Reuse a design part and understand how copies change.
What you will learn.
Explain the difference between an ordinary copy and a component instance by checking one repeated footer.
Before you begin.
Optional guide. Finish Build a simple screen first, or bring a comparable frame. Skip if you can already identify a main component, its instances, and local overrides by inspecting them.
Learn the concept.
An ordinary duplicate is separate. A main component is a reusable original; an instance is a linked use of it. Changing a shared property on the main component may update instances, but a local override can keep an instance’s own value. Always inspect each use afterward.
Words to know.
Ordinary duplicate
A separate copy that does not inherit later edits to the original.
A copy edited separately
Main component
The reusable original that defines a linked design part.
The source for instances
Instance
A linked use of the main component.
A use of a shared part
Override
A change made locally to an instance that may keep its own value.
A local change in one use
The idea in practice
See a worked example.
Compare an ordinary footer copy with a linked instance.
For exampleMake one footer and an ordinary duplicate. The duplicate is independent.
Change the main footer once.
For exampleTurn the original into a main component, place three instances, and change one shared property.
Inspect three uses and any override.
For exampleInspect all three. If one keeps a local override, record that rather than claiming every property updates.
