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Question

Variable not working

Sam Y

Hi everyone,

 

I’m having an issue with my variable list, particularly as it pertains to a drop-down menu I want to create. Below you can see the screenshot of the list (with the placeholder text “Button”). I’m trying to replace the placeholder text with the String variable I created “Grocery”. I want to replace all the placeholder text as well.

Figma isn’t letting me replace the placeholder text with my desired variable. I’m not sure how else I can replace the text because there’s no option to do so manually. Hoping someone can help with regards to this.

 

J
Figmate
  • Junko3
  • Figmate
  • May 27, 2025

Hi ​@Sam Y,

 

I understand you're looking to apply a string variable to a text layer to change its content.

Here's how you can do it:

  1. Select the text layer.
  2. Head over to the “Text” section at the top of the right sidebar.
  3. If there's already a variable attached, first detach it by clicking the "Detach variable" icon.
  4. Then, simply apply your string variable by clicking the variable icon next to the text field.
     

     

Just a quick note: While string variables with "true" or "false" values can be applied in the Appearance section, this is specifically for controlling layer visibility – it won't change the actual text content.

You can find more detailed information and a helpful step-by-step guide here: Apply variables to designs > Apply a string variable

 

Hope this helps. Thanks,

Sam Y
  • Sam Y
  • New Member
  • May 27, 2025
Junko3 wrote:

Hi ​@Sam Y,

 

I understand you're looking to apply a string variable to a text layer to change its content.

Here's how you can do it:

  1. Select the text layer.
  2. Head over to the “Text” section at the top of the right sidebar.
  3. If there's already a variable attached, first detach it by clicking the "Detach variable" icon.
  4. Then, simply apply your string variable by clicking the variable icon next to the text field.
     

     

Just a quick note: While string variables with "true" or "false" values can be applied in the Appearance section, this is specifically for controlling layer visibility – it won't change the actual text content.

You can find more detailed information and a helpful step-by-step guide here: Apply variables to designs > Apply a string variable

 

Hope this helps. Thanks,

Hi Junko3,

Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find the “Text” section in the top right sidebar. I can only find the variables option under “Appearance” and it still won’t show the variable strings I created.

Am I using a different version of Figma? Below is a screenshot of what I see in the top right sidebar when I click on the text “Button”.

Is there a reason why it shows “Frame” and not “Text”? Hopefully, i haven’t confused you with my question. Thanks once again.

J
Figmate
  • Junko3
  • Figmate
  • May 29, 2025

If you see "Frame" in the right sidebar, that indicates you've currently selected a frame. Please check your “Layers” panel in the left sidebar to make sure you're selecting a text layer instead.

You can learn more about layers in these articles:

Layers 101: Explore layer types

Layers 101: Get started with layers

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