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Is there any way to listen to variable changes made by users while the plugin is open?

  • October 15, 2025
  • 5 replies
  • 83 views
Mohamed4

So, variables are one of the most important functionalities in Figma, but the plugin API doesn’t help developers when it comes to variables, basically, there is no way for an open plugin to know when a user create, remove, reorder, or edit a variable or variable collection. Even though, this is possible with styles, which are less important and common than variables.
If the document change event doesn’t include variable changes, then how an open plugin is supposed to get this information?
Why variable changes haven’t been added to the document change event until now?

@James_Yang I mentioned you as I always find you answers insightful
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Best answer by Celine_

Hey ​@Mohamed4 , Celine from Figma here. Thank you for following up, and I appreciate your patience.

I understand this is an important need for plugin developers, and you’re not the only one asking for it. I checked internally, and I can confirm the team is aware of this request. At the moment, there’s no timeline or confirmed plan to add variable change detection, but it’s on the team’s radar and being evaluated for future roadmap prioritization. I’ve also shared this thread and your feedback with them directly.

I can’t make any promises right now, but conversations like this do help highlight the real impact on workflows. We’ll update the thread if anything changes.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback!

5 replies

Mohamed4
  • Mohamed4
  • Author
  • New Member
  • November 4, 2025

Still got no responses? At least tell us if you’re even planning to add this functionality at all.

 
 

 

 

jolia1450
  • jolia1450
  • New Member
  • November 4, 2025

So, variables are one of the most important functionalities in Figma, but the plugin API doesn’t help developers when it comes to variables, basically, there is no way for an open plugin to know when a user create, remove, reorder, or edit a variable or variable collection. Even though, this is possible with styles, which are less important and common than variables.
If the document change event doesn’t include variable changes, then how an open plugin is supposed to get this information?
Why variable changes haven’t been added to Pojavlauncher app the document change event until now?

@James_Yang I mentioned you as I always find you answers insightful
​ 

 
 

 

 

Yes, it’s possible to listen to variable changes made by users while a plugin is open by using event listeners or reactive programming techniques within the plugin’s architecture.

Mohamed4
  • Mohamed4
  • Author
  • New Member
  • November 4, 2025

Yes, it’s possible to listen to variable changes made by users while a plugin is open by using event listeners or reactive programming techniques within the plugin’s architecture.

No, it’s not possible, since the plugin API doesn’t emit events

Celine_
Figmate
  • Celine_
  • Community Support
  • Answer
  • November 4, 2025

Hey ​@Mohamed4 , Celine from Figma here. Thank you for following up, and I appreciate your patience.

I understand this is an important need for plugin developers, and you’re not the only one asking for it. I checked internally, and I can confirm the team is aware of this request. At the moment, there’s no timeline or confirmed plan to add variable change detection, but it’s on the team’s radar and being evaluated for future roadmap prioritization. I’ve also shared this thread and your feedback with them directly.

I can’t make any promises right now, but conversations like this do help highlight the real impact on workflows. We’ll update the thread if anything changes.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback!

Mohamed4
discode
  • discode
  • New Member
  • November 21, 2025

Styles yeah. Variables not so much. You can do polling but that has costs. 

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