How to Install Tailwind CSS v4 in a React JS App (Step-by-Step Guide)
Master Tailwind CSS v4 with React
Step-by-Step Installation Guide to Boost Your React Styling Workflow
Boost your React styling workflow with the newly released Tailwind CSS v4—featuring faster performance, a new engine, and enhanced features. Follow this SEO-optimized guide to integrate Tailwind v4 into your React project in minutes!
Why Tailwind CSS v4?
Installation Guide
Create a React App
cd my-tailwind-app
Install Tailwind CSS v4
Note: @tailwindcss/vite replaces PostCSS for Vite-based React apps (default in React 18+)
Configure tailwind.config.js
Generate a config file:
Update tailwind.config.js:
export default {
content: ["./src/**/*.{js,jsx,ts,tsx}"], // Scan React files
theme: {
extend: {}, // Add customizations here
},
plugins: [],
}
Add Tailwind Directives to Your CSS
Create src/index.css:
@tailwind components;
@tailwind utilities;
Import it in src/index.js:
Enable Vite Integration
Update vite.config.js:
import tailwindcss from '@tailwindcss/vite';
import react from '@vitejs/plugin-react';
export default defineConfig({
plugins: [
react(),
tailwindcss(), // Tailwind v4 plugin
],
});
Start Building!
Use Tailwind classes in src/App.js:
return (
<div className="bg-gradient-to-r from-cyan-500 to-blue-500 min-h-screen flex items-center justify-center">
<h1 className="text-4xl font-bold text-white">
Tailwind CSS v4 + React!
</h1>
</div>
);
}
Run Your Project
Visit http://localhost:5173 to see your styled app!
Key Changes in Tailwind v4
1. No PostCSS Required
Uses native Vite integration instead of PostCSS
2. Automatic Content Scanning
No need for manual content regex updates
3. Faster HMR
Styles update instantly during development
4. CSS Variables
New theme() function for dynamic values
Troubleshooting Tips
Conclusion
Tailwind CSS v4 revolutionizes styling in React with simpler setup, blazing-fast performance, and future-ready features. By eliminating build-time bottlenecks and leveraging modern tooling, it's now easier than ever to create responsive, beautiful UIs.
Pro Tip: Explore the new @theme directive for dynamic theming!
✍️ Author
dilshad
