---
path: foundation/design-tokens/usage
title: Usage
position: 3
seo_description: Learn how to use the design tokens in the Telerik and Kendo UI
  Design System and follow these best practices to avoid some of the most common
  mistakes.
---

## Usage Guidelines

This article presents the best practices for using design tokens and helps you to avoid some of the most common mistakes.

### Use Global Design Tokens Cautiously

The purpose of the global design tokens is to set the base of the design language. Instead of providing a specific context for their intended use, they relate to the nature of the visual property that they represent.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Apply the most appropriate token types by considering their intended purpose. When working with components, choose the component-specific design tokens.">![Telerik and Kendo UI design tokens usage guidelines.](images/foundation-design-tokens-cautious-usage-do.png "Always utlize the most appropriate token type based on their intended use in the Telerik and Kendo UI Design System")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using a global design token if component-specific tokens are available.">![Telerik and Kendo UI usage guidelines for avoiding bad practices when working with the design tokens.](images/foundation-design-tokens-cautious-usage-dont.png "Avoid using a global design token if a component-specific token is available in the Telerik and Kendo UI Design System")</Dont>
</DosDonts>

### Select the Right Component-Specific Tokens

Always use the component-specific design tokens as suggested by the token's name.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Use the right component-specific tokens. The intended use of each token is defined by its name.">![Proper usage of the Telerik and Kendo UI design tokens. ](images/foundation-design-tokens-respective-tokens-do.png "Using the component-specific tokens as suggested by the token's name in the Telerik and Kendo UI Design System.")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid replacing component-specific tokens for one component with tokens that are intended for use in other components. For example, using the $kendo-flat-button-hover-opacity token in the secondary button can lead to unexpected results.">![Do not use Telerik and Kendo UI design tokens, inteded for a specific component, in another component.](images/foundation-design-tokens-respective-tokens-dont.png "Avoid replacing component-specific tokens for one component with component-specific tokens for another component in the Telerik and Kendo UI Design System.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>