# Smart Templates: Automatic Layer Matching

> Smart Templates automatically match template data to the right layers based on layer names, letting you populate entire mockups and nested components in one click.

## Goal

Populate complex Figma frames and multi-layer mockups without selecting each layer manually.

## Before you start

- Figma file with editable frames or components.
- Layers named after the templates you wish to apply (e.g. 'Avatars', 'Product Names').

## Steps

1. **Name your templates clearly** Create or open a template (text, image, or icon) in Contently and give it a clear, descriptive name such as 'Product Names' or 'Avatars'.
2. **Match your Figma layer names** In Figma, name the target layer or nested component layer after the template (e.g., 'Product Names'). A layer name that contains the template name matches too.
   ![The main view: selected text layers grouped by layer name, such as product names and price:numbers.](https://raiken.io/assets/kb/contently/smart-templates-overview/home-selection.png)
3. **Select the parent frame and apply** Select the card, list, or top-level frame and click 'Apply Matching Templates'. Contently scans the selection and fills every layer named after one of your templates. To fill only one template's layers, open that template and click 'Apply All'.

## Tips

- Use layer name modifiers like :numbers or :upper to format output automatically during smart filling.
- Practice with pre-configured frames in the Contently Playground file.

## Result

Every matching layer in your selection receives fresh template content, and Contently loads the fonts it needs.

## If something goes wrong

- **A nested layer inside a component instance is skipped.** -> Check that the layer name matches the template title or contains it. Image layers must be unlocked.

## Common questions

### What are Smart Templates?

Smart Templates automatically match template data to the right layers based on layer names, so you don't have to select each layer manually. When you click Apply Matching Templates, the plugin scans your selection and fills each layer named after a template: text, image, and icon templates all work this way.

### How do I use Smart Templates?

1. Create a template (text, image or icon) and give it a clear name (e.g., 'Product Names'). 2. In Figma, name the target layer(s) after it: 'Product Names'. 3. Select the parent frame or any layers in your design. 4. Click 'Apply Matching Templates' to fill every matching layer across nested components, or open one template and click 'Apply All' to fill only the layers named after it.

### Can I bulk-update text content?

Yes. Select your text layers and apply a template. The plugin batches all updates, loads fonts automatically, and preserves layer structure. For the fastest workflow, use Smart Templates so the plugin auto-matches by layer name.

### How does Smart Overflow work?

Smart Overflow belongs to Copy-Paste to List. When your text has more lines than the layout has elements, Contently creates new elements for the extra lines and tells you ('N lines couldn't fit. Creating new elements...'). Start with a short list and review text wrapping, layout and component structure before applying it to a larger design.

## Related guides

- [Text, Image & Icon Templates (Material Symbols)](https://raiken.io/kb/contently/content-and-icon-templates): Create reusable text and image templates, browse Google Material Symbols with outline and filled styles, and control template application sequences.
- [Layer Name Modifiers, Placeholders & Image Utilities](https://raiken.io/kb/contently/layer-modifiers-and-syntax): Master layer name modifier syntax (:numbers, :upper, :1), inline template placeholders ({TemplateName}), and high-performance image compression.

---

Source: https://raiken.io/kb/contently/smart-templates-overview (Contently help centre). Reviewed: 2026-10-30.