. Each cookie can have its own unique decoration, but the basic shape remains the same. In Figma, overrides enable you to make specific changes to instances while keeping the master component intact.

Component Variants

Component Variants represent different states or variations of a component. For example, a button component might have variants for different states like "Default," "Hover," and "Pressed." These variants allow you to create a comprehensive set of design elements that cover all possible interactions.

Consider component variants as different outfits for a character in a video game. Each outfit represents a different state or variation of the character, but they all share the same basic character model. In Figma, component variants allow you to create different states of a component while maintaining consistency.