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Question

Variables Not Linking After Library Import

  • June 11, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 17 views

Yaroslav Bilionok

Hi everyone, I’m having a problem and could really use some help.

Background:
I’m working in a large Figma file — it's overloaded with information, and Figma keeps suggesting that I should offload the file. I’m using Variables extensively (light/dark theme).

Here’s the issue:
When I export components to another file (as a Figma Library), all components, colors, etc., are transferred. BUT the most important part — Variables — are not.

If I create Variables manually or transfer them using a plugin, the system doesn't recognize or link them. It treats them as completely separate, unlinked variables.

The situation:
I transferred a component via the Figma Library into another file. All the colors were exported, but not the Variables. Then I exported Variables via a plugin and tried to update a color inside the component — but the system doesn’t recognize the Variables at all. It's like they are totally disconnected.

Please help — I really need to fix this.

djv
Figmate
  • Community Support
  • June 20, 2025

Hi ​@Yaroslav Bilionok, thanks for reaching out! 

Sorry to hear you’re having issues with your exported variables. From what you’ve described, here are some troubleshooting steps that might help:

  1. Go to the main variable collection and click the Edit variable icon to open the editing modal
  2. Check if scoping is set properly
  3. Make sure that “Hide from publishing” option is not checked
  4. Go to the file with the issue and see if those variables now appear as expected

You can find more details here: Create and manage variables | Edit a variable

 

If that doesn’t work, you can also try:

  1. Going to main variable collection and make a small change, such as changing a variable name and changing it back
  2. Publish the change
  3. Go to the file with the issue and accept the update, then check if the variables are now applied correctly

 

If neither of these help, please reach out to our support team to directly: https://help.figma.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Be sure to use your Figma account email address and share any relevant file links and add support-share@figma.com as an Editor (don’t worry - this won’t impact your billing)


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