If you’re designing with Figma, you’ve likely created or used components—those reusable building blocks that make your design system scalable and efficient. But when it comes time to copy a component, it’s easy to make mistakes that disconnect it from its source or turn it into an editable instance when you didn’t mean to.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What it means to “copy a component” in Figma
- How to properly duplicate instances
- When to use “Duplicate” vs. “Instance” vs. “Detach”
- Common pitfalls to avoid
Let’s get into it.
🔄 First, What Is a Component in Figma?
A Component in Figma is a master design object (like a button, card, or navbar) that you can reuse throughout your file by creating instances of it. When you update the master component, all instances automatically reflect those changes—unless they’ve been overridden.
So when we talk about “copying a component,” we typically mean one of two things:
- Creating a new instance of the existing component
- Duplicating the main component (e.g. to create a variant)
✅ How to Copy a Component as an Instance (Most Common)
If you want to reuse a component elsewhere in your design, copy the instance, not the main component.
Option 1: Copy-Paste
- Select the instance of the component
- Press Cmd/Ctrl + C to copy
- Go to the new location or page
- Press Cmd/Ctrl + V to paste
This creates a linked instance, meaning it will stay in sync with the original component’s updates.
Option 2: Duplicate in Place
- Select the instance
- Press Cmd/Ctrl + D
This places a duplicate instance right next to the original one.
🔄 These methods maintain the link to the main component—so if you update the main, your copy updates too.
🧱 How to Copy the Main Component Itself
Sometimes, you need to copy the source component—for example, to create a variant or adapt it into a new master.
Here’s how:
- Select the main component (usually marked with a purple diamond)
- Press Cmd/Ctrl + C and Cmd/Ctrl + V
- Figma will paste a new main component (purple diamond again)
- Rename or convert it as needed
This is useful when:
- You want to evolve an old component into a new version
- You’re making component variants
- You’re restructuring your design system
🚫 How Not to Copy a Component
1. Don’t Detach Unless You Know Why
Right-clicking and selecting “Detach Instance” turns an instance into editable shapes—but it loses all connection to the original component. Use this only when:
- You’re intentionally customizing a one-off version
- You don’t want it to update with the master anymore
2. Don’t Create Components from Instances
Avoid this mistake:
- Selecting an instance → right-click → “Create Component”
This wraps the instance in a new component, creating a “nested” or “redundant” setup. It can get confusing quickly and clutter your library.
🧪 Bonus: Copying Components Between Files
Need to move a component to another file?
- Open the source file
- Select the component or instance
- Cmd/Ctrl + C
- Switch to the destination file
- Cmd/Ctrl + V
If it’s a main component, Figma may ask if you want to publish it to a library (if libraries are enabled). If it’s an instance, Figma will attempt to maintain the link—if the original component is in a shared library.
✨ Pro Tips
- Use Assets Panel: Drag components into your canvas directly from the Assets panel to avoid confusion.
- Use Variants for Similar Components: If you’re copying components just to change one thing (like color or icon), consider using variants instead.
- Label Your Components Clearly: “Button/Primary” vs. “Button/Secondary” helps others know what they’re copying.
🚀 In Summary: Copy Smart, Stay Connected
Copying a component in Figma is simple—but doing it the right way helps keep your design system clean, consistent, and scalable.
Remember:
- Copy/Paste = safe instance duplication
- Duplicate = another instance in place
- Copy main = new master component
- Detach = break the link (use with caution)
Master these basics, and you’ll be working with components like a pro.
Looking for more hands-on Figma tips? Explore advanced workflows, Dev Mode guides, and UI library strategies at Designilo.com.
Designilo 