How to Use String Variables in Figma for Dynamic Text

In Figma, you create a string variable by defining a variable with text content that you can reuse across your design. Use the Variables panel to create and assign string variables, then apply them to text layers to keep your text consistent and easy to update.

Syntax

To use a string variable in Figma, you first create a variable with a text value. Then you apply this variable to a text layer. The syntax involves naming the variable and assigning a string value.

• Variable Name: A unique name for your string variable.
• Value: The text content you want to store.
• Apply: Link the variable to a text layer to display its value.

text

Variable Name: Greeting
Value: "Hello, world!"
Apply to Text Layer: Use the Variables panel to select 'Greeting' for the text content

Example

This example shows how to create a string variable named WelcomeMessage with the value "Welcome to Figma!" and apply it to a text layer so the text updates automatically when the variable changes.

text

1. Open the Variables panel in Figma.
2. Click 'Create variable' and choose 'String'.
3. Name it 'WelcomeMessage'.
4. Set the value to "Welcome to Figma!".
5. Select a text layer.
6. In the text properties, click the variable icon and select 'WelcomeMessage'.

Output

The text layer now displays: Welcome to Figma!

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using string variables in Figma include:

• Not naming variables clearly, causing confusion when applying them.
• Forgetting to apply the variable to the text layer, so the text does not update.
• Trying to use variables in unsupported places like vector fills or effects.
• Not updating the variable value, expecting text layers to change automatically.

Always double-check variable names and ensure the text layer is linked to the variable.

text

Wrong:
- Create variable but do not apply it to text layer.
- Text layer shows static text, not variable value.

Right:
- Apply the variable to the text layer via the Variables panel.
- Text layer updates dynamically when variable changes.

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Create String Variable	Use Variables panel > Create variable > Select 'String' type
Name Variable	Give a clear, descriptive name for easy reuse
Set Value	Enter the text you want to reuse
Apply Variable	Select text layer > Choose variable from text properties
Update Variable	Change value in Variables panel to update all linked text layers

Key Takeaways

Create string variables in the Variables panel to manage reusable text.

Apply string variables to text layers to keep text consistent and easy to update.

Name variables clearly to avoid confusion when applying them.

Always link the variable to the text layer to see dynamic updates.

Update the variable value to change text across all linked layers instantly.