Getting Started with Shadcnblocks
Browse, preview, and install shadcn/ui blocks using the Explorer and shadcn CLI. Get started with Tailwind CSS and React components.
Welcome to Shadcnblocks! This guide will help you get started with browsing, previewing, and installing blocks in your project.
Quick Start
1. Browse the Explorer
The Explorer is the best way to find and preview blocks:
- Open the Explorer
- Browse or search for blocks
- Click any block to preview it
- Customize with the sidebar options
2. Configure Your Project
Before installing blocks, ensure your project has:
components.json — Download from the Explorer toolbar or create manually:
{
"$schema": "https://ui.shadcn.com/schema.json",
"style": "radix-vega",
"rsc": true,
"tsx": true,
"tailwind": {
"config": "",
"css": "app/globals.css",
"baseColor": "neutral",
"cssVariables": true
},
"aliases": {
"components": "@/components",
"utils": "@/lib/utils",
"ui": "@/components/ui"
},
"registries": {
"@shadcnblocks": "https://shadcnblocks.com/r/{name}.json"
}
}
globals.css — Download from the Explorer toolbar or use the default globals.css.
3. Install Blocks
Copy the CLI command from the Explorer toolbar:
npx shadcn@latest add @shadcnblocks/hero1
The CLI will:
- Install the block source code
- Add any required shadcn/ui components
- Install npm dependencies
- Use your configured style and UI library
Key Features
UI Library Selection
Choose between Radix UI (default) and Base UI:
- Select in the Explorer sidebar
- Affects the
components.jsonexport - CLI installs the correct primitives automatically
Component Styles
Preview blocks in the same styles available in the Shadcn UI Create page:
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Vega | Classic shadcn/ui look |
| Nova | Compact layouts |
| Maia | Soft and rounded |
| Lyra | Sharp and boxy |
| Mira | Ultra-compact |
Theme Preview
Apply color themes to see how blocks look with different color schemes. Download a themed globals.css from the toolbar.
Content Packs
Some blocks support content packs—realistic content variations to preview different scenarios.
Pro Access
Free users can:
- Browse all blocks
- Preview blocks with themes and appearances
- Install free blocks via CLI
- View free block source code
Pro/Premium users additionally get:
- Access to 976+ premium blocks
- 1189+ component examples
- Component style selection
- UI library selection
- Code view for all blocks
- Figma UI Kit
- All templates
Next Steps
- Explorer Guide — Master the Explorer interface
- Base UI Support — Switch to Base UI primitives
- Component Styles — Choose your visual style
- Theming — Customize colors