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Guide · Open source

How to use TW-Elements: install and build with Tailwind components

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

TW Elements is a free, open-source collection of interactive user interface components built for Tailwind CSS. This guide explains what it includes, how to install it from npm, and when it is a good fit. By the end you will know how to add it to a Tailwind project and where to find the component documentation.

TW Elementsmdbootstrap/TW-Elements · ★ 13.2k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check prerequisites. Make sure Node.js is installed and that your project uses Tailwind CSS, since the components are built on it.
  2. 2Install the package. Run npm install tw-elements in your project folder.
  3. 3Follow the quick start. Open the quick-start guide on tw-elements.com and link the library into your Tailwind setup.
  4. 4Add a component. Pick a component such as a modal or dropdown and copy its markup from the component documentation.
  5. 5Test dark mode. Switch your page to dark mode to confirm the components render correctly in both themes.

What TW Elements includes

TW Elements is a set of ready-made interface pieces such as forms, cards, buttons, modals, dropdowns and charts, built on Tailwind CSS. The README describes 500+ UI components and 117+ design blocks, plus dark mode support and easy theming and customization.

  • Forms, cards, buttons, modals, dropdowns, tooltips, carousels and charts
  • Design blocks for building larger page sections
  • Dark mode support
  • Theming and customization options

Install TW Elements with npm

The README lists Node.js as a prerequisite; it does not state a required version, so check the official documentation for that. The package is installed from npm using the package name tw-elements.

After installing, follow the quick-start guide on the TW Elements website to link the library into your Tailwind project.

  • Prerequisite: Node.js
  • Install method: package manager (npm)
npm install tw-elements

Use components in your pages

Components are plain Tailwind-styled markup with interactive behaviour, so you add them to your HTML or templates the same way you would any other Tailwind element. The documentation at tw-elements.com covers each component, such as the modal, dropdown, datepicker and tooltip pages linked from the project README.

Because the components are built on Tailwind CSS, your project needs Tailwind set up first.

  • Start with one component, such as a modal or dropdown, and test it on a page
  • Check the component page for the markup and options it supports

Customize theme and dark mode

The README highlights easy theming and customization and dark mode support across components. Use these options to match colours and styling to your brand instead of accepting the defaults.

Consult the TW Elements documentation for the exact configuration steps, since the README excerpt does not show them.

  • Dark mode is supported across components
  • Theming is described as easy and intuitive in the project materials

Get help and keep up with changes

The project has a GitHub Discussions area with categories for support from the community, feature requests and general feedback. A changelog on the official site tracks project progress.

If you want a clear, step-by-step path, the website offers an installation guide and a quick-start page.

  • Community support: GitHub Discussions, support category
  • Feature requests: GitHub Discussions, ideas category
  • Changelog and installation docs on tw-elements.com

What people use it for

  • Prototyping a landing page with ready-made forms, buttons and cards
  • Building a dashboard quickly with charts, dropdowns and modals
  • Starting a Tailwind-based design from design blocks instead of a blank page
  • Adding interactive components to a personal or commercial site

Frequently asked questions

Is TW Elements free to use?

Yes. The README states that it is MIT licensed and free for personal and commercial use. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.

How do I install TW Elements?

Run npm install tw-elements in your project. The README says the install is simple and takes about one minute, then the quick-start guide on the official site covers setup.

Do I need Tailwind CSS to use TW Elements?

Yes. The components are built for Tailwind CSS, so people who do not use Tailwind are not the intended audience.

What do I need installed first?

The README lists Node.js as a prerequisite but does not state a version, so check the official documentation for the required version.

Does TW Elements support dark mode?

Yes. The README lists dark mode support and says components have dark mode and theming options.

What are good alternatives to TW Elements?

The README names Flowbite, DaisyUI, Preline and Tailwind UI as comparable projects. Compare them on the components, licence and styling approach you need.

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Our verdict

TW Elements suits developers who already use Tailwind CSS and want free, prebuilt interactive components for landing pages, dashboards or small projects. It is less suitable if you do not use Tailwind, need a fully custom design system, or want a no-code website builder.

Install options & downloads