How do you edit an instance in Figma?

Editing an instance in Figma is straightforward. To do this, select the instance in your design file, then use the right sidebar to modify properties such as size, position, and styling. You can also directly edit components by accessing the main component from which the instance derives.

Understanding Figma Instances

What is an Instance in Figma?

An instance is a copy of a component that maintains a link to the original component. When you update the original component, all instances automatically reflect those changes, ensuring consistency across your design.

Differences Between Instances and Components

• Component: A master design element that holds design properties and functionality.
• Instance: A specific application of a component that can have modified properties independently from the master component.

Step-by-Step Guide on Editing an Instance

Step 1: Select the Instance

Navigate to your design canvas and click on the instance you wish to edit. You’ll notice that it gets highlighted, indicating it’s selected.

Step 2: Modify Properties in the Right Sidebar

Once selected, look to the right sidebar:

• Size: Adjust width and height by entering specific values or dragging the resizing handles.
• Position: Change the X and Y coordinates to reposition the instance on the canvas.
• Styling: Under the “Design” tab, you can modify fill colors, strokes, effects, and more.

Step 3: Override Component Properties

You can directly override text, images, and colors of the instance. Select the instance, and in the sidebar, find options to replace images or Edit text fields that differ from the main component.

Example: Editing a Button Instance

1. Click on the button instance in your design file.
2. Change the button text from “Submit” to “Send”.
3. Alter the Background color to match a different theme.

Practical Insights for Editing Instances

Best Practices

• Use Overrides Wisely: Avoid extensive overrides that deviate from the component’s intended use. This can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
• Name Your Components: Use clear, descriptive names for components so modifications can be easily tracked.
• Keep Components Updated: Regularly review and update your master components to ensure all instances remain relevant.

Common Mistakes

• Unlinking Instances: Unlinking the instance from its component makes future updates cumbersome. Only unlink if absolutely necessary.
• Overriding Too Much: Excessive overrides can lead to a cluttered design system. Stick to overriding only essential elements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Cannot Select an Instance

• Ensure that the layer containing your instance is not locked. Unlock it in the layers panel if necessary.

Issue: Overrides Not Saving

• Ensure that you’re working on a valid instance. Sometimes, layers can get mixed up, leading to confusion in editing.

Alternatives to Editing Instances

Creating New Variants

If the modifications to an instance diverge significantly from its original design, consider creating a new variant using Figma’s component properties. This retains the original instance while providing flexibility for design changes.

Using Figma Plugins

Leverage various plugins available in Figma to enhance editing capabilities. Plugins like “Figma Token” help manage design tokens directly within your instances.

FAQs

How do I make an instance the main component in Figma?

To make an instance into a main component, select the instance and click on “Create Component” in the right-click menu or use the shortcut (Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + K).

Can I copy properties from the main component to the instance?

Yes, you can copy properties by selecting the main component, using the copy command, and then selecting the instance and applying the paste command.

What happens when I change a master component?

When you change a master component, all linked instances are updated automatically unless individual properties have been overridden. This ensures consistency across your design.