Creating components in Figma streamlines your design workflow, making it easier to maintain consistency across projects.
Components are reusable elements that can be updated globally, enhancing efficiency in digital design, especially for UI/UX designers.
By mastering how to make components in Figma, you’ll unlock powerful tools for prototyping, wireframing, and maintaining design consistencies.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from creating your initial design elements to leveraging nested components and implementing Figma variants for more dynamic and customizable designs.
Expect to dive into practical applications like building a component library, utilizing interactive components, and exploring the integration of Figma plugins to expand your design capabilities.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to create, manage, and optimize components, ensuring your projects are both efficient and cohesive.
How to Make Components in Figma: Quick Workflow
Step 1: Select the Layers
To create a component, you need to select the layers you want to include. This can be a single layer or multiple layers grouped together.
Step 2: Create the Component
There are several ways to create a component from your selection:
- Using the Properties Panel: Click next to the selection’s name in the properties panel and choose Create component.
- Right-Click Method: Right-click on your selection and choose Create component.
- Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Mac: Use
⌥ Option
+⌘ Command
+K
. - Windows: Use
Ctrl
+Alt
+K
.
- Mac: Use
Step 3: Identify and Manage Components
- Components are identified by a purple icon in the Layers panel.
- You can add descriptions and documentation links to components for collaboration purposes.
Step 4: Create Components in Bulk
If you have multiple groups or frames, you can create components in bulk:
- Select the layers you want to create components from.
- Click next to the selection’s name in the properties panel.
- Choose Create Multiple components.
Step 5: Use and Reuse Components
- To use a component, drag it from the Assets page onto your canvas.
- To create an instance of a component, hold down
⌥ Option
(Mac) orAlt
(Windows) and drag the component. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut⌘ Command
+D
(Mac) orCtrl
+D
(Windows) to duplicate it.
Understanding Figma Components
Components and Instances

A main component is a reusable set of elements in Figma. When you create a main component, you’re defining its core structure and style.
This is the blueprint for any copies that derive from it. Think of it as the master template. Any changes you make to the main component reflect across all instances linked to it.
Instances: Linked Copies and Their Functionality
An instance is a linked copy of the main component. When you drag a component from the assets panel into your design, you create an instance.
These instances inherit properties from the main component but also allow for local overrides. This dual nature provides flexibility.
Adjust the main component, and your changes cascade to all instances. Override elements within an instance, and those specific tweaks remain unique to that scenario.
Types of Component Properties
Boolean Properties for Toggling Visibility
Boolean properties offer a toggle feature within components. Use these to show or hide particular elements. For example, you might have an icon that should only appear under specific conditions.
By adding a boolean property, you can control its visibility without duplicating the entire component. This keeps designs streamlined and adaptable.
Instance Swap Properties for Flexible Content Substitution
Instance Swap properties enhance content flexibility. These allow you to swap one instance with another component or variant easily. It’s a powerful way to maintain consistency while adjusting the content to fit various contexts.
For example, swapping different states of buttons without manually replacing each one. This boosts efficiency and design consistency.
Variant Properties for State Management
Variant properties handle different states within a single component set. Defining a default, hover, and active state provides interactive capabilities.
Group related components together, and you have a set of variants. This grouping aids in maintaining a cohesive design system. Utilize variants to streamline state management and reduce redundancy in your design library.
Creating Components in Figma

Fundamental Steps
Creating a Single Component from Elements
Start with your design elements. Select the group of objects you want to convert into a component. Then, right-click and choose “Create Component” from the context menu.
Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + K
(Windows) or Cmd + Option + K
(Mac) for efficiency. This action turns your selected elements into a reusable component.
Keyboard Shortcuts and UI Tools for Efficient Creation
Keyboard shortcuts are your best friend for speeding up the component creation process. Besides the shortcut for creating components, familiarize yourself with Ctrl + D
(Windows) or Cmd + D
(Mac) to duplicate, and Alt + Drag
for copying elements.
UI tools such as the Assets Panel also simplify managing and accessing your components. Dragging components from the Assets Panel directly into your design saves time.
Advanced Techniques
Creating Multiple Components in a Batch
To create multiple components in one go, select all the elements you need. Right-click and select “Create Multiple Components.”
This technique is useful when working with similar UI elements like buttons and icons, enabling consistency across your design system.
Organizing Components into Sets for Variant Creation
Once you have your components, organize them into sets. Use the right sidebar to group related components.
This method is essential for managing variants, such as different button states or form elements. By doing so, you can quickly switch between variants without affecting the overall design.
Best Practices
Naming Conventions for Clarity
Adopt clear naming conventions for your components. For example, use names like Button/Primary/Default
or Icon/User/Add
.
This structure makes it easy to search and identify components. Consistent naming conventions also help when collaborating with team members.
Structuring Components for Easy Access and Scalability
Structure your components logically. Use folders within the Assets Panel to categorize components by type, function, or project.
A well-organized structure ensures scalable design systems and easier component management. Breaking down your components into subcomponents also enhances flexibility and reusability.
Customizing Components
Applying Properties to Components
Adding Boolean Properties (e.g., Show/Hide Icons)
Boolean properties toggle the visibility of elements within a component. Handy for showing or hiding icons or additional information.
To add a Boolean property, select the component, head to the right sidebar, and click “Add Property.” Choose Boolean.
Label it something clear like “Show Icon” or “Hide Content.” Toggle it off, the element disappears; toggle it on, it reappears. Simple yet powerful.
Utilizing Instance Swap for Icon or Content Variation
Instance Swap properties allow for versatile content changes. Useful for swapping icons, images, or even entire sections. Select the component, go to the right sidebar, and click “Add Property.”
Choose Instance Swap. Define what can be swapped—useful for varying icons without duplicating the entire component. Keeps your design library lean and adaptable.
Building Variants
Defining States Like Default, Hover, and Active

Variants bring state management into play. Define states like default, hover, and active within a single component set. Select your component, click “Combine as Variants” in the right sidebar.
Create different versions of the component for each state. Label them appropriately: Default, Hover, Active. Adjust styles as needed for each state. This setup streamlines creating interactive components.
Grouping Related Components into Variant Sets
Organize related components into variant sets. Group buttons, icons, or form elements together. Select multiple components, choose “Combine as Variants.”
Creates a unified set, making it easier to manage different states. Labels and groups them logically in the Assets Panel. Enhance efficiency when swapping or managing state changes.
Nested Components
Incorporating Subcomponents for Advanced Flexibility

Incorporate subcomponents to enhance flexibility. A subcomponent is essentially a component within a component. Design a base component, then add subcomponents within it.
For example, a card component with an embedded button and icon. This approach allows for granular control over each element while maintaining the overall structure.
Managing Updates Across Nested Designs
Managing updates across nested designs keeps everything consistent. When you update a subcomponent, all instances within the parent component reflect that change.
Choose a subcomponent, make edits, and see those changes ripple through all parent components. This nesting optimizes updates and ensures a cohesive design system.
Using and Managing Components
Inserting Components into Designs
Dragging from the Assets Panel
The Assets panel, your primary gateway for inserting components, is straightforward. Drag and drop from here right into your design canvas.
This direct method places your components exactly where you need them. Fast and intuitive, dragging saves time and keeps your workflow smooth.
Quick Insertion Methods Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For rapid access, keyboard shortcuts are essential. Use Shift + I
to open the Insert menu. Type the component’s name, hit enter, and it appears in your design. This search and insert method cuts down on browsing time and keeps you focused.
Organizing Components
Folder Structures for Streamlined Workflows
Proper folder structures are critical for streamlined workflows. Organize components into folders based on type or function.
For instance, group all button variants in a “Buttons” folder. This setup makes components easier to find and manage, speeding up the design process and ensuring consistency.
Leveraging Libraries for Cross-Project Consistency
Libraries play a vital role in maintaining cross-project consistency. Publish components to a shared library. Other team members can access and use them in their projects.
This centralized approach ensures everyone works with the same design elements, promoting uniformity across the board.
Overriding and Resetting Instances
Local Overrides for Customization
Local overrides allow for customized instances. Select an instance and adjust properties like color, text, or layout.
These tweaks don’t affect the main component, giving you flexibility while maintaining a consistent design language. Perfect for tailoring elements to specific design needs without breaking the overall structure.
Resetting Properties to Default States
Sometimes, returning to the original design is necessary. Reset properties to their default states easily.
Select the instance, right-click and choose “Reset Instance” or use the reset option in the right sidebar. This action removes any local overrides, aligning the instance back to the main component’s properties.
Prototyping with Components

Interactive Components
Linking Component States for Interactive Designs
Alright, let’s dive into making your designs come alive. Linking component states transforms static designs into interactive prototypes. Select the component, go to the Prototype tab, and start linking states.
Clicking one state transition will trigger another. Imagine a button—hover, click, and active states all seamlessly connected. This method is crucial for showcasing real-time user interaction.
Adding Animations and Transitions
Spice things up with animations and transitions. Once your states are linked, add some flair. Choose from presets like Smart Animate, Ease In, and Bounce.
Customize the duration and delay to match the user flow you envision. Animations make the user experience smoother, adding a layer of polish to your prototypes.
Practical Applications
Prototyping Buttons with Different States
Buttons are everywhere, so make them interactive. Prototyping buttons with different states begins with creating variants for each state: Default, Hover, Pressed. In the Prototype tab, link these states.
Add hover interactions for a more realistic feel, and utilize animations for smooth transitions between states. This makes testing and feedback sessions more effective.
Creating Interactive Forms and UI Elements
Forms and other UI elements also benefit from interactivity. Creating interactive forms involves linking input fields, buttons, and error states.
For input fields, show different states like Focused and Error Message. Connect buttons to simulate submission responses. This way, you can mimic real-world user interactions and gather comprehensive feedback on usability.
FAQ on Making Components In Figma
What is a component in Figma?
In Figma, a component is a reusable design element that you can create to maintain a consistent look across your projects.
Components can be updated globally, meaning changes to the master component reflect in all instances, ideal for digital design, especially in UI/UX design projects.
How do I create a component in Figma?
Select the design elements you want to convert, then right-click and choose “Create Component,” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + K
(Cmd + Option + K
on Mac).
This action encapsulates your selected elements into a reusable component.
What’s the difference between a component and an instance?
A component is the master, while an instance is any copy of that component. Changes made to the master component update all instances automatically.
This feature streamlines modifications and ensures uniformity across your design system.
How can I nest components in Figma?
To nest components, drag any component into another component’s frame in the layers panel.
Nesting allows you to build complex, reusable elements, which can simplify repeated design patterns and enhance collaboration in prototyping tools.
What are variants and how do I use them?
Variants in Figma allow you to create different versions of a component, like buttons with various states (default, hover, active).
To use them, select your main component and click “Add Variant” in the right-hand properties panel. Variants help streamline design consistency.
Can I override component properties within instances?
Yes, you can override specific properties like text and colors in an instance without affecting the master component.
These component overrides maintain unique details while preserving overall consistency, making web design and responsive design much more manageable.
How do I share components between different Figma files?
To share components, utilize Figma’s team libraries. Publish your components to a library and then enable that library in other files.
This setup facilitates consistent design across projects and encourages collaborative efforts among team members.
What are the benefits of using components in a design system?
Components ensure that your design system remains consistent, scalable, and easy to update.
By centralizing reusable elements, you can rapidly prototype new designs and maintain a cohesive user experience across all UI design endeavors.
How do interactive components work?
Interactive components introduce interactivity within a single component, ideal for prototyping.
For instance, you can give a button a hover state directly within the component. This feature is perfect for creating high-fidelity prototypes and enhancing user experience.
What plugins can help with component creation and management?
Plugins like “Team Library” and “Instance Finder” facilitate managing and utilizing components.
These Figma plugins help organize your component library, locate instances, and ensure your design workflow remains efficient and cohesive.
Conclusion
Mastering how to make components in Figma transforms your design efficiency. With Figma’s features, you create reusable design elements, maintain structural consistency, and streamline UI/UX design.
Implement the steps you’ve learned: create components effortlessly, utilize nested components, leverage variants, and share them via team libraries. This ensures designs are cohesive across projects.
With interactive components and helpful plugins, your design workflow becomes efficient, enabling rapid prototyping and design consistency. By integrating these practices, you enhance both your digital design skills and project outcomes.
To summarize:
- Create components for reusability.
- Nest components for complexity.
- Utilize variants for flexibility.
- Share components with team libraries for consistency.
- Leverage interactive components and plugins.
Incorporate these elements into your workflow, and you’ll see significant improvements in your web design projects, delivering polished, consistent, and user-friendly interfaces.