Schema is designed to grow with your projects. The file you start with covers the essentials, but the real value comes from expanding it over time to match the way you work.
What you can add
New components and variations
As your projects evolve, you'll encounter UI patterns that aren't covered by the default set. Rather than working around them, add them to the system:
- Duplicate an existing component that's close to what you need (see Working with components)
- Customize the structure, add new variants, and place it in the right category section on the ❖ Components page
- Use consistent layer names and variant properties so the new component works seamlessly with swapping and maintains text when swapped
Over time, your component library becomes tailored to the types of projects you take on.
More sections and page templates
The section library is a starting point. You can:
- Build new sections by combining existing components in new layouts
- Create full page templates (landing pages, blog layouts, portfolio pages) that you reuse across projects
- Add these to the Sections page so they're always available when starting a new layout
The more templates you build, the faster each new project begins.
Maintaining the file
A design system only stays useful if it stays clean. Set aside one hour per week to shape up the file:
- Clean up unused components — if you experimented with something and didn't keep it, remove it so the file doesn't get cluttered
- Consolidate duplicates — after a few projects, you may have similar components that could be merged into one with variants
- Update variable values — if you've refined your spacing, typography, or color choices, make sure the variables reflect your latest thinking
- Organize new additions — move any components or sections you created mid-project into their proper category frames