Editing a component in Figma is an essential skill for any designer looking to refine their designs and ensure consistency across projects.

Whether you’re working on a new product’s UI or updating an existing design system, knowing how to modify Figma components can significantly streamline your workflow.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to leverage Figma’s design tools to efficiently update componentsoverride properties, and maintain responsive design.

You’ll also explore best practices for managing component instances, using auto-layout, and integrating design tokens for a cohesive user interface.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp on customizing components to match your design needs, ensuring you create polished and professional designs every time. Let’s dive in and elevate your design game.

How to Edit a Component in Figma: Quick Workflow

Editing the Main Component

  1. Access the Main Component:
    • To edit a main component, right-click on an instance of that component and select Go to the main component. This action will take you directly to the root component, regardless of its location within your project.
  2. Make Your Changes:
    • Once you are on the main component, you can make various changes such as altering text, colors, sizes, and other attributes. For example, changing a button’s label from “Button” to “Submit” will reflect across all instances of that component.
  3. Publish Changes:
    • After editing, navigate to the Assets panel and click on the Team Library icon. Then hit the Publish changes button to update all instances in your design library with the modifications made to the main component.

Editing Component Instances

  1. Select an Instance:
    • Click on the instance of the component you want to edit. You can change certain properties directly from the right sidebar, which will show controls for editable aspects like text and visibility.
  2. Override Properties:
    • Use the properties section in the sidebar to adjust specific attributes:
      • Text Property: Change text strings directly.
      • Boolean Property: Toggle visibility for specific layers.
      • Variant Property: Adjust states like color or size using dropdowns.
  3. Making Additional Edits:
    • If you need to add elements (like new lines of text) beyond simple overrides, consider creating variants of your component that accommodate different layouts or content sizes. This method can help manage complexity while keeping your design system organized.

Editing Main Components

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Steps to Edit Main Components

Locating the Root Component

To start, find the root component. It’s the master template from which all instances derive. You can spot it in the layers panel; it usually has a diamond icon. Select it, and you’re ready to make changes.

Editing Components in the Original File

Once you’ve located the root component, edit it directly in the original design file. Change colors, adjust sizes, or tweak layouts. These edits will automatically update all instances tied to this component. It’s efficient, ensuring uniformity across your design without repetitive modifications.

Updating Unpublished Components

Direct Editing Within the File

For unpublished components—those not linked to a shared library—edit them directly within the file. Just like with root components, any changes reflect immediately across all instances in the same file. It’s a contained yet powerful way to keep designs consistent.

Automatic Updates to Instances in the Same File

When you update these unpublished components, instances in the same file auto-sync. This local consistency means you don’t need to manually check and update each instance. The design flows smoothly, saving time and reducing errors.

Updating Published Components

Editing in the Original Library

Published components are a bit different. They reside in shared libraries, accessible by team members. To edit these, open the original library file. Make your changes here to the main component.

Publishing Changes to Update All Linked Instances

Once the edits are complete, publish the changes. This action updates all linked instances across various files and projects. It’s vital for maintaining a cohesive design system and ensures everyone is working with the latest version.

Moving Components Between Libraries

Benefits of Reorganizing Libraries

Reorganizing libraries can declutter and make components easier to locate. Grouping components logically—by project, function, or category—enhances workflow and ensures swift access.

Steps for Migrating Components

To move components, start by selecting the ones you want to relocate. Copy them and paste them into the destination library file. Once positioned correctly, update any references in your design files to link to the new library location. This keeps everything interconnected and prevents broken links or missing elements.

Editing Instances of Components

Accessing the Main Component for Instance Edits

Using “Go to Main Component” Functionality

When dealing with instances, sometimes, you need to tweak the original. Figma offers a handy option—“Go to main component.” Right-click the instance, and select it. Boom, you’re whisked straight to the master component. Efficient and user-friendly.

Returning to the Instance After Editing

After making changes to the main component, you need to ensure that it flows back to your design. Simply zoom out or use the breadcrumb navigation to return to your instance. The updates reflect immediately, keeping everything synchronized.

Modifying Instance-Specific Properties

Making Local Overrides

Instances can have unique properties. You might want to change the text or color for just one instance. Local overrides come into play here. Select the instance, make your adjustments—voilà, customized without altering the main component.

Pushing Overrides to the Main Component

Feeling that your local overrides are too good to keep isolated? Push them back to the main component. Use the “Push overrides” command. This merges your instance changes with the original, updating all linked components.

Preservation of Overrides During Updates

Figma’s Override Preservation Mechanism

Figma has your back when it comes to preserving overrides. When you update the main component, local changes usually stay intact. It’s a smart mechanism ensuring hard work isn’t lost.

Scenarios Where Overrides Are Reset

But… not always. Some scenarios lead to a reset. Major structural changes in the main component, like altering the hierarchy, might override your overrides. It’s always a trade-off between flexibility and consistency.

Using Component Properties

Types of Component Properties

Boolean Properties

Boolean properties are simple on/off switches. These let you enable or disable layer visibility. Need a layer hidden for specific instances? Just toggle the Boolean property. Fast and efficient, no fuss.

Instance Swap Properties

Instance swap properties are a game changer. They let you switch between different components within the same instance. Managing swap options for instances allows for dynamic content without duplicating the root component. Think of it as mix-and-match for design elements.

Text Properties

Text properties offer you the flexibility to edit text strings within components. Each instance can have different text while maintaining the same design integrity. Perfect for buttons, labels, or any text-based component. It’s about adaptability in text.

Variant Properties

Variant properties let you define state, color, or size attributes. Use these to create multiple variants of a component, like buttons in different states (hover, active) or different sizes. Variants streamline the process, keeping your design consistent and easy to update.

Configuring and Managing Properties in the Properties Panel

Customizing Settings via Toggles, Dropdowns, and Text Fields

The Properties panel is your control center. Customize settings by toggling options, selecting from dropdown menus, or entering text in fields. This intuitive interface makes configuration straightforward. Changing properties is just a click away.

Linking Properties to Design Documentation

Linking properties to design documentation is crucial. It ensures everyone understands how and why certain properties are configured. Documenting these settings helps maintain consistency across teams and projects. It’s about clear communication.

Best Practices for Using Component Properties

Simplifying Workflows with Properties

Using properties to simplify workflows is smart. Configure your components to be as flexible as possible. Properties allow you to make widespread changes easily, saving time and reducing errors. It’s a best practice in modern design.

Ensuring Alignment with Design Standards

Properties help ensure alignment with design standards. By configuring components with standardized properties, you maintain a consistent look and feel. This alignment is key in building cohesive design systems. It’s about quality control at scale.

Publishing Changes to Libraries

Importance of Publishing Updates

Propagating Changes Across Projects

When I update a component, it’s not just about one file. It’s about every instance of that component across all projects. Changes must propagate seamlessly, ensuring consistency. Imagine tweaking a button style for one project and suddenly seeing the updated style reflect across all your designs. That’s the power of publishing updates. It’s essential for maintaining a seamless user experience.

Maintaining Version Control in Design Systems

Version control in design systems is non-negotiable. Keeping track of every tweak and update helps in managing design assets efficiently. Avoid the chaos of mismatched instances and outdated components. Version control allows for a streamlined, organized design workflow.

Steps to Publish Changes

Accessing the Library Modal

First, dive into the library modal. It’s your gateway to managing published components. Open Figma, navigate to the Assets panel, and click on Team Library. Here, you’ll find all components waiting for updates.

Selecting Components to Update

Identify the components that need a refresh. Click on the ones you’ve edited. Figma will highlight these, making it obvious which parts of your design system are changing. Efficient and clear, no need to guess.

Reviewing and Confirming Changes

Adding Descriptions for Version History

Before hitting publish, add descriptions to your changes. This isn’t just paperwork. Detailed descriptions help in tracking the evolution of your design system. Review the changes and write down what’s new, what’s improved, and why it matters.

Finalizing and Publishing Updates

Satisfied with the edits? Click Publish. Figma rolls out the updates. The new components replace the old ones seamlessly. Projects across the board reflect these changes instantly, ensuring every stakeholder is on the same page.

Advanced Strategies for Managing Components

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Managing Nested Components

Nesting components is a savior for complex designs. Imagine embedding buttons within cards within sections. Nested components streamline this, ensuring elements snap together neatly.

Benefits of Nesting for Complex Designs

Nesting simplifies reuse. Change a nested button, and every instance, no matter where it lives, updates. Consistency across the board without extra effort.

Limitations and Tips for Editing Nested Components

Editing nested components comes with quirks. Layers pile up. Navigating through them feels like untying a knot. The key? Layer management. Label everything clearly. Use Figma’s “Go to main component” feature to find and edit. Avoid nesting too deep; keep it manageable.

Organizing Components for Scalability

Scalability is not an afterthought. It’s planning. It’s thinking ahead.

Structuring Libraries by Project or Category

Organize libraries by project or category. Separate website elements from app components. Clear divisions ensure elements are easy to locate. No more hunting through an endless list.

Naming Conventions for Easy Navigation

Naming conventions are a silent hero. Names like “Button/Primary/Large” or “Card/Product/Basic”. Each word a breadcrumb. Naming consistently means everyone follows the same trail.

Collaborating Effectively with Teams

Collaboration is a dance. Smooth, coordinated, and in tune.

Sharing Guidelines for Consistent Edits

Guidelines are the choreography. They ensure everyone moves in sync. Share component usage, styling rules, and update protocols. Guidelines keep the design language unified.

Communicating Changes Across Projects

Transparency is crucial. When updates happen, tell the team. Figma’s Team Library helps, but go further. Use Slack updates, emails, or in-team announcements. Everyone should know when and how components change.

FAQ on How To Edit A Component In Figma

How do I edit a component in Figma?

To edit a component in Figma, select the component you wish to modify. Make changes directly to the Master component; these adjustments will automatically apply to all its instances.

Use the Inspector panel to fine-tune properties like size, color, and layout features.

Can I override properties in a component instance?

Yes, you can override properties in an instance of a component. Overrides allow you to customize specific attributes, such as text or color, without altering the master component.

Simply select the instance and adjust the properties you need to change.

How do I use auto-layout with components?

Auto-layout in Figma helps manage responsive design. Select your component, then apply Auto-layout from the Inspector panel.

This enables dynamic resizing, ensuring your component adapts to various screen sizes and content changes automatically, maintaining a consistent layout.

How do I add nested components?

To add nested components, drag an existing component into a new component frame. This nesting allows for more complex design systems.

Use the Layers panel to manage the hierarchy, ensuring the nested components inherit properties from the parent component.

How can I update a component in the design system?

Updating a component in your design system involves selecting the component and making necessary changes in the Master component.

These changes propagate through all instances globally, maintaining design consistency across your UI components.

What are component overrides, and how do they work?

Component overrides let you change specific attributes of instances without modifying the Master component.

After creating an instance of the component, simply select it and adjust properties like content, styles, or sizes directly in the Inspector panel.

How do I maintain consistency with Figma components?

Maintaining consistency involves using a comprehensive component library. Define design tokens for colors, typography, and spacing within your components.

Regularly update your master components so that all instances retain a uniform look and feel throughout your designs.

How do I manage responsive design with components in Figma?

Responsive design in Figma is managed through Auto-layout and Constraints settings. Apply Constraints to fix elements’ positions relative to their parent frames.

Use Auto-layout to make components flexible, ensuring they adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes.

Can I create interactive components in Figma?

Yes, you can create interactive components using Figma’s prototyping features.

Link different states and interactions directly within the prototyping tab, enabling users to experience dynamic components with clickable and animated elements.

How do I export components from Figma?

Exporting components is straightforward. Select the component, then click on the Export button in the Inspector panel.

Customize your export settings, including format and resolution, then save the file for use in external design or development environments.

Conclusion

How to edit a component in Figma is critical for effective design work. You’ve learned the steps to modify components, make property overrides, and use auto-layout for responsive design. By updating master components in design systems, maintaining consistency, and managing nested components, you ensure seamless designs.

To maintain visual hierarchy and responsive elements, it’s essential to leverage constraints and design tokens. Creating interactive components enhances user experience, while exporting components for external use extends your design influence. These practices will streamline your design process and improve project efficiency.

In summary:

  • Modify and override component properties
  • Use auto-layout
  • Manage nested and interactive components
  • Maintain consistency with design tokens
  • Export with specific settings

Mastering these skills ensures your designs are both adaptable and consistent, elevating your design workflow effectively. Stay current with updates in Figma to continually enhance your design capabilities.

Author

Bogdan Sandu is the principal designer and editor of this website. He specializes in web and graphic design, focusing on creating user-friendly websites, innovative UI kits, and unique fonts.Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces. Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, and Speckyboy among others.