Mastering Text Properties in Figma: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating reusable and customizable design systems is the cornerstone of efficient and scalable design workflows. One crucial element of this system is the text property, allowing designers to control text styles across numerous instances within Figma. This article delves deep into the process of creating and utilizing text properties in Figma, equipping you with the knowledge to optimize your design process.

How to Create a Text Property in Figma?

The process for creating a text property in Figma revolves around the concept of component properties, allowing you to expose specific attributes of a component as customizable settings. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Create a Text Layer: Start by adding a text layer to your Figma canvas. This will be the base for your component. Type in some placeholder text, like “Example Text”.

2. Style the Text Layer: Style the text layer according to your desired attributes. This includes:

   • Font Family: Choose the font you want to use.
   • Font Size: Set the appropriate size.
   • Font Weight: Select the weight (e.g., Regular, Bold, Semibold).
   • Line Height: Adjust the line height for readability.
   • Letter Spacing: Modify the space between letters.
   • Color: Define the text color.
   • Paragraph Styles: Alignment, indentation, etc.

   Ensure you meticulously set these styles as these will be the default settings for your text property.

3. Create a Component: Select the text layer and press Cmd/Ctrl + Alt/Opt + K (or right-click and select “Create Component”). This transforms the text layer into a reusable component.

4. Access the Component Properties Panel: With the component selected, look at the right-hand sidebar. You should see the Properties Panel. If you don’t see it, ensure you have the component selected.

5. Create a Text Property: In the Properties Panel, click the “+” icon next to “Text”. This action will create a new text property.

6. Configure the Text Property: A small window will appear. Here, you need to configure the following:

   • Name: Give your text property a descriptive name (e.g., “Label Text”, “Heading”, “Button Text”). Naming is crucial for easy identification and management, especially in large design systems.
   • Value: Figma will automatically assign the value of the selected text layer as the initial value of the property.
   • Instance Swap: This is usually not enabled for simple text properties unless you are swapping the entire component.
   • Description (Optional): Add a description to explain the purpose of the property. This can be helpful for other designers using your component.

7. Test the Text Property: Now, create an instance of your component by dragging it from the Assets panel onto your canvas. Select the instance. In the Properties Panel, you will see the text property you created. You can now edit the text directly within the Properties Panel, and the change will be reflected in the instance. This is where the power of text properties comes into play.

8. Boolean Value for Text Visibility: For scenarios where you want to conditionally show or hide the text, consider adding a boolean property tied to the text layer’s visibility. Select the text layer within the component, click the “+” icon next to “Layer” in the Properties panel, and select “Boolean”. Rename it (e.g., “Show Label”). Then, toggle this boolean property to control the text visibility on the instance level.

This is the fundamental process. By following these steps, you can effectively create text properties in Figma, paving the way for scalable and maintainable design systems. Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to address common challenges and expand your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply multiple text styles to a single text property?

No, a single text property typically applies a uniform style across the entire text layer. If you need varying styles within the same text box, consider using nested text spans and character styles or explore alternative component structures. For example, you could create separate text layers within your component and expose them with individual text properties.

2. How do I update a text property after creating it?

Select the main component. Then, select the text layer associated with the property. You can then modify its attributes (font, size, color, etc.) directly in the design panel. All instances of the component will automatically update to reflect these changes. Be careful when making broad changes as it will impact all instances.

3. What happens if I detach an instance from the component with a text property?

Detaching an instance breaks the link to the main component. The text property will disappear from the instance’s properties panel, and any changes made to the original component’s text property will no longer affect the detached instance. It essentially becomes a regular, independent text layer.

4. Can I create nested components with text properties?

Yes, you can absolutely create nested components. This allows for very complex and reusable designs. Just follow the same process for creating text properties within each component layer. The properties will cascade down, allowing you to control text at different levels of your component hierarchy.

5. How do I override the default text in an instance without affecting other instances?

That’s the beauty of text properties! Select the instance of the component. In the Properties Panel, you’ll see the text property. Simply edit the text directly in that panel. This will only change the text in that specific instance, leaving the main component and other instances untouched.

6. Is it possible to create a text property that links to a style guide?

While you can’t directly link a text property to a style guide, you can use style guides as a reference when creating your text properties. This ensures consistency with your overall design system. Figma Libraries also play a key role in referencing design tokens and styles. Adopt a robust token and style management process for your team.

7. Can I use expressions or formulas within text properties?

No, Figma does not currently support expressions or formulas directly within text properties. Text properties are designed for simple text replacements. For more complex scenarios, you might need to use a plugin or explore alternative approaches.

8. How do I manage text properties in a large design system?

Organization is key! Use clear and consistent naming conventions for your text properties (e.g., “Heading/H1/Desktop”, “Body/Regular/Mobile”). Document your design system thoroughly, explaining the purpose of each text property. Leverage Figma’s component library features to easily share and manage your components.

9. What is the best way to handle different text sizes for different screen sizes (responsive text)?

Use variants within your component. Create different variants of your component, each with a different text size optimized for specific screen sizes (e.g., “Mobile”, “Tablet”, “Desktop”). You can then use variant properties to switch between these versions based on the screen size. Auto Layout and constraints are essential for making the component responsive along with setting text behavior to ‘fixed size’ or ‘auto width’.

10. How can I reuse text properties across different components?

Figma’s component library feature is your best friend here. Publish your components with text properties to a library. Then, you can easily import and reuse those components in other files. This promotes consistency and reduces redundancy across your design projects.

11. What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating text properties?

• Inconsistent Naming: Use a clear and consistent naming convention for all your properties.
• Overly Complex Components: Keep your components relatively simple and focused on a specific purpose.
• Ignoring Accessibility: Ensure your text styles are accessible by considering factors like contrast and font size.
• Neglecting Documentation: Document your design system thoroughly, explaining the purpose of each text property.

12. Are there any Figma plugins that enhance text property functionality?

Yes, several Figma plugins can enhance text property functionality. Search the Figma Community for plugins related to “text management”, “design tokens”, or “style syncing”. Some plugins allow for more advanced text manipulation or integration with external data sources. Examples of plugins are “Text Styles Manager” and “Design Lint”.

By mastering the art of creating text properties in Figma, you’ll unlock a new level of efficiency and consistency in your design workflow. Embrace these techniques, and watch your design systems flourish!