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How to clear “Used variables” that don’t exist in the file anymore?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
August 25, 2023
102 replies
14113 views

Hi folks!

I used some components from other files in my project, and even though I removed them, I still see some Variables available in the “Page → Modes”. They are not available anywhere else. It doesn’t affect the project; when I select one, change the page, and then return to it, that mode is selected.

I checked my file, and nothing leads to the other file anymore – no styles, variables, components, etc.

It seems like a bug, and I see some variables pulled from another file, but can I remove it somehow?

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Best answer by djv

Hey All, sorry for the continued trouble and frustration!

If the Detach deleted variables quick command does not work, the remaining ghost variables you’re seeing are still present because they’re still actively being used from collections within your design components and/or deleted color styles.

Be sure to review your file for variables that are being used across multiple pages. We understand how this can be confusing, especially when you have multiple collections with similar names and modes, making it difficult to differentiate between them.

Unfortunately, the team confirmed that we don’t have an automatic solution to fix this or a simple way to view which variables come from what collections. But in order to completely remove ghost variables, you’ll need to manually remove all instances of those variables from your file.

If you need help locating old variables that are still being referenced in nodes on the canvas and are able to share your file with us, please do so here: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

Be sure to use your Figma account email, include a link to the file, share edit access with support-share@figma.com, and our Technical Quality team can help you locate and remove the old variables.

Show previous replies

Julien_vlabs

I have a similar problem, I removed all external variables links in my file but still have these external collections as “Used variable” in the mode dropdown menu… Quick command does not find anything

Ali_Tohme2

Still have the same issue, used variables are ghosts !!!

sedatcakir

Active Member

I have that same problem. It is not resolved in any way. annoying.

Laura_Silvani2

New Member

Same issue here. Tried the quick command but it does not work. I even see duplicated modes, with same values, in my file.

R

Ronnie_James

Is there any chance for Figma to fix this? It’s a horror show trying to manage massive Design Systems. I already have to leverage Token Studio Plugin to manage and create my variables and themes. Would really like to see some updates to this. Also the YouTube tutorial is useful, but I’ve had literally empty files, that I’ve stripped clean with all kinds of plugins and the (Used variables) persist.

I’ve been practicing extreme file heigein to prevent contamination between old files and new yet it still happens. And now I can’t even use the version controls. I’ve gone back to file conception with the version control and the used variables are now persistent moving back.

I made a backup of my library the other day and imported it to my files and there was no issue. It only contained variables found in that file. Now if I import that same backup it also has the used variables. So not sure if this has something to do with published variables. Not sure because I’ve already unpublished my variables before importing the old save.

zu.nguyen

Active Member

This still doesn’t work 😦

Martin_Mateos_Sanchez

Same issue here. I hope to see it fixed when variables are out of beta

y_toku

Community Support

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Everything appears to be working fine on my end, but if you’re still experiencing issues, could you please submit a bug report following the steps outlined here: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041468234-Submit-a-bug-report?

Thanks!
Toku