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Ash.Sharifi
Ash.Sharifi
May 6, 2021

Override auto layout direction on the instances

  • May 6, 2021
  • 59 replies
  • 5795 views

Hello Figma!

I can not change the direction of the Autolayout on the instances of a component. I can not understand why such a great feature is disabled on the instances and why not allow us to overwrite it?

There are so many incidents that I would have wished to be able to change the direction of the Autolayout in the instances of the component but right now I have to create multiple variants. 😦

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    Pinned Reply By djv

    Hey All, thank you for your continued feedback! 

    Right now, you cannot directly override an auto layout direction on a component instance in Figma because the layout direction (horizontal or vertical) is locked to the Main Component. But there are temporary solutions to allow you to change the auto layout direction:

     

    • Use Component Variants: Create separate horizontal and vertical variants inside your main component, then switch between them using a variant property dropdown in the right sidebar on your instance.
    • Detach the Instance: Right-click the instance and choose Detach instance to break the link, enabling you to freely change the auto layout direction on the resulting frame.

    Hope this helps clarify and gives you a couple of new options to try! If there are any promising updates from the team on when or if this can be implemented, we’ll be sure to provide an update. 

    59 replies

    Show previous replies
    Julian_Stoll1
    Julian_Stoll1
    March 14, 2024

    +1

    This would cut the amount of components we need in half.

      Fabilatius
      Fabilatius
      April 30, 2024

      +1
      It is important to be able to change the auto layout direction in an instance of a component, as it usually goes downwards on tablet and mobile and no longer to the right.

      Montse_Hernandez
      Montse_Hernandez
      May 24, 2024

      +1M
      This function would lighten a lot our workflow too. Additionally, having to detach to change Autolayout direction is a big risk of inconsistencies. Please improve this feature 🙏 🥺

        Uyen_Hoang1
        Uyen_Hoang1
        August 7, 2024

        +1 vote for this feature. It will save much effort and make the variable much lighter

          Amogh_Srivastava
          Amogh_Srivastava
          New Member
          August 27, 2024

          Keeping this thread alive, please add this feature

          Ari_Kogan1
          Ari_Kogan1
          New Participant
          September 4, 2024

          +1
          Would make for an amazing variable mode as well.

            Christian_Beer
            Christian_Beer
            New Member
            September 10, 2024

            +1
            It would help a lot.

            vdekkernl
            vdekkernl
            Active Member
            September 10, 2024

            I also think this is the best option. I can understand the block on the overwrite. It changes the essence of the component. On the other hand, making a variant of each component with the other layout direction is also laborious. I would say, @Figma_Moderation, reopen this ticket and let people vote on it again. This one is still relevant.

              Jorge_Venegas
              Jorge_Venegas
              October 22, 2024

              Add this feature please.

                Satbir_Arora
                Satbir_Arora
                New Member
                October 25, 2024

                +1, must have feature.

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