Unlock the Power of Figma Variables: A Game-Changer for Designers
Figma’s recent announcement of its groundbreaking new feature, variables, sent shockwaves through the design community. This highly anticipated feature bridges the gap between design libraries and code libraries, enabling designers to create more sophisticated interactive prototypes and reduce bloat in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned Figma user or just starting out, variables can revolutionize your workflow.
What Are Figma Variables?
In essence, variables in Figma are similar to variables in code. They allow you to link the characteristics of an object to a simpler, more structured name. For instance, you can define a variable “my-favorite-color” as #009C2C, and anytime you reference it in your design file, it will automatically set that color. The beauty of variables lies in their ability to be defined once and referenced multiple times, making it easy to update your design file with a single change.
Types of Variables
Figma offers four main types of variables: colors, numbers, strings, and Booleans. Each type serves a unique purpose, allowing you to tailor your design system to your specific needs.
- Color Variables: Define a color and link it to a solid fill color. You can create multiple modes for each color variable, making it easy to toggle between different themes.
- Number Variables: Attach a name to a numerical value, which can be applied to various design elements, such as corner radii, spacing, and text layers.
- String Variables: Store a string of text behind a variable name and apply logic to update it dynamically in your design file. This is particularly useful for setting different language modes.
- Boolean Variables: Used for objects and layers that you wish to be visible in some situations and hidden in others.
Creating Variables
To start using variables in your design file, you need to define them. Click on the Local Variables button in the right-hand design panel, select the type of variable you want to create, and start filling in variable definitions. You can add columns to define additional theme colors, and the variable table supports slash notation for easy organization.
Supercharging Your Designs with Variables
The real power of variables lies in their ability to automate tedious tasks and create dynamic prototypes. With variables, you can:
- Automatically Switch Themes: Designate certain parts of your screen to apply one color theme or another, making it easy to test and switch between different themes.
- Automate Translations: Set up text string variables and create a mode for each language, making it easy to test your screens for localization.
- Create Dynamic Prototypes: Use number variables to create interactive prototypes with actual logic behind the content shown on the page.
By leveraging variables, you can focus more on designing and less on tedious pixel-pushing tasks. The possibilities are endless, and it’s clear that this feature will continue to shape the future of design work.