Anchored Variables

About this plugin

Safe import & sync for Figma Variables using stable anchors

100 free anchors / file

Anchored Variables lets you manage Figma Variables using stable anchor IDs instead of fragile names.

Export your variables to CSV or JSON, edit them externally, then sync changes back into Figma — without breaking bindings. Rename, move, or restructure variables with confidence: anchors keep everything connected.

Built for real design systems, Anchored Variables supports multiple collections and modes, variable aliases, code syntax (Web / Android / iOS), and undo-safe imports with detailed logs.

Use Anchored Variables when your variables outgrow manual editing or name-based syncing.

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Use cases

1. Create backups and restore variable systems safely.
2. Build and manage themes (light, dark, brand variants)
3. Edit variables externally and sync back with one click
4. Share variable work with teammates or collaborators
5. Refactor, rename, or restructure variables without breaking links
6. Keep medium/large design systems consistent and in sync

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Features

• Anchor-based variable sync (no name matching)

• CSV & JSON import / export

• Safe rename, move, and restructure

• Aliases remain intact even when moving between collections with some limitations from Figma

• Web, Android & iOS code syntax and scope sync

• Undo-safe sync with detailed logs

• Keeps the same index of variables, so safe for libraries also

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How it works

Simple and non-destructive.

Anchors are stored in each variable’s description and used as the source of truth during sync. Nothing is replaced when assigning anchors — anchors are only added, in this format:

A000123 | Your description

During import, variables are matched only by anchor. If the type matches, all values, code syntax, and scopes are updated from the imported file.

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With Pro

Anchored Variables Pro unlocks support for up to nearly one million anchored variables, so you can edit, refactor, and sync at any scale — without worrying about names, structure, or broken connections.

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Pricing

Buy a month, cancel anytime. Re-subscribe whenever you need — or choose the yearly plan and use it on your own terms. License is linked to your Figma UserID.

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Good to know

• Your variables are never locked

• Anchors remain even if you cancel

• No silent overwrites — always preview before syncing

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Who this is for

Anyone who needs variables to stay in sync.

Perfect for design systems, DesignOps, and teams that refactor variables often and need safety.

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FAQ

What happens when assigning anchors?

1. First run: all variables receive an anchor
2. Afterward: only variables without anchors get one

Can I remove all anchors?

Yes. From Settings → Reset, you can remove only the anchors.

Can I edit the anchor format?

For now, you can choose where numbering starts.

The format is A + 6 digits.

Assign one anchor manually (for example A020000) to set the starting point and then Assign anchors will start from that.

Default is A000001.

What happens on import / export?

Export: choose what to export from Settings.

Import: only variables with matching anchors are updated with values found in file. If new rows found in the file, new variables will be created in Figma with their values plus a new anchor.

What is a suffix?

When duplicating a variable, you can add it as a suffix of the parent.

For example, duplicating A000001 creates A000001-1, A000001-2, etc.

This helps track parent-child relationships when needed.

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