Edit main components

Any instance you create is linked to the main component. When you make changes to the main component, Figma will apply any changes you apply to any linked instances.

If you are using instances within the same file as your main components, Figma applies changes immediately. If the components are published to a library, you need to publish those changes to see those updates in subscribed files.

Update components

To make sure Figma applies changes to all instances of a component, you will need to edit the main component. You can only edit main components in the original files where they live.

• Unpublished components:

  If you're on the Starter plan, or haven't published the components to a library, you can edit your main components like you would any other layers.

  Figma will automatically apply any changes you make to the main component to any local instances in your file.

• Published components:
  Figma will immediately apply any changes you make to any instances in that file. If you want those changes to apply to instances in other files, you will need to publish those changes to the Library.

Find main components

If you're working with instances in a separate file, use the Go to main component setting to open the library file. From there, you can apply any changes you want to the main component.

1. Select an instance in the current file.
2. Open the Design tab in the right sidebar.
3. Click in the instance section to open the library file.
4. Select the main component and make any changes. 

Push overrides to main component

There may be situations where you want changes you've applied to an instance to apply to the main component as well.

You can use the Push overrides to main component setting to apply any overrides to the main component. This will also update any other instances of that component.

You can only push overrides if the main component is in the same file as the instance. It's not possible to push overrides to components in another file, including published libraries.

1. Select the instance with your overrides applied to it. You need to select the parent frame of the instance, not a sublayer.
2. In the right sidebar, click next to the component name.
3. Select Push overrides to main component from the options.
4. Figma will apply your overrides to the main component.

Publish changes to the library

If you make changes to a published style or component, this will only apply those changes to instances in the current file. If you want those changes to be reflected in your library, you will also need to publish those changes to the library.

Figma will display a blue dot on the icon in the Assets panel of the left sidebar to let you know if there are any updates that need to be published:

1. Click either the Assets panel at the top of the left sidebar to open the library modal.
2. Add a description of any decisions or changes. This will show in the file's version history, and the Updates tab of the Libraries modal.
3. View a list of changes to the library. This details any styles and components added, modified, or removed.
4. Choose which changes you want to publish:
   • Check individual components you do want to publish
   • Uncheck individual components you don't want to publish
   • Uncheck Changes to deselect all styles and components
5. When you've finalized your styles and components, click the Publish button. Figma will show a notification to confirm your file has been successfully published.

Publish styles and components →