Moving component sets in Figma, especially when migrating them between different design files, is a straightforward process primarily involving cutting and pasting. This method allows you to transfer your organized component sets, including their variants, from one project file to another.
The core method for moving component sets between files is to cut and paste them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Component Sets
Here’s how you can transfer your component sets from one Figma file to another:
- Navigate to the Origin File: Open the Figma file where the component set you wish to move currently resides.
- Select the Component Set: Locate the specific component set on your canvas or within the Layers panel. Click on it to select it.
- Cut the Component Set: Use the standard cut command:
- On Windows: Press
Ctrl + X - On macOS: Press
Cmd + X
This removes the component set from the current file and places it on your clipboard.
- On Windows: Press
- Open the Destination File: Open the Figma file where you want to move the component set.
- Paste the Component Set: Use the standard paste command in the destination file:
- On Windows: Press
Ctrl + V - On macOS: Press
Cmd + V
The component set will be pasted onto the canvas in the new file.
- On Windows: Press
Important Considerations for Variants
When you move a component set using cut and paste, it's crucial to understand how variants are handled:
- Only Existing Variants are Copied: Figma will only copy and paste the variants that exist within the component set at the time you perform the cut operation.
- Handling Deleted Variants: If you had previously created and then deleted a variant within the original component set, that deleted variant will not be included when you paste the set into the new file. If you decide later that you need to use that specific deleted variant again, you will need to go back to the origin file where it was originally created (and potentially still recoverable from history or undone deletions) and restore it there before attempting to move the set again.
Using the cut-and-paste method is an effective way to manage and reorganize your design system assets across different Figma files, ensuring your component sets are where you need them for your projects.
