Make Global Design Updates with Token Studio in Webflow

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to use the free version of the Token Studio app for Figma to make global updates to tokens such as radius, spacing, and gaps between items. We'll be using the Lumos framework for Webflow as an example, but the concepts discussed can be applied to any framework.

Let's dive into the process of making global design updates using Token Studio in Webflow.

Setting Up with Figma and Token Studio

1. Open the Base Style Guide in Figma: Start by opening the base style guide in Figma. This is where we'll make and manage our design tokens.

2. Access the Plugins Tab: Once in Figma, navigate to the Plugins tab and search for a plugin called "Token Studio."

3. Run Token Studio: Click on Token Studio to run the plugin. All the tokens for the project will be saved within the plugin, enabling easy access and management.

Applying Tokens in Webflow

With the Token Studio plugin in place, we can now seamlessly apply and update design tokens across our Webflow project.

Token Application

1. Selecting Elements: The Token Studio plugin allows us to select any element in Webflow and apply our predefined token styles to it. For instance, we can apply a font style token (e.g., H1) to a text element.

2. Override Tokens: While applying a token, we can also override individual properties of the token, such as font weight, line height, letter spacing, and text transform. However, the element remains linked to the base token, enabling easy updates across the entire project.

Working with Global and Local Colors

1. Global Colors: In the framework (e.g., Lumos), global colors remain constant, irrespective of the mode. We can define primary background, font, tint/shade, and accent colors as global tokens.

2. Local Colors: These colors can change based on the mode. For example, when switching to mode 2, local colors will update across the site. This allows for easy color theme changes and customization.

Managing Sizes and Spacing

1. Sizes in Increments: Sizes in the framework are set in increments of 16 pixels. For instance, size 1 corresponds to 16 pixels, and size 2 is 32 pixels.

2. Setting Spacing and Gaps: We can define the gap between elements, bottom space for items, border width, and grid margins using tokens. These tokens can be easily applied to maintain consistent spacing and sizing across the project.

Updating Grid and Elements

1. Grid Adjustments: When updating the design grid, we can easily modify the margin and gutter settings in Figma. This ensures that the layout and spacing between elements align with the defined grid.

2. Section Spacing: By utilizing tokens for section top and bottom spacing, we can control the vertical spacing between different sections on the page. This ensures a uniform and visually appealing layout.

Customizing Fonts and Borders

1. Font Family Tokens: We can define font family tokens and apply them to different type styles in Webflow. This allows for easy updates to the entire project's font styles by modifying a single token's value.

2. Border Settings: Tokens can also be used to set border radius and border color for elements. These can be updated for consistent styling across the site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Token Studio in Webflow allows for efficient and centralized management of design tokens, enabling seamless global updates to the project's design elements. With the ability to apply, override, and link tokens, designers and developers can ensure consistency and scalability in their projects while saving time on repetitive tasks.

By leveraging Token Studio in conjunction with a robust framework like Lumos, designers and developers can streamline the design process and create cohesive, visually appealing websites with ease.

To further explore and apply the concepts discussed in this tutorial, be sure to access the style guide and Webflow clonable project provided in the links below. We hope you find this tutorial helpful in enhancing your Webflow design workflow.

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can leverage the Token Studio plugin in Figma to make global design updates in Webflow efficiently and systematically. This approach not only enhances the design consistency but also saves time and effort typically involved in manual updates.