How to Use Styles from Library in Figma: Step-by-Step Guide

To use styles from a library in Figma, first enable the library in your file by going to Assets > Library and toggling it on. Then, when selecting elements, apply the shared styles from the Design panel > Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects sections where library styles appear.

Syntax

Using styles from a Figma library involves these steps:

• Enable Library: Turn on the shared styles library in your file.
• Select Element: Click the object you want to style.
• Apply Style: In the Design panel, under Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects, choose the style from the library list.

This process uses Figma's UI, not code, but the pattern is consistent across style types.

figma

1. Open your Figma file.
2. Click on the Assets tab in the left sidebar.
3. Click the Library icon (book symbol).
4. Toggle on the library you want to use.
5. Select an element on the canvas.
6. In the right Design panel, find Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects.
7. Click the style dropdown and select a style from the library.

Example

This example shows how to apply a text style from a shared library:

1. Enable the library named "Brand Styles" in your file.
2. Select a text layer on your canvas.
3. In the Design panel, under Text, click the style dropdown.
4. Choose "Brand Styles / Heading 1" from the list.
5. The text updates to use the library's Heading 1 style.

figma

1. Assets > Library > Toggle on "Brand Styles"
2. Select text layer
3. Design panel > Text > Style dropdown
4. Select "Brand Styles / Heading 1"

Output

The selected text layer changes font, size, weight, and color to match the Heading 1 style from the Brand Styles library.

Common Pitfalls

Here are common mistakes when using styles from a Figma library:

• Library Not Enabled: Styles won’t appear if the library is not toggled on in your file.
• Local Overrides: Manually changing style properties after applying a library style breaks the link to the library.
• Missing Styles: If the library updates and removes a style, your file may show a warning or fallback style.
• Confusing Local and Library Styles: Make sure you select styles labeled with the library name to use shared styles, not local ones.

text

/* Wrong way: */
// Apply a library style, then manually change fill color

/* Right way: */
// Apply the library style and avoid manual overrides to keep style linked

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Where to Find
1	Enable Library	Assets tab > Library icon > Toggle on
2	Select Element	Canvas or Layers panel
3	Open Style Dropdown	Design panel > Fill/Stroke/Text/Effects
4	Choose Library Style	Dropdown list labeled with library name
5	Avoid Overrides	Do not manually change styled properties

Key Takeaways

Always enable the shared style library in your Figma file before using its styles.

Apply styles from the Design panel’s Fill, Stroke, Text, or Effects sections to keep designs consistent.

Avoid manual changes after applying a library style to maintain the link and easy updates.

Check that you select styles labeled with the library name to use shared styles, not local ones.

If a style is missing, verify the library is enabled and up to date.