# What is a Source?

## Definition

A Source represents where the original design data come from - think of [Figma](/collect/available-sources/figma-variables.md) (Variables or Local Styles) or [Tokens Studio](/collect/available-sources/tokens-studio.md).

You can add **many sources** into a [repository](/concepts/overview.md#repository). 

Learn more about the available [Sources](/collect/available-sources.md) compatible with Specify.

## Collecting the design data

Once a source is configured, Specify starts to collect your design data. Over this process, the [SDTF Engine](/concepts/sdtf-client/sdtf-engine.md) acquires, validates and converts the original data into a SDTF token tree that get stored within the repository.

From this point on, you can synchronize your source(s) with Specify anytime, at a click of a button.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can review your sources status by heading to any repository page on the Specify [webapp](https://specifyapp.com/login).
{% endhint %}

### Repository with many sources

Data from many sources get automatically merged into a consolidated SDTF token tree. If Specify detects a conflict over sources, it will refuse to synchronize the first source that cause the conflict and turn it into an error state.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.specifyapp.com/collect/what-is-a-source.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.