Guide · Open source
How to use daisyUI: install it and build pages with Tailwind CSS
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
daisyUI is an open-source component library built on top of Tailwind CSS, the utility-class styling tool. It gives you ready-made interface pieces such as buttons so you can assemble a web page faster instead of styling every element from scratch. This guide explains what you need before you start, how to get set up, and when daisyUI is a good fit.
daisyUIsaadeghi/daisyui · ★ 42.7k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check prerequisites. Confirm your project uses Tailwind CSS and has Node.js or a Tailwind-compatible build setup.
- 2Follow the install guide. Open https://daisyui.com/docs/install/ and follow the steps that match your build tool.
- 3Add a component. Pick a component from the official catalogue and add its class names to your HTML.
- 4Adjust with Tailwind. Combine daisyUI classes with Tailwind utility classes for small layout or spacing changes.
What daisyUI is and what you need first
daisyUI is a component library for Tailwind CSS. It is not a standalone framework, so it only works in projects that already use Tailwind CSS. Its README describes it as the most popular, free and open-source component library for Tailwind CSS, and it is released under the MIT licence.
Before you install it, make sure your project has Tailwind CSS and either Node.js or a Tailwind-compatible build setup. The source lists these as the prerequisites.
- Tailwind CSS in your project (required, since daisyUI is built on it)
- Node.js or a Tailwind-compatible build setup
- Basic familiarity with HTML and CSS classes
Install daisyUI in your project
The source lists a package-manager install method, and daisyUI is published on npm. The README excerpt we reviewed shows only a repository clone command, which is listed below. For the full setup steps for your build tool, follow the official install guide linked from the README at daisyui.com/docs/install/.
If you want a local copy of the source code, clone the repository with the command below.
- Read the official install guide at https://daisyui.com/docs/install/ for the steps that match your build setup
- Use the package manager method for a project that already runs Tailwind CSS
git clone https://github.com/saadeghi/daisyuiUse daisyUI components in your pages
daisyUI provides prebuilt interface pieces, such as buttons and other common components. You add them to your HTML by writing its simple class names, and Tailwind CSS handles the rest of the styling. The README points to the full component catalogue on the official website, so check there for the exact class names and options for each component.
Because the components share the same styling defaults, pages built with them tend to look consistent across the project.
- Browse all components at https://daisyui.com/components/
- Combine daisyUI classes with Tailwind utility classes when you need a small adjustment
Keep the README in mind when you need details
The README is short and mostly links to the official website and documentation. Treat the docs site as the reference for installation details, component options and usage examples.
If you need help beyond the docs, the README links to a Discord community and to the contributing guide for people who want to help improve the project.
- Official website and docs: https://daisyui.com
- Discord community: https://daisyui.com/discord/
- Contributing guide: .github/CONTRIBUTING.md in the repository
Decide whether daisyUI fits your project
daisyUI suits developers who already use Tailwind CSS and want prebuilt components. It is a good match for solo builders or small teams prototyping a web interface, and for projects that want MIT-licensed, free UI building blocks.
It is less suitable for projects that do not use Tailwind CSS, for teams that need a fully custom visual identity with no shared styling defaults, and for non-developers who want a no-code website builder.
- Good fit: Tailwind CSS projects that want prebuilt components and a consistent look
- Poor fit: projects without Tailwind CSS, fully custom visual identities, or no-code site building
What people use it for
- Prototyping a landing page or dashboard quickly with ready-made buttons and components
- Keeping a small team's interface visually consistent using shared class names
- Building a Tailwind CSS web app without writing every component style from scratch
Frequently asked questions
Is daisyUI free to use?
Yes. The source describes daisyUI as free and open-source, and its licence is MIT. You can check the LICENSE file in the GitHub repository for the full terms.
Do I need Tailwind CSS to use daisyUI?
Yes. daisyUI is built on top of Tailwind CSS, so projects that do not use Tailwind CSS are not a good fit. The prerequisites in the source are Tailwind CSS and Node.js or a Tailwind-compatible build setup.
How do I install daisyUI?
The source lists a package-manager install method. The README excerpt shows only a git clone command, so use the official install guide at https://daisyui.com/docs/install/ for the full steps for your build setup.
What is daisyUI used for?
It provides ready-made components such as buttons so developers can build web pages faster. It is aimed at people who want prebuilt interface pieces and a consistent look with simple class names.
What are the alternatives to daisyUI?
The source lists Flowbite, Preline, Tailwind UI and shadcn/ui as comparable projects. Choose based on your stack, licence needs and how much visual customisation you want.
Can I use daisyUI for a fully custom design?
The source says daisyUI is not a good fit for teams that need a fully custom visual identity with no shared styling defaults. For that case, a lower-level styling approach may suit you better.
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Our verdict
daisyUI is a good choice for developers who already use Tailwind CSS and want free, MIT-licensed prebuilt components to build interfaces quickly. If your project does not use Tailwind CSS, needs a fully custom visual identity, or you want a no-code builder, pick a different tool.
Install options & downloads