Figma Variables & Theming: Light/Dark Mode Switches

Variables allow light/dark mode switches.

What Are Figma Variables?

Variables let you define reusable values - colors, text styles, or even numeric values that can dynamically update your components.

This is especially powerful for light and dark mode theming.

Goal: Reduce manual updates and maintain consistency across your design system.

Why Theming Matters

• Supports multiple UI modes (light, dark, custom brand themes)
• Ensures consistent application of colors and styles
• Makes design updates faster change one variable, update everywhere
• Enhances user experience by adapting to user preferences

Setting Up Variables Step by Step

1. Open Variables Panel

Go to Right Panel Click On the Variable.

2. Create a Variable Set

• Example: Theme Colors
• Add variables like:
  • Primary Color
  • Background Color
  • Text Color

3. Assign Values

Assing Color Values for Light and Dark version.

4. Apply Variables to Components

• Select a button, card, or text layer
• Replace static color/style with the corresponding variable

Switching Between Themes

• Add a Theme Switch Component (e.g., toggle button)
• Connect the toggle to the variable set
• When users switch modes, all linked components update automatically

his makes it easy to prototype light/dark mode in real time.

Best Practices

✅ Name variables clearly: Light/Primary, Dark/Primary

✅ Use variable sets per theme to organize effectively

✅ Combine with Components & Variants for dynamic UI elements

✅ Test across multiple frames to ensure consistency