Making pattern from components. Problem

[Vadim9]

I want to create one graphic pattern for frames with different forms.

1 step. I am creating one element ‘star’ and making it a component
2 step. I am creating a big pattern field from this element and making it a component
3 step. For example, I want to put my pattern into a circle form. Before creating a mask I want to delete all spare elements to make my layout less busy with layers. I am deleting the element, but the layer still exists as a hidden one.

What I am doing wrong?

[Antoine]

Hi, that’s the way components work: you can’t delete a layer in an instance, only hide it.

[Vadim9]

Hi Antoni, thank you for your reply.

Well, may exist another way to use one adjustable pattern for different shapes and to avoid spare layers?

[Antoine]

I don’t see what’s the issue, masking works with instances:

[Vadim9]

Aren’t layers out of mask still exist and make layout more heavy?

[Antoine]

Probably, but if you want your pattern to be an instance, there’s no alternative. I think Figma optimizes size when a layer is hidden, so I won’t worry about performance.

[Vadim9]

Thank you, Antoine!