What 21st.dev is

21st.dev is a marketplace for community-built React and Tailwind components, themes, and templates. Many items provide a live preview and an installation command compatible with the shadcn registry workflow.

The easiest browser workflow

  1. Search for a component type such as a hero, pricing table, or sign-in form.
  2. Inspect desktop and mobile previews.
  3. Check the dependencies, source structure, license, and price.
  4. Create a Git branch before installation.
  5. Copy the exact command shown on the selected component page.
  6. Review every new file and package before merging.

Do not copy a placeholder URL. A shadcn-compatible command commonly follows this shape:

npx shadcn@latest add https://21st.dev/r/author/component

Install the official CLI

For repeated search and installation, install the unified CLI:

npm i -g @21st-dev/cli
21st login

To try a search without a global installation:

npx @21st-dev/cli search "pricing table"

Search and add from the CLI

21st search "hero section" --type component --limit 5
21st search "dark dashboard" --type theme
21st search "saas starter" --type template --free
21st add author/slug

Use the slug returned by the actual search. The add command can place component source and dependencies into the repository, so treat it as a code change rather than a design download.

Checks after installation

  • Run the project build and type checker.
  • Inspect the package-lock diff for unexpected dependencies.
  • Verify keyboard navigation and visible focus.
  • Check narrow mobile widths and long translated text.
  • Replace hard-coded colors with project tokens where appropriate.
  • Confirm that copied components do not introduce a second button, icon, or utility system unnecessarily.

Best way to adopt components

Start with a bounded element rather than replacing an entire site. A hero, pricing block, or form is easier to review and adapt. Once the component matches your design tokens and tests, promote the stable pieces into the project’s shared component system.