How to Edit Main Component in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

To edit the main component in Figma, locate the original component in your file or assets panel, then double-click it or right-click and choose Edit Main Component. Changes made to the main component automatically update all its instances across your designs.

Syntax

Editing the main component in Figma involves these steps:

• Locate Main Component: Find the original component in your file or assets.
• Enter Edit Mode: Double-click the component or right-click and select Edit Main Component.
• Make Changes: Modify shapes, text, colors, or layout inside the component.
• Save Changes: Exit edit mode; all instances update automatically.

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1. Locate main component in layers or assets panel
2. Double-click or right-click > Edit Main Component
3. Modify component elements
4. Exit edit mode to save changes

Example

This example shows how to change the color of a button main component so all button instances update automatically.

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1. Open your Figma file with a button component.
2. In the assets panel, find the button main component.
3. Double-click the button to enter edit mode.
4. Select the button shape and change its fill color to blue.
5. Exit edit mode by clicking outside or pressing Esc.
6. All button instances now show the new blue color.

Output

All button instances update to the new blue fill color automatically.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when editing main components include:

• Editing an Instance Instead of Main: Changes to instances do not affect other copies.
• Not Exiting Edit Mode: Forgetting to exit edit mode means changes are not saved.
• Overriding Properties: Instance overrides can hide main component updates.

Always ensure you are editing the original main component and exit edit mode to apply changes globally.

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Wrong way:
- Selecting an instance and changing color (only that instance changes)

Right way:
- Double-click main component > change color > exit edit mode (all instances update)

Quick Reference

Action	How to Do It
Locate Main Component	Find it in layers panel or assets tab
Enter Edit Mode	Double-click or right-click > Edit Main Component
Make Changes	Modify shapes, text, colors inside component
Save Changes	Exit edit mode by clicking outside or pressing Esc
Update Instances	All instances update automatically

Key Takeaways

Always edit the original main component to update all instances.

Use double-click or right-click > Edit Main Component to enter edit mode.

Exit edit mode to save changes and apply them globally.

Instance overrides can hide main component updates; manage overrides carefully.

Locate main components easily via layers or assets panel.