How to Apply Style in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

In Figma, you apply style by selecting an object and then choosing or creating a Style from the right sidebar under Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects. Styles let you reuse colors, text formats, and effects across your design for consistency and easy updates.

Syntax

To apply a style in Figma, select the object you want to style, then in the right sidebar:

• Fill: Click the color square, then select a Color Style or create a new one.
• Stroke: Click the stroke color, then pick or create a Stroke Style.
• Text: Select text, then choose a Text Style from the dropdown.
• Effects: Click the effects section, then apply or create an Effect Style.

Styles are reusable design properties saved in your file or team library.

figma

Select object -> Right sidebar -> Fill/Stroke/Text/Effects -> Choose or create Style

Example

This example shows how to apply a text style to a heading and a color style to a button background.

figma

1. Select the heading text layer.<br>2. In the right sidebar, under 'Text', click the style dropdown.<br>3. Choose 'Heading 1' style.<br>4. Select the button rectangle.<br>5. Under 'Fill', click the color square.<br>6. Choose the 'Primary Button Color' style.<br>7. The styles apply instantly and update all linked objects if changed.

Output

The heading text changes font size, weight, and color to match 'Heading 1'. The button background color changes to the 'Primary Button Color'.

Common Pitfalls

Not using styles: Applying colors or fonts directly without styles makes updates hard and inconsistent.

Overwriting styles: Manually changing a styled object breaks the link to the style, so updates won't apply.

Confusing local and team styles: Styles saved only locally won't be available to team members.

figma

Wrong way:
Select object -> Change fill color manually (no style)

Right way:
Select object -> Apply existing color style or create new style

Quick Reference

Style Type	Where to Apply	Purpose
Color Style	Fill, Stroke	Reuse colors consistently across objects
Text Style	Text layers	Standardize fonts, sizes, and spacing
Effect Style	Shadows, blurs	Apply consistent effects like shadows or glows
Grid Style	Layout grids	Maintain consistent grid layouts

Key Takeaways

Always use styles in Figma to keep your design consistent and easy to update.

Apply styles from the right sidebar by selecting Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects sections.

Avoid manual formatting that breaks style links and causes inconsistency.

Create and share styles in team libraries for collaboration.

Use the style dropdown to quickly apply or switch styles on objects.