zero·style

Dictionary entry

primitive token

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The most basic design token — it holds a raw value like an exact color, number, or font, with no assigned purpose. Other, purpose-named tokens reference these as their foundation.

Synonyms

  • base token
  • global token
  • core token

Related terms

In plain words

  • the raw ingredient values behind the styling
  • the exact colors and numbers everything else points to

Usage example

The palette's primitive tokens list every raw hex value the brand can draw from.

Don't confuse with…

  • semantic tokenA primitive token is a raw value; a semantic token gives that value a job and references it.

Categories

  • Design systems

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Focus term

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Two hops away

  • Relatedprimitive token related of design token
  • Relatedprimitive token related of foundations
  • Relatedprimitive token related of semantic token
  • Synonymsemantic token synonym of alias token
  • Relatedsemantic token related of dark mode
  • Relatedfoundations related of design language
  • Relateddesign token related of design system
  • Relatedsemantic token related of design system
  • Relatedfoundations related of design system
  • Relatedfoundations related of design token
  • Relatedsemantic token related of design tokens
  • Relateddesign token related of primitive token
  • Relatedsemantic token related of primitive token
  • Relateddesign token related of semantic token
  • Relateddesign token related of single source of truth
  • Relatedfoundations related of style guide
  • Relatedsemantic token related of theming
  • Relateddesign token related of theming

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