# Styles

The template is based on the [AirDev Canvas Design](https://airdev.co/design) principles, which we use with most of our clients. This makes it easy to translate specs into apps without getting caught up in the creative process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

## Use styles instead of settings individual properties

Each of our apps uses a consistent set of styles (set in the`Styles` tab). We recommend using these styles instead of manually setting visual attributes on an element, as this maintains consistency and make it easier to make adjustments later.

![Canvas Styles](https://2550662654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LYJWnUT3lUFQk1K9BCK%2F-L_V2jahDxZNMz0Q2qE7%2F-L_V3YFlUmddPaQYKuLs%2FScreen%20Shot%202019-03-08%20at%205.29.43%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=617c8e56-f4f4-4868-89c6-40b6f49d88f2)

## Use conditional properties if you need to deviate from a style

If you need to give an element a unique style by default, you can assign it the closest existing style and use the conditional formatting tab to say `When this url is not empty` and set the needed attributes. This will effectively change the default style without breaking the style linkage.

![Override styles by adding a conditional statement to the element](https://2550662654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LYJWnUT3lUFQk1K9BCK%2F-L_V2jahDxZNMz0Q2qE7%2F-L_V3nKYxdxUBF7_hBx7%2FScreen%20Shot%202019-03-08%20at%205.30.49%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=aafc8a04-638f-4e10-a6a9-4b4797d1b8a4)

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you might be using some of our advanced features such as style updates, you should refrain from modifying existing styles or changing any of their names.
{% endhint %}