How to Remove or Detach a Component in Figma (Undo, Delete, Unlink)
· 4 min read · by the ProFigma team
People search for "remove component Figma" and mean four different things. You may want to break the link between a copy and its main component, undo a component you just made, turn an old component back into a normal frame, or delete a component that you no longer use. Each one has its own steps. This guide shows how to remove a component in Figma in all four ways, so you can pick the one that matches what you see on your screen.
First, know the two parts of a component
A component has a main component, which is the original, and instances, which are the copies you place in your designs. Instances follow the main component. If you change the main component, every instance changes with it. Removing a component can mean working on either part, so check which one you have selected. A main component shows a filled purple diamond icon in the layers panel. An instance shows an empty diamond.
1. Detach an instance (turn it into a frame)
Use this when you want a copy that no longer follows the original, so you can change anything about it. Detaching turns the instance into a regular frame and keeps its layers.
- Select the instance on the canvas or in the layers panel.
- Right click and choose Detach instance.
- Or press the shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + B on Windows, Option + Command + B on Mac.
A detached instance cannot be connected to the component again. If you detached by mistake, press Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) straight away. That is the quickest way back. If it is too late, you can copy a fresh instance from the Assets panel and rebuild your changes.
2. Undo a component you just created
If you pressed the create shortcut by accident, the simplest fix is Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z). The component turns back into the frame or the layers you selected. This only works right after the action, before you do a lot of other work.
3. Turn an older main component back into a frame
There is no single button for this, but there is a short route. Figma's own help pages suggest this order:
- Create an instance of the component. Copy and paste the main component, or drag it from the Assets panel.
- Detach that instance with Ctrl + Alt + B.
- Delete the original main component.
You now have a normal frame that looks exactly like the old component, and the component is gone. Before you delete the original, look at where its instances are used. They will stay in the file, which leads to the next case.
4. Delete a main component
You can delete a main component like any other layer: select it and press Delete. Deleting the main component does not remove its instances from the file. They stay where they are, but you lose the master copy, so you can no longer update them all in one place. If you plan to delete a component, first detach the instances you want to keep as plain frames, or replace them with another component.
Common mistakes
- Detaching when you only needed an override. You can change text, fills and visibility on an instance without detaching it. Detach only when you need to change the structure.
- Deleting the main component first. You lose the single place that controls every copy. Detach or replace the instances first.
- Detaching an instance inside a design system file. Other people who use your library will no longer get updates for that copy.
- Not checking the layers panel. The icon next to the layer name tells you whether you are on the main component or an instance.
Quick answers
How do I undo a component in Figma?
If you just created it, press Ctrl + Z or Cmd + Z. For older components, create an instance, detach it, then delete the original main component.
What is the shortcut to detach an instance?
Ctrl + Alt + B on Windows and Option + Command + B on Mac.
Can I reconnect a detached instance?
No. The link is removed for good. Undo right after detaching, or place a new instance and redo your changes.
Does deleting a component delete its copies?
No. Instances stay in the file when you delete the main component.
Want ready-made components to practice on? Copy any of our free Figma components, paste them into your file and try these steps on real layers.
