Use tokens for reusable colors

Name a color once and link it to several layers. Updating the token changes linked values without selecting every layer separately.

Before you start

Open a local project with two text layers. Work on Primary and use the project's default color mode for this exercise.

Create and link a color

1. Open Tokens and choose New token.
2. Set Type to Colours, Path to color.studioAccent, and the value to #315C4B. Choose Create. If that path already exists, choose another descriptive name.
3. Select the first text layer. In Design, open the ring-shaped Link control beside Colour.
4. Find color.studioAccent in Tokens and select it. Repeat for the second text layer.
5. Return to Tokens and change the token's value in the default mode to #4057A1.

Check your result

Both linked text layers use the new color. The fields retain a token link; typing the same hex value into two unlinked fields would not create that relationship.

Work with modes and names

The token table shows values by project mode. Check the mode being edited when a color change appears in one canvas view but not another. Project color modes are separate from the app's light or dark appearance.

Use the token's Rename action when changing its path. MODO updates references in the same operation. If a token is used, Delete asks you to choose a replacement; inspect its uses before continuing.

Common problems

• The token is absent from the Link menu: check that the field accepts that token type. A color token belongs in a color field.
• One layer does not change: inspect its link, active mode and breakpoint overrides.
• The path is rejected: token paths use dot-separated segments and must not conflict with an existing token or token group.
• You need one independent value: use Unlink on that field before assigning its local color.

Related guides

• Add text, images, and local fonts
• Work with breakpoints