Component instances
Place and work with instances of a master component on the canvas.
What is an instance?
An instance is a linked copy of a master component. Instances inherit all the properties of the master — layout, styles, fills, children — but can have overrides applied to change specific content without breaking the connection to the master.
When the master component changes, use linked instances to keep repeated UI aligned with the source design while preserving instance-level edits.
Placing an instance
Copy a master component or an existing instance and paste it on the canvas. The pasted copy is linked as an instance.
Instance overrides
You can change certain properties of an instance without detaching it:
- Text content — edit text inside the instance directly.
- Fill and stroke colors — change colors on child layers within the instance.
- Visibility — show or hide specific child layers.
Changes to structure (adding or removing layers) require detaching the instance.
Resetting an instance
To revert all overrides and return the instance to the master state:
- Right-click the instance.
- Choose Reset instance.
See Reset instance for details.
Tips
- Instances are the right way to reuse components across the design. Avoid copying detached layers when you want repeated UI to stay linked to the master.
- Use instances sparingly on the same canvas alongside the master — it can be confusing. Keep master components on a dedicated canvas area or hidden layer.
- Detach an instance only when you need to make structural changes that cannot be done as overrides.