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Question

Default variant interaction changes when a published component from a library is used in a new file

  • August 18, 2026
  • 0 replies
  • 6 views
Kuma

Description:

I've created a library file containing many components. In the same file, I've also created several website page templates to test those components.

The issue arises when the component is published and linked to a new file. In the new file, the instance's default variant interaction changes and no longer references its parent component. This happens with more than one component from the library. In the video I've linked, the component I'm demonstrating is the Checkbox component, but this issue also occurs with Button and others. I checked all the problematic components in the library and found no irregularities, such as inconsistent variant naming or similar issues.

I then tried unpublishing and republishing the library, and this made the instance work normally again after updating. However, oddly, when I copy and paste the component from the library file into a new file (to duplicate the component), the same issue persists.

I initially thought the library might be too large. However, I've already reduced the number of components by half and still encounter the same issue.

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Create a library file containing multiple components (e.g., Checkbox, Button) with default variant interactions set.
  2. Publish the library.
  3. In a new file, connect to the library and place an instance of one of the components.
  4. Observe that the instance's default variant interaction no longer references its parent component.
  5. As a workaround attempt: unpublish and republish the library, then update the instance — the interaction works normally again.
  6. As a second test: copy and paste the component directly from the library file into a new file (instead of using it as a linked instance) — the same broken behavior persists.

Expected Behavior:
The instance's default variant interaction should consistently reference and inherit from its parent component after publishing.

Actual Behavior:
The default variant interaction breaks and no longer references the parent component, affecting multiple components (Checkbox, Button, and others) in the library.

Environment:
Figma Desktop App, Windows 10 (64-bit). Not yet tested on browser version.

Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13E00YDsJL6t0WU1atuFvvg1P-FWWCJ0A/view?usp=drive_link

Files:

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