What are Variables in Figma?
Learn how variables make your designs adaptable, multi-themed, and easier to maintain.
Intro (short definition)
Variables in Figma let you define reusable values — like colors, spacing, typography, or even strings of text — and apply them consistently across your designs. Instead of updating each button, card, or component manually, you change the variable once and every connected element updates instantly.
Deep Dive (how they work + why they matter)
Variables are especially powerful for multi-theme designs like light and dark mode, or when you need flexible brand palettes across web, email, and social campaigns. Teams use them to keep typography, spacing, and motion consistent, which makes design systems scalable and developer handoff smoother.
When combined with Components and Auto Layout, variables allow you to build design systems that scale smoothly. You can update global tokens, test multiple styles quickly, and maintain consistency across large projects. For teams, this reduces confusion and ensures developers and designers are always working with the same source of truth.
Use Cases (practical examples)
Switching between light mode and dark mode designs instantly
Creating global spacing and typography rules for consistent layouts
Managing multiple themes (e.g., brand colors, seasonal campaigns)
Connecting variables to Design Systems for scalability
