Making the Most of Mode-Specific Aliasing in Figma

Understanding Mode-Specific Aliasing in Figma

Working with design tokens in Figma becomes much more efficient when using mode-specific aliasing. This concept allows for quick mode switching within your design system, making it easier to adapt UI elements to different themes, devices, and accessibility needs without having to manually update each component.

Modes essentially function as alternate sets of values assigned to design variables. They let you fine-tune your system for various contexts, whether it’s switching between light and dark mode, adjusting typography for different screen sizes, or even applying seasonal themes. The beauty of mode-specific aliasing is that once you set up these variations, transitioning between them is seamless.

For example, if you’ve created primary colors for your UI, you can set up modes to change their appearance based on themes. A dark mode might assign #000000 as the background color, while a light mode sets it to #FFFFFF. The same principle applies to typography, spacing, and even interactive states like hover and disabled buttons.

Applying Modes to Components

Figma makes it easy to apply these modes to your components by using variables. Instead of manually adjusting colors or layouts each time you switch contexts, you simply define the variables once and let the mode-specific aliases do the heavy lifting. This is particularly useful for:

Light & Dark Mode: The most common mode-switching scenario, allowing users to toggle between themes effortlessly.
Device-Specific Adjustments: Tailoring typography, spacing, or layouts based on screen sizes.
Accessibility Needs: High-contrast text, dyslexia-friendly fonts, or grayscale modes to enhance readability.
Branding Variations: Supporting multiple brands within a single design system by dynamically changing colors and fonts.
Environmental & Seasonal Changes: Adapting UI elements based on time of day, weather, or special events.

By structuring these variables properly, you can streamline your design workflow and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Transitioning from Hex Codes to Variables

One of the biggest advantages of using mode-specific aliasing is moving away from static hex codes. Instead of assigning colors manually, you define a set of variables that automatically update based on the applied mode. This not only simplifies design handoff but also makes maintenance easier.

For instance, if you’ve already established your base colors (gray-800, blue-500, etc.), you can alias them into specific UI components. A color labeled buttonBackground can dynamically switch between its light and dark mode values without requiring additional manual adjustments.

Using Modes in Sections & Frames

Modes aren’t just limited to individual components. They can be applied to entire sections or frames. If a button is placed inside a dark mode frame, it will automatically update its appearance to match. This means you don’t have to override styles every time a component is moved between themes.

To ensure this works smoothly, it’s important to define all necessary mode-specific values for your UI elements. Without properly assigned variables, the default styling may not behave as expected when switching between modes.

Final Thought

Mode-specific aliasing is a game-changer when working with Figma variables. It offers flexibility, consistency, and efficiency, making it easier to manage design systems at scale. If you’d like to discuss this topic further or explore how I can help you build one for your project or your team, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!