---
url: "/copydoc/sync/merge-tags.md"
description: "CopyDoc supports powerful merge tag syntax that lets you dynamically replace content within your text layers, while preserving formatting and allowing multiple replacements in a single layer."
---

# Using merge tags in Figma to replace merge tag text with spreadsheet data

> CopyDoc supports powerful merge tag syntax that lets you dynamically replace content within your text layers, while preserving formatting and allowing multiple replacements in a single layer.

### Video Tutorial: Sync merge tags in Figma text layers from a spreadsheet

This video tutorial is a complete step-by-step guide showing you how to sync merge tags in Figma text layers from a spreadsheet using the CopyDoc plugin.
[Embedded media](https://www.youtube.com/embed/odONMaXerQQ)
### Video Tutorial: Sync content with advanced merge tags in spreadsheet cells

This video tutorial is a complete step-by-step guide showing you how to sync Figma text content and rename Figma layers with advanced merge tags in spreadsheet cells using the CopyDoc plugin
[Embedded media](https://www.youtube.com/embed/M3TCf3VWOlg)

[Video](/assets/videos/copydoc/sync/placeholder-sync.mp4)

## Merge tag Syntax

CopyDoc uses a simple merge tag syntax: `#{columnName}`. You can insert these merge tags anywhere in your text layers, and they'll be replaced with values from your spreadsheet.

### Example Usage

**Figma text layer:**
```
Hello #{firstName} #{lastName},
Your order #{orderId} is ready for pickup!
```

**Spreadsheet columns:**
| firstName | lastName | orderId |
|-----------|----------|---------|
| John      | Smith    | 12345   |
| Sarah     | Johnson  | 67890   |

**Result after sync:**
- "Hello John Smith, Your order 12345 is ready for pickup!"
- "Hello Sarah Johnson, Your order 67890 is ready for pickup!"

## Key Benefits

- **Preserve formatting**: Text styles, fonts, and colors remain intact
- **Multiple merge tags**: Use as many merge tags as needed in one layer
- **Flexible column naming**: Works with various column header formats
- **Smart fallback**: If no matching column is found, the merge tag text is preserved
- **Cross-row references**: Pull data from specific rows using `.N` syntax
- **Dynamic layer naming**: Use merge tags to rename frames and layers

### Column Header Flexibility

CopyDoc is smart about matching column headers. All of these formats work:
- Standard: `firstName` matches `#{firstName}`
- With # prefix: `#firstName` matches `#{firstName}`
- Full merge tag: `#{firstName}` matches `#{firstName}`

## Advanced Features

[Video](/assets/videos/copydoc/sync/advanced-spreadsheet-merge-tags.mp4)

### Row Index Override (`.N` Syntax)

Pull data from specific rows using the `.N` syntax, where `N` is the row number (starting from 2, as row 1 is headers).

**Example:**

**Spreadsheet:**
| firstName | lastName |
|-----------|----------|
| John      | Smith    |
| Sarah     | Johnson  |
| Mike      | Williams |

**Figma text layer in row 1:**

Current: `#{firstName} #{lastName}`
Next up: `#{firstName.3} #{lastName.3}`

**Result:**

Current: John Smith
Next up: Sarah Johnson

This is useful for:
- Creating "up next" or "previous" references
- Showing related data from other rows
- Building comparative displays
- Creating reference lists

### Renaming Layers with Merge Tags

Merge tags work for renaming frames and layers, too. Use them in your spreadsheet's column values to dynamically generate layer names.

**Example:**

**Spreadsheet:**
| frameName | firstName | lastName |
|------------------------|-----------|----------|
| `#{firstName} #{lastName}` | John      | Smith    |
| `#{firstName} #{lastName}` | Sarah     | Johnson  |

**Result:** Your frames will be renamed to:
- "John Smith"
- "Sarah Johnson"

You can also use row index override in layer names:
- `#{firstName.2}` vs `#{firstName.3}` creates comparative frame names
- Perfect for "before/after" or "option A vs option B" scenarios

### Bulk Layer Renaming

For simpler renaming, if you have 6 Figma frames all named **#My Frame**, you can use this as a column name in your spreadsheet and rename them in bulk with static values or merge tag combinations.

## Spreadsheet Cell Content Interpolation

Spreadsheet cells can reference other columns using merge tag syntax; this happens **before** the value is applied to Figma layers, allowing you to create computed values.

**Example:**

**Spreadsheet:**
| firstName | lastName | fullName | greeting |
|-----------|----------|----------|----------|
| John      | Smith    | `#{firstName} #{lastName}` | `Hello, #{fullName}!` |
| Sarah     | Johnson  | `#{firstName} #{lastName}` | `Hello, #{fullName}!` |

**How it works:**
1. The `fullName` column resolves to "John Smith" or "Sarah Johnson"
2. The `greeting` column then uses that resolved value to become "Hello, John Smith!" or "Hello, Sarah Johnson!"
3. This final value is applied to your Figma text layers

**Benefits:**
- Create reusable formulas in your spreadsheet
- Combine multiple columns into formatted strings
- Build complex content from simple data pieces
- Maintain consistency across similar content patterns

**Advanced Example with Row References:**

| product  | price | competitor | comparison |
|----------|-------|------------|------------|
| Widget A | $99   | Widget B   | `#{product} (#{price})` vs `#{product.3} (#{price.3})` |
| Widget B | $149  | Widget C   | `#{product} (#{price})` vs `#{product.4} (#{price.4})` |
| Widget C | $199  | Widget A   | `#{product} (#{price})` vs `#{product.2} (#{price.2})` |

This creates dynamic comparison text like "Widget A ($99) vs Widget B ($149)"

### Common Use Cases

- **Email templates**: Personalize recipient names and details
- **Business cards**: Generate multiple variations with different contact info
- **Marketing materials**: Create localized versions with different content
- **Data visualizations**: Update labels and titles dynamically
- **Product catalogs**: Batch update product names, prices, and descriptions
- **Comparative layouts**: Show data from multiple rows side-by-side
- **Dynamic layer organization**: Automatically name frames based on their content

### Tips

- Add quotes around values with commas in your CSV: `"42,580"`
- Test with a few layers first before applying to your entire design
- Use meaningful column names to make your spreadsheet easy to understand
- Row numbers start at 2 (row 1 is headers), so `.2` references the first data row
- Spreadsheet cell interpolation resolves first, then Figma layer interpolation
- Combine merge tags creatively to build complex dynamic content