# What is a Source?

## Definition

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

You can add **many sources** into a [repository](https://docs.specifyapp.com/concepts/overview#repository). 

Learn more about the available [Sources](https://docs.specifyapp.com/collect/available-sources) 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](https://docs.specifyapp.com/concepts/sdtf-client/sdtf-engine) 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.