How to create component variants in Figma

A Flower that represents Figma next to a with a diamond composed of squares, which is the symbol Figma gives to Components. Below it sits the text 'Component Variants'.

A step by step tutorial on creating a component variant in Figma, through the demonstration of a menu button.

This tutorial assumes that you know how to create a component and follows our tutorial where we created a MenuButton component. This tutorial is available via the button below.

Step One: Select your component

In Figma, select a previously created component.

Step Two: Select Create New Component Property

Select the '+' next to properties.

Step Three: Select Variant

From the pop up that appears, select Variant

Select Variant from the pop over that appears.

Step Four: The component should now be outlined

The component that you had previously selected and created a property for should now be outlined - indicating that it has variants. Under properties, the component you had selected should now read as 'default' on the Design Menu on the right hand side.

The component you selected should now have an outline - which we call the component variation area. Your previously created component should now be called the Default variation.

Step Five: Increase the component variation area

Select the outline of the component, which we call the variation area, and drag it to increase its size. This should be done in consideration of the space that you wish to associate to the variation.

Select your component variation area and resize it your preferred size.

Step Six: Select the Default variation

Within the variation area, select the 'Default' Variation, which should be the component that you selected prior to creating a property for that component.

Select the existing component within the variation area. As previously mentioned, this should be called the Default variation as shown under Properties in the Dessign menu on the right hand side.

Step Seven: Add a new variant

Select the '+' under the Default variation to add a new variation.

Select the '+' under the Default variation to create a new variation.

Step Eight: Rename the variation that appears

A variation should appear close to and on top of the 'Default' variation. Rename this variation using the 'Property Name' input under 'Current Variation' in the Design menu on the right hand side. In our case, we chose to rename it to 'Close'.

Rename the new variation that appears using the Property 1 input under Current Variant on the Design menu on the right hand side.

Step Nine: Move the variation into position

Move the new variation into your desired location within the variation area.

Move your variation into your position of choice within the component variation area.

Step Ten: Illustrate your variation

Illustrate your variation to your desired design. In our case we went from a hamburger icon to a close icon.

Modify the new variation to match your desired design.

Step Eleven: Select the copy of your component

Select the copy of the component that you had created.

Select the previously created copy of your component.

Step Twelve: Change the variation

Using the 'Property' dropdown under the Design menu on the right hand side, select your alternate variation. In our case this was 'Close'.

Change its variation using the Property 1 dropdown in the Design menu on the right hand side.

Step Thirteen: The copy should match the variation

The copy of the component should now match the chosen variation.

The copy of your component should now look identical to your new variation.

Looking to learn more about things you can do with Figma ?

We recommend the following tutorials to help you advance in your learning, or to search our blog to find educational content on learning how to use Figma.

Any Questions

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