Overriding instance properties in Figma - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does it mean to override instance properties in Figma?

Overriding instance properties means changing specific parts of a component instance without affecting the original component. It lets you customize instances while keeping the main design consistent.

beginner

Can you override text and colors in a Figma component instance?

Yes, you can override text content and colors in a component instance. This allows you to reuse the same design but show different text or colors in each instance.

intermediate

What happens if you change the main component after overriding instance properties?

Changes to the main component will update all instances, but any overridden properties in instances will stay as customized. This keeps your custom changes safe while updating the base design.

intermediate

How do you reset an overridden property in a Figma instance?

You can reset an overridden property by selecting the instance and clicking the reset icon next to the changed property. This returns it to the main component's original value.

beginner

Why is overriding instance properties useful in design systems?

It allows designers to keep a consistent style while customizing parts of components for different uses. This saves time and keeps designs flexible and organized.

What does overriding an instance property in Figma allow you to do?

A Change a specific part of a component instance without affecting the main component

B Delete the main component permanently

C Create a new component from scratch

D Lock the instance so it cannot be edited

Overriding lets you customize parts of an instance while keeping the main component unchanged.

Which of these can you override in a Figma component instance?

A Text and colors

B The component's name

C The original component's file location

D The Figma app settings

You can override visible properties like text and colors in instances.

If you update the main component, what happens to overridden properties in instances?

A They reset to the main component automatically

B They stay as the customized overrides

C They get deleted

D The instance is removed

Overrides remain intact even when the main component updates.

How can you revert an overridden property back to the main component's value?

A Rename the component

B Delete the instance

C Click the reset icon next to the property in the instance

D Restart Figma

The reset icon restores the property to the original component value.

Why is overriding instance properties helpful in design systems?

A It makes components harder to update

B It locks the design so no changes are possible

C It removes the need for components

D It keeps designs consistent but flexible for different uses

Overrides allow customization while maintaining consistency.

Explain in your own words what overriding instance properties means in Figma and why it is useful.

Think about how you can change parts of a design without breaking the original.

Describe the process to reset an overridden property in a Figma component instance.

Look for a small icon near the changed property in the instance panel.