Master Figma Variables with this Introductory Tutorial
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What are Variables in Figma?
- The Benefits of Variables in Design
- How to Create and Organize Variables
- Using Variables to Represent Design Tokens
- Creating Light and Dark Modes with Variables
- Using Variables for Spacing and Corner Radii
- Creating Custom Themes with Variables
- Advanced Techniques with Variables
- Conclusion
Introduction
Designers often encounter the need for reusable and dynamic design properties in their work. This is where variables in Figma come in. Variables are a powerful feature that allows designers to create and manage reusable values, such as colors and numbers, that can be applied to various design elements. In this article, we will explore the concept of variables in Figma and how they can enhance the design process.
What are Variables in Figma?
Variables, by definition, are something that can vary in value or take on multiple values. In Figma, variables serve as placeholders for design tokens, such as color values, Dimensions, text styles, and more. They act as dynamic values that allow designs to change when used in different contexts. Variables in Figma are not the same as styles, as they offer more flexibility and adaptability to design elements.
The Benefits of Variables in Design
Variables provide several benefits to designers, including:
- Dynamic Nature: Variables allow designs to adapt and change Based on different contexts, such as switching between light and dark modes or designing for different device sizes.
- Reusability: Designers can create variables once and Apply them to multiple design elements, reducing duplication of work and ensuring consistency.
- Easy Updates: Variables can reference other variables, making it easy to update design systems and make changes across multiple instances.
- Tokenization: By using variables, designers can define values by referencing other values, which helps maintain consistency and makes updates more efficient.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Variables make it easier for design teams to collaborate and maintain a unified Design System, ensuring a Cohesive look and feel across projects.
How to Create and Organize Variables
To create variables in Figma, You can use the Local Variables section in the right sidebar. Simply click on the "Create Variable" button and choose the Type of variable you want to create, such as color, number, STRING, or boolean.
Once you have created variables, it is important to organize them for easy access and management. Figma allows you to group variables into collections based on different categories or themes. By organizing variables into groups, you can quickly find and update them when needed. It is also recommended to give variables semantic names that express their function or intent, making it easier for designers to understand their purpose.
Using Variables to Represent Design Tokens
Design tokens, such as colors, are often used repeatedly in a design system. By creating variables for these tokens, designers can easily apply and update them across different design elements. For example, instead of manually changing the color of each design element, designers can simply update the color variable, and all instances of that variable will automatically update.
To represent design tokens with variables, designers can create color variables and assign them values using the color picker. Variables can also reference other variables, allowing for cascading updates and easy maintenance of design systems.
Creating Light and Dark Modes with Variables
Designing for both light and dark modes has become a common requirement in modern UI design. Variables in Figma make it easy to switch between different modes by creating separate variables for each mode and assigning the appropriate values.
By using variables for mode-specific colors, such as background colors and text colors, designers can quickly switch between light and dark modes by changing the mode of the variables. This ensures consistent and cohesive designs across different contexts.
Using Variables for Spacing and Corner Radii
Variables can also be used to represent spacing and corner radii values in designs. Designers can create variables for different spacing values, such as padding and margin, and assign values based on a predefined system, such as an eight-point GRID.
Similarly, corner radii values can be represented using variables, allowing designers to easily adjust the roundness of corners in design elements. By using variables for spacing and corner radii, designers can maintain consistency and make updates more efficiently.
Creating Custom Themes with Variables
In addition to light and dark modes, designers can use variables to create custom themes or aesthetics in their designs. By defining variables for different themes, such as colors, typography, and other design properties, designers can quickly switch between different visual styles and create unique looks for their projects.
Custom themes can be achieved by defining variables with different values for each theme and updating the variables accordingly. This allows designers to experiment with different aesthetics without the need for extensive manual adjustments.
Advanced Techniques with Variables
Variables in Figma offer a range of advanced techniques and possibilities for designers. For example, variables can be used in prototypes to create realistic interactions and dynamic behaviors. By using expressions and conditions, designers can create prototypes that respond to user inputs and simulate real-world scenarios.
Furthermore, variables can be incorporated into design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across different projects. Designers can create comprehensive libraries of variables that cover various design properties, making it easier for teams to collaborate and maintain a unified design system.
Conclusion
Variables in Figma are a powerful tool that enhances the design process by allowing designers to create reusable and dynamic design properties. By using variables, designers can easily update and adapt designs based on different contexts, maintain consistency in design systems, and create unique visual themes. With the flexibility and versatility of variables, designers can streamline their workflow and focus on creating compelling user experiences. So why not give variables a try in your next design project and unleash the true potential of Figma?