Install Tailwind CSS v4 with React - Step-by-Step Guide

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?
                        ⚡
                        30% faster builds with the new Rust-based engine
                    
                        🚀
                        Zero configuration required (no `postcss.config.js`!)
                    
                        📦
                        Built-in support for CSS nesting, variables, and modern syntax
                    
                        🔌
                        Simplified plugin architecture

Installation Guide

1

Create a React App

                    npx create-react-app my-tailwind-app

                    cd my-tailwind-app

2

Install Tailwind CSS v4

npm install tailwindcss@next @tailwindcss/vite

Note: @tailwindcss/vite replaces PostCSS for Vite-based React apps (default in React 18+)

3

Configure tailwind.config.js

Generate a config file:

npx tailwindcss init

Update tailwind.config.js:

/** @type {import('tailwindcss').Config} */

export default {

  content: ["./src/**/*.{js,jsx,ts,tsx}"], // Scan React files

  theme: {

    extend: {}, // Add customizations here

  },

  plugins: [],

}

4

Add Tailwind Directives to Your CSS

Create src/index.css:

@tailwind base;

@tailwind components;

@tailwind utilities;

Import it in src/index.js:

import './index.css';

5

Enable Vite Integration

Update vite.config.js:

import { defineConfig } from 'vite';

import tailwindcss from '@tailwindcss/vite';

import react from '@vitejs/plugin-react';

export default defineConfig({

  plugins: [

    react(),

    tailwindcss(), // Tailwind v4 plugin

  ],

});

6

Start Building!

Use Tailwind classes in src/App.js:

export default function App() {

  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>

  );

}

7

Run Your Project

npm run dev

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

!

Build Errors? Ensure @tailwindcss/vite is installed

!

Styles Not Loading? Verify index.css import in index.js

!

Custom Configs? Use theme.extend in tailwind.config.js

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!

Install Tailwind v4 Now →

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How to Install Tailwind CSS v4 in a React JS App (Step-by-Step Guide)

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