Layer Name Modifiers, Placeholders & Image Utilities
Master layer name modifier syntax (:numbers, :upper, :1), inline template placeholders ({TemplateName}), and high-performance image compression.
Goal
Gain fine-grained control over template outputs directly from Figma layer names without opening settings panels.
Before you start
- Figma layers configured for template population.
Steps
- Add replacement modifiers Append modifiers to your layer name: :numbers (replaces numbers only), :text (replaces text only), or :full (default).
- Chain case and index modifiers Combine multiple modifiers like 'customer-name:text:upper' or 'currency:1' to enforce uppercase or fixed template items.
- Embed inline placeholders in text Insert '{TemplateName}' directly into text strings to merge dynamic data with static copy (e.g. 'Order #{OrderIDs} for {CustomerNames}'). Placeholders accept the case modifiers (:upper, :lower, :title) and an item index like :1; :numbers and :text are ignored there.
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Compress heavy images Click the Menu button in the sidebar and open 'Compress Images' to optimize canvas images down to a target size (e.g. 1.0 MB) while preserving quality.
The Menu button: Compress Images is the third entry. 
Compress Images: target size and the Compress Source Image switch.
Tips
- Use conditional modifiers like :if-numbers to restrict updates only to layers that already contain digits.
- Practice with sample cards in the official Contently Playground file.
Result
Dynamic, formatted text outputs and optimized canvas performance without destructive manual editing.
If something goes wrong
- Modifier does not trigger during Smart Template application. Check the spelling: Contently ignores a modifier it does not know. Spaces around modifiers are trimmed, so 'names : upper' and 'names:upper' behave the same.
Common questions
What are layer name modifiers?
Modifiers let you control template application right from the layer name. Syntax: template-name:modifier1:modifier2. Modes include :numbers (replaces only numbers), :text (replaces only words), :upper/:lower/:title (case formatting), :1/:2 (fixed item index), and conditionals like :if-numbers, :if-text, :if-empty.
What are inline template placeholders?
Inline placeholders mix dynamic template values with static copy inside a single text layer using the {TemplateName} syntax (e.g., 'Order #{OrderIDs} for {CustomerNames}' or 'Hello {Names:upper}!'). To insert one, open a text template's detail view and click the 'Insert inline placeholder' button: it adds {Name} to the selected text layer.
How do I compress images?
Click the Menu button in the sidebar and open Compress Images. Set a target maximum file size (default 1.0 MB, up to 2 MB), choose whether to compress the source images or individual images ('Compress Source Image'), and run. Contently shrinks image file weight while preserving visual sharpness on canvas.
Is there a Playground file to try features?
Yes. A public Figma Community file with sample frames, text, and images lets you practice Smart Templates, modifiers, AI feedback, and image compression safely.