Applying tokens to layers

Syntope Tokens writes a token’s resolved value onto a Figma layer and records which token set that property, so the layer can follow later token changes.

Partial: sync to: current page and document are disabled.

Apply a token

1. Select one or more layers on the canvas.
2. In the tokens tab, right-click a token. From the keyboard, focus it and press Shift+F10 or the Menu key.
3. Choose Apply token, then a target from the submenu. Types with one target apply at once.

Apply targets lists every target by type. Apply writes to the selected layers only, not to their children.

Apply token is unavailable for duration, cubicBezier, transition, gradient and string tokens: Tokens of this type cannot be applied to layers. Use them in code through your repository or an export. To color a gradient on a layer, apply color tokens to its stops.

Apply overwrites

The fill and stroke targets replace the layer’s whole fill or stroke list with one solid paint. A shadow token replaces every drop and inner shadow on the layer. To take it back, press Cmd+Z in Figma.

Which value is applied

The plugin resolves the token with Base plus the theme in use of each theme group, and writes the value that wins. That value can come from a different token set than the one you right-clicked. The inspect tab names it under value from:.

To apply another theme’s value, make it the theme in use (Themes), then run sync to: selection.

A token with a broken reference, or with no value under those themes, is refused for that layer. Fix the token and apply again. See References and aliases.

What the plugin reports

Result	Message
Everything applied	Applied token to 3 properties
One property failed	The reason itself, after Applied 2. when others worked
Several failed, or a long reason	Applied 2; 3 properties need attention in Inspect
Nothing selected	Select one or more Figma layers before applying a token.

One property is one target on one layer. Each failure stays visible per layer in inspect, under last outcome:. The plugin saves a binding only after Figma took the whole value, so a failed apply leaves no binding.

Properties set by a Figma variable

If a Figma variable already sets the property, the plugin asks first: replace Figma variable binding? Choose apply token directly to remove the variable from that property, or cancel to leave it.

sync to: selection does not ask. It reports A Figma variable sets this property. Confirm replacing it with this token. Use Reapply on that row in inspect to confirm.

Bindings

Every successful apply records a binding on the layer: which token, which target. A layer has one binding per target, so applying another token to the same target replaces it.

A binding follows the token’s identity. Renaming a token in the token dialog, or renaming its set, keeps the binding. A token copied to another set is a new token, so layers bound to the original need the copy applied. A binding is a stored record, not a live link: editing a token does not repaint layers until you sync.

Update layers after a token change

sync to: selection in the footer re-applies every binding on the selected layers and on all their children, using the current values.

Result	Message
Everything applied	Synced 12 properties on selection
Some failed	Synced 10 on selection; 2 need attention in Inspect
Nothing selected	Select one or more Figma layers before syncing tokens.
No bindings found	No Syntope token bindings found on current selection.

Failures on children appear in inspect under layers in your selection that need attention.

Selection only

The dropdown next to the button lists current page and document as coming soon. Both are disabled. To cover a page, select its top-level frames, then sync. Children are included.

Undo

Each apply, sync and binding removal is one Figma undo step. Press Cmd+Z in Figma to take back the last one. The Undo button in the plugin header covers tokens, sets and themes, not layers. Data and storage has the full picture.