Introduction: The Structure Behind the System
Even the best components and tokens fall apart without solid file organization. A messy Figma file can slow down collaboration, confuse contributors, and break design-to-dev handoff.
In this article, we’ll walk through a proven page structure for scalable design systems, including naming conventions, content hierarchy, and tips to keep your system clean and future-proof.
1. Why File Structure Matters
Poorly structured files lead to:
- ✅ Slower onboarding for new designers
- ✅ Broken links between components and documentation
- ✅ Difficulty in publishing updates or syncing with dev
- ✅ Lack of trust in the design system
A good file isn’t just a container. It’s a navigable map for your whole team.
2. Recommended Page Structure for Design Systems
Here’s a common and scalable layout:
00 – Cover & Docs
01 – Foundations / Tokens
02 – Components
03 – Patterns
04 – Templates
05 – Brand Themes
06 – Dev Handoff
Archive – Retired / Legacy
Let’s break these down.
3. 00 – Cover & Docs
This page acts as your homepage.
Include:
- Project title and version number
- Quick instructions for how to use the file
- Link to external documentation or Figma libraries
- Changelog or last update date
- Team credits if relevant
📌 Pin this page so it’s always the first one visible.
4. 01 – Foundations / Tokens
This page defines your system’s visual language:
- Colors (Figma Variables or shared styles)
- Typography
- Spacing scale
- Radius, elevation, border widths
- Grid system
- Icon library
Use Variables + semantic naming (e.g., color.surface.bg, font.label.sm) and organize tokens by mode (light/dark, brands, etc.).
🎨 This page supports theming, scaling, and design-token handoff.
5. 02 – Components
This is your component library:
Organize by:
- Atoms (buttons, inputs, tags)
- Molecules (form groups, cards)
- Organisms (navbars, sidebars)
Label with clear headings and spacing between sections.
Use:
- Smart component properties
- Dev Mode descriptions
- Snapshots of interactive states (hover, active, focus)
✅ Test all components here before publishing to a shared library.
6. 03 – Patterns
Patterns are solutions built from components, such as:
- Empty states
- Notifications
- Sign-in flows
- Product cards
- Form layouts
They help show real-world usage, combining multiple components in context.
🧪 Include usage notes or “Do vs Don’t” examples when needed.
7. 04 – Templates
Design page templates for:
- Landing pages
- Dashboards
- Mobile screens
- Email layouts
This page is especially useful for product teams or clients. Label sections clearly and provide responsive variants if applicable.
📁 Optional: Duplicate into a prototype file to test behavior.
8. 05 – Brand Themes
If you’re running a multi-brand system, this is where you manage:
- Variable modes (Brand A, Brand B)
- Theming tokens and examples
- Logo swaps or identity tweaks
- Sample components in different brand modes
🎯 Include a brand-switching guide or example mode toggle in this page.
9. 06 – Dev Handoff
This page makes life easier for engineers.
Include:
- All base components (with their props exposed)
- Mode toggle examples (light/dark)
- Token maps with labels
- Code snippets or GitHub links
- Notes or annotations for Dev Mode
💡 Use this page as the one-stop-shop for implementation.
10. Archive – Retired / Legacy
Move unused patterns or deprecated styles here.
Label with:
- Version retired
- Why it was removed
- What to use instead
This keeps your main file clean, without losing historical context.
🗃 Tip: Lock the page or add a warning to avoid accidental reuse.
11. Additional Tips for Clean Files
- Use consistent page thumbnails and icons
- Pin key pages to the top
- Add emoji for visual navigation (e.g.
🎨 Tokens,🧱 Components) - Include dates and authors in documentation
- Use branches for experimentation or large updates
📚 Bonus: Maintain a Figma “README” page in your design system library file.
Conclusion: Design Systems Thrive on Structure
A powerful design system needs more than great components—it needs a clear, logical foundation. With a well-organized Figma file, your team will move faster, onboard easier, and build more consistently.
Structure brings clarity. And clarity scales.
Next up: “How to Document Components in Figma for Developers and Designers” — a practical guide to inline docs, naming conventions, and handoff success.
Designilo 