Figma Tutorial: Use Figma Variables Like a Pro (+ Practice File)
3 min read
10 months ago
Published on Apr 22, 2024
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Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Mastering Figma Variables
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Understanding Figma Variables:
- Variables in Figma allow you to save reusable values for design properties like fill, stroke, padding, margin, etc.
- Variables differ from styles as they can store individual raw values like hex color codes or text strings and can reference other variables or styles.
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Creating Variables in Figma:
- In Figma, click on the icon on the right side to open the variables window.
- Create a collection and then click on "Create Variable" to start defining variables.
- You can create variables of different types such as color, number, string, and Boolean.
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Defining Color Variables:
- Create color variables for different shades by assigning hex color codes to each variable.
- Group the color variables under categories like "blue," "gray," and "base" for better organization.
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Defining Number Variables:
- Create number variables for spacing values in your design system.
- Assign values such as 0, 4, 16, 20, etc., based on your design requirements.
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Creating Design Tokens:
- Design tokens are reusable design decisions representing attributes like colors, spacing, and text styles.
- Create design tokens by linking variables to each other, allowing for easy updates and consistency in design elements.
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Applying Design Tokens to Elements:
- Apply design tokens to various design properties like fill colors, text styles, padding, and corner radius to maintain design consistency.
- Link properties of elements to design tokens for easy updates across the design system.
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Creating Different Modes:
- Create different modes like light and dark for your design elements by setting up separate collections for each mode.
- Translate design elements into different languages by creating separate collections for each language version.
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Utilizing Plugins for Efficiency:
- Use plugins like "Styles to Variable" to automate the process of converting color styles into variables in Figma.
- Link color styles to variables for easy management and updates in your design projects.
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Wrap Up and Final Tips:
- Organize your variables and design tokens effectively to streamline your design workflow.
- Experiment with different modes, translations, and plugins to enhance your design process in Figma.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilize Figma variables and design tokens to create a cohesive and efficient design system in your projects. Experiment with different settings, modes, and translations to enhance your design capabilities in Figma.