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Variable library missing in latest UI update (padding, radius)

  • May 14, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 108 views

Gini

What’s going on?

Figma UI has updated today and I can no longer access my variable library to apply values to things like padding or radius. Existing components are fine - menu still appears - but new items only have manual controls. That’s really annoying. Is it a bug?

Best answer by Celyn_L

Hi everyone, Celyn here stepping in for ​@adamsmasher. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.

One possible reason the Apply variable controls aren’t appearing is that you may currently be in Draw mode.

Could you try switching back to Design mode and let us know whether the controls reappear?

5 replies

Gini
  • Author
  • New Member
  • May 14, 2026

Oh and you can only HIDE a background colour if you detach it from the library. Otherwise you must delete it.


adamsmasher
Figmate
  • Figmate
  • May 14, 2026

Hi, ​@Gini.

 

Thanks for your post; I can see why this would be annoying for you. Are you seeing this all within the same file, or are the new layers within a new file? I did a quick test in an existing file and this is what I found:

  • Initially, when I moused over the radius field I did not see the icon to apply a variable.
  • I clicked on the canvas, I then clicked on the configure button for Variables on the right panel.
  • I added a variable with the type of number.
  • I clicked on the new layer and then saw the option to apply a variable when mousing over the radius field. 

 

If you’re in a new file and haven’t created any variables yet, then this makes sense why you wouldn’t see the option. However, let me know if this is in a file with existing variables. 

 

Regarding background colours, you’re referring to a component instance where the background of a layer is a variable? 


Garima_Sadhnani

I was facing this issue too but I realized right click on the mouse shows the apply variable option. I still can’t find apply variable option for stroke and padding though.

 


Karin Uli
  • New Member
  • August 25, 2026

Please help, i can’t find my “apply variable” or the “variable” control at all, even though i’ve applied the variable scope to every possible numeric value. This is the worst update ever!! Can you please revert it back to how it was before?? I can’t work like this!!

 

 


Celyn_L
Figmate
  • Figmate
  • Answer
  • August 25, 2026

Hi everyone, Celyn here stepping in for ​@adamsmasher. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.

One possible reason the Apply variable controls aren’t appearing is that you may currently be in Draw mode.

Could you try switching back to Design mode and let us know whether the controls reappear?