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Question

Updates in Design System not updating in other files


BradleyA

I am pushing updates from my design system and when updating the instances in external files I am not seeing changes. For context, I had some cards with an outline in my design system, I have now removed these outlines and updated various times in the other file and still I am not seeing the outlines disappear. 

I have even tried the ‘repair component connections’ command I have seen in other posts and that has not worked, even though it said it repaired various connections. After pushing another update after this was done the outlines are still on the cards. What is the point in the design system if I can’t make changes at the source? Now I have to remove the outlines from each individual card in my other file, this is very frustrating. 

5 replies

Dylan_Ondell

I believe I am having the same issues. I just recently went through and updated my teams Design system to apply variable values to all of the components. When I go to use the component in another file it is still showing all of it’s original values - no variables applied. It’s even kept properties that I completed removed in the Design system. 

One thing I tried with another component was deleting the entire component (variant group and all) and completely rebuilding it. This seemed to have fixed the issue, but I would like to not do this to every component. 


Dylan_Ondell

I may have found a solve. Seems like a weird bug potentially occurring, but unlinking and relinking the design system to the specific file resolved my issues.

Update: Scratch that didn’t work. Some components are totally fine, but then some variations of some aren’t updating properly.


Glennis1
  • New Member
  • 2 replies
  • June 5, 2025

I’m having the same problem.  Sometimes an update of a component flows through to the design file, and sometimes it doesn’t.  This seems to be an issue for me just recently.


Tricia Spoonts

I am also having the same problem.  I created some new colors in the library, but when I try to use them they show up with completely different colors.  These are not colors I have ever added to the library.


Celine_
Figmate
  • Community Support
  • 3593 replies
  • June 9, 2025

Hi everyone, sorry to hear you're running into issues with your Design System updates not reflecting in other files!

To cover some basics, here are a few temporary solutions that may help:

  •  As ​@BradleyA mentioned, try using the “Repair component connections” in the quick action to see if that resolves the issue.
     
  • You can also try the “Regenerate all instances” command (found in the same menu) and check if the instances then update correctly.
     
  • If that doesn't help, another workaround is to apply a small change to the main component to trigger an update.

    Here’s how:
    - Go to main component, make a minor edit in the component (that you can easily remember and undo afterwards) —like adding a stroke or slightly adjusting font weight.
    - Publish the update.
    - In a different file, accept library updates and insert an instance of that component. Check if the issue is resolved.
    - Return to the main component and undo the test change you made.

    This approach usually helps “reset” the instances / assets and bring them back into sync.


If you’ve gone through these steps and still aren’t seeing the updates in your files, our support team can take a closer look by submitting a bug report.
In the form, please include:

  • A link to the affected file with can edit access granted to support-share@figma.com

  • A link to the file where your library is located. Please note, granting access to this support account will not affect your seat count or incur any additional charges.

  • A brief description or a short video showing the issue
    Thanks!


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