UI Components
Comprehensive patterns for building accessible UI component libraries with shadcn/ui and Radix Primitives. Covers CVA variants, OKLCH theming, cn() utility, component extension, asChild composition, dialog/menu patterns, and data-attribute styling. Each category has individual rule files in rules/ loaded on-demand.
Quick Reference
| Category |
Rules |
Impact |
When to Use |
| shadcn/ui |
4 |
HIGH |
CVA variants, component customization, form patterns, data tables, v4 styles |
| Radix Primitives |
3 |
HIGH |
Dialogs, polymorphic composition, data-attribute styling |
| Design System |
5 |
HIGH |
W3C tokens, OKLCH theming, spacing scales, typography, component states, animation |
| Design System Components |
1 |
HIGH |
Atomic design, CVA variants, accessibility, Storybook |
| Forms |
2 |
HIGH |
React Hook Form v7, Zod validation, Server Actions |
| Modern CSS & Tooling |
3 |
HIGH |
CSS cascade layers, Tailwind v4, Storybook CSF3 |
| UX Foundations |
4 |
HIGH |
Visual hierarchy, typography thresholds, color system, empty states |
Total: 22 rules across 7 categories
Quick Start
// CVA variant system with cn() utility
import { cva, type VariantProps } from 'class-variance-authority'
import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
const buttonVariants = cva(
'inline-flex items-center justify-center rounded-md font-medium transition-colors',
{
variants: {
variant: {
default: 'bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90',
destructive: 'bg-destructive text-destructive-foreground',
outline: 'border border-input bg-background hover:bg-accent',
ghost: 'hover:bg-accent hover:text-accent-foreground',
},
size: {
default: 'h-10 px-4 py-2',
sm: 'h-9 px-3',
lg: 'h-11 px-8',
},
},
defaultVariants: { variant: 'default', size: 'default' },
}
)
// Radix Dialog with asChild composition
import { Dialog } from 'radix-ui'
<Dialog.Root>
<Dialog.Trigger asChild>
<Button>Open</Button>
</Dialog.Trigger>
<Dialog.Portal>
<Dialog.Overlay className="fixed inset-0 bg-black/50" />
<Dialog.Content className="data-[state=open]:animate-in">
<Dialog.Title>Title</Dialog.Title>
<Dialog.Description>Description</Dialog.Description>
<Dialog.Close>Close</Dialog.Close>
</Dialog.Content>
</Dialog.Portal>
</Dialog.Root>
shadcn/ui
Beautifully designed, accessible components built on CVA variants, cn() utility, and OKLCH theming.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| Customization |
rules/shadcn-customization.md |
CVA variants, cn() utility, OKLCH theming, component extension |
| Forms |
rules/shadcn-forms.md |
Form field wrappers, react-hook-form integration, validation |
| Data Table |
rules/shadcn-data-table.md |
TanStack Table integration, column definitions, sorting/filtering |
| v4 Styles |
rules/shadcn-v4-styles.md |
6 styles (Vega→Luma), preset codes, style detection, class mapping |
v4 Style System
shadcn CLI v4 ships 6 visual styles. Each rewrites component class names — not just CSS variables.
| Style |
Character |
Best For |
| Vega |
Balanced radius, clean lines |
General purpose (successor to New York) |
| Nova |
Compact padding, reduced margins |
Dense dashboards, admin panels |
| Maia |
Soft, rounded, generous spacing |
Consumer-facing, friendly apps |
| Lyra |
Sharp, zero radius, monospace pairs |
Editorial, developer tools |
| Mira |
Ultra-compact, minimal chrome |
Spreadsheets, data-heavy interfaces |
| Luma |
Extreme rounding (rounded-4xl), soft elevation (shadow-md + ring), breathable layouts |
Polished native-app feel, macOS Tahoe-inspired |
Preset codes encode style + theme + fonts + icons into a shareable 7-char string:
npx shadcn@latest init --preset b2D0xPaDb # Luma + Emerald + Geist + HugeIcons
Configure visually at ui.shadcn.com/create. Same code = same output on any machine.
Detection: Read components.json → "style" field (e.g., "radix-luma", "base-nova"). Old "new-york" and "default" styles are superseded by Vega.
Radix Primitives
Unstyled, accessible React primitives for building high-quality design systems.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| Dialog |
rules/radix-dialog.md |
Dialog, AlertDialog, controlled state, animations |
| Composition |
rules/radix-composition.md |
asChild, Slot, nested triggers, polymorphic rendering |
| Styling |
rules/radix-styling.md |
Data attributes, Tailwind arbitrary variants, focus management |
Key Decisions
| Decision |
Recommendation |
| Color format |
OKLCH for perceptually uniform theming |
| Class merging |
Always use cn() for Tailwind conflicts |
| Extending components |
Wrap, don't modify source files |
| Variants |
Use CVA for type-safe multi-axis variants |
| Styling approach |
Data attributes + Tailwind arbitrary variants |
| Composition |
Use asChild to avoid wrapper divs |
| Animation |
CSS-only with data-state selectors |
| Form components |
Combine with react-hook-form |
Anti-Patterns (FORBIDDEN)
- Modifying shadcn source: Wrap and extend instead of editing generated files
- Skipping cn(): Direct string concatenation causes Tailwind class conflicts
- Inline styles over CVA: Use CVA for type-safe, reusable variants
- Wrapper divs: Use
asChild to avoid extra DOM elements
- Missing Dialog.Title: Every dialog must have an accessible title
- Positive tabindex: Using
tabindex > 0 disrupts natural tab order
- Color-only states: Use data attributes + multiple indicators
- Manual focus management: Use Radix built-in focus trapping
Detailed Documentation
| Resource |
Description |
| scripts/ |
Templates: CVA component, extended button, dialog, dropdown |
| checklists/ |
shadcn setup, accessibility audit checklists |
| references/ |
CVA system, OKLCH theming, cn() utility, focus management |
Design System
Design token architecture, spacing, typography, and interactive component states.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| Token Architecture |
rules/design-system-tokens.md |
W3C tokens, OKLCH colors, Tailwind @theme |
| Spacing Scale |
rules/design-system-spacing.md |
8px grid, Tailwind space-1 to space-12 |
| Typography Scale |
rules/design-system-typography.md |
Font sizes, weights, line heights |
| Component States |
rules/design-system-states.md |
Hover, focus, active, disabled, loading, animation presets |
Design System Components
Component architecture patterns with atomic design and accessibility.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| Component Architecture |
rules/design-system-components.md |
Atomic design, CVA variants, WCAG 2.1 AA, Storybook |
Forms
React Hook Form v7 with Zod validation and React 19 Server Actions.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| React Hook Form |
rules/forms-react-hook-form.md |
useForm, field arrays, Controller, wizards, file uploads |
| Zod & Server Actions |
rules/forms-validation-zod.md |
Zod schemas, Server Actions, useActionState, async validation |
Modern CSS & Tooling
Modern CSS patterns, Tailwind v4, and component documentation tooling for 2026.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| CSS Cascade Layers |
rules/css-cascade-layers.md |
@layer ordering, specificity-free overrides, third-party isolation |
| Tailwind v4 |
rules/tailwind-v4-patterns.md |
CSS-first @theme, native container queries, @max-* variants |
| Storybook Docs |
rules/storybook-component-docs.md |
CSF3 stories, play() interaction tests, Chromatic visual regression |
UX Foundations
Cognitive-science-grounded UI/UX principles with specific numeric thresholds for production-quality interfaces.
| Rule |
File |
Key Pattern |
| Visual Hierarchy |
rules/visual-hierarchy.md |
Button tiers, de-emphasis, F/Z scan, Von Restorff, proximity, max-width |
| Typography Thresholds |
rules/typography-thresholds.md |
65ch line length, 1.4–1.6 line height, rem units, modular type scale |
| Color System |
rules/color-system.md |
OKLCH 9-shade scales, semantic categories, no true black, brand-tinted neutrals |
| Empty States |
rules/empty-states.md |
Skeleton-first, icon + headline + description + CTA, cause-specific tone |
Related Skills
ork:accessibility - WCAG compliance and React Aria patterns
ork:testing-unit - Component testing patterns
Converted and distributed by TomeVault — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
1---2name: ui-components3description: UI component library patterns for shadcn/ui and Radix Primitives. Use when building accessible component libraries, customizing shadcn components, using Radix unstyled primitives, or creating design system foundations. Use when this capability is needed.4---56# UI Components78Comprehensive patterns for building accessible UI component libraries with shadcn/ui and Radix Primitives. Covers CVA variants, OKLCH theming, cn() utility, component extension, asChild composition, dialog/menu patterns, and data-attribute styling. Each category has individual rule files in `rules/` loaded on-demand.910## Quick Reference1112| Category | Rules | Impact | When to Use |13|----------|-------|--------|-------------|14| [shadcn/ui](#shadcnui) | 4 | HIGH | CVA variants, component customization, form patterns, data tables, v4 styles |15| [Radix Primitives](#radix-primitives) | 3 | HIGH | Dialogs, polymorphic composition, data-attribute styling |16| [Design System](#design-system) | 5 | HIGH | W3C tokens, OKLCH theming, spacing scales, typography, component states, animation |17| [Design System Components](#design-system-components) | 1 | HIGH | Atomic design, CVA variants, accessibility, Storybook |18| [Forms](#forms) | 2 | HIGH | React Hook Form v7, Zod validation, Server Actions |19| [Modern CSS & Tooling](#modern-css--tooling) | 3 | HIGH | CSS cascade layers, Tailwind v4, Storybook CSF3 |20| [UX Foundations](#ux-foundations) | 4 | HIGH | Visual hierarchy, typography thresholds, color system, empty states |2122**Total: 22 rules across 7 categories**2324## Quick Start2526```tsx27// CVA variant system with cn() utility28import { cva, type VariantProps } from 'class-variance-authority'29import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'3031const buttonVariants = cva(32 'inline-flex items-center justify-center rounded-md font-medium transition-colors',33 {34 variants: {35 variant: {36 default: 'bg-primary text-primary-foreground hover:bg-primary/90',37 destructive: 'bg-destructive text-destructive-foreground',38 outline: 'border border-input bg-background hover:bg-accent',39 ghost: 'hover:bg-accent hover:text-accent-foreground',40 },41 size: {42 default: 'h-10 px-4 py-2',43 sm: 'h-9 px-3',44 lg: 'h-11 px-8',45 },46 },47 defaultVariants: { variant: 'default', size: 'default' },48 }49)50```5152```tsx53// Radix Dialog with asChild composition54import { Dialog } from 'radix-ui'5556<Dialog.Root>57 <Dialog.Trigger asChild>58 <Button>Open</Button>59 </Dialog.Trigger>60 <Dialog.Portal>61 <Dialog.Overlay className="fixed inset-0 bg-black/50" />62 <Dialog.Content className="data-[state=open]:animate-in">63 <Dialog.Title>Title</Dialog.Title>64 <Dialog.Description>Description</Dialog.Description>65 <Dialog.Close>Close</Dialog.Close>66 </Dialog.Content>67 </Dialog.Portal>68</Dialog.Root>69```7071## shadcn/ui7273Beautifully designed, accessible components built on CVA variants, cn() utility, and OKLCH theming.7475| Rule | File | Key Pattern |76|------|------|-------------|77| Customization | `rules/shadcn-customization.md` | CVA variants, cn() utility, OKLCH theming, component extension |78| Forms | `rules/shadcn-forms.md` | Form field wrappers, react-hook-form integration, validation |79| Data Table | `rules/shadcn-data-table.md` | TanStack Table integration, column definitions, sorting/filtering |80| v4 Styles | `rules/shadcn-v4-styles.md` | 6 styles (Vega→Luma), preset codes, style detection, class mapping |8182### v4 Style System8384shadcn CLI v4 ships 6 visual styles. Each rewrites component class names — not just CSS variables.8586| Style | Character | Best For |87|-------|-----------|----------|88| **Vega** | Balanced radius, clean lines | General purpose (successor to New York) |89| **Nova** | Compact padding, reduced margins | Dense dashboards, admin panels |90| **Maia** | Soft, rounded, generous spacing | Consumer-facing, friendly apps |91| **Lyra** | Sharp, zero radius, monospace pairs | Editorial, developer tools |92| **Mira** | Ultra-compact, minimal chrome | Spreadsheets, data-heavy interfaces |93| **Luma** | Extreme rounding (`rounded-4xl`), soft elevation (`shadow-md` + ring), breathable layouts | Polished native-app feel, macOS Tahoe-inspired |9495**Preset codes** encode style + theme + fonts + icons into a shareable 7-char string:9697```bash98npx shadcn@latest init --preset b2D0xPaDb # Luma + Emerald + Geist + HugeIcons99```100101Configure visually at [ui.shadcn.com/create](https://ui.shadcn.com/create). Same code = same output on any machine.102103**Detection:** Read `components.json` → `"style"` field (e.g., `"radix-luma"`, `"base-nova"`). Old `"new-york"` and `"default"` styles are superseded by Vega.104105## Radix Primitives106107Unstyled, accessible React primitives for building high-quality design systems.108109| Rule | File | Key Pattern |110|------|------|-------------|111| Dialog | `rules/radix-dialog.md` | Dialog, AlertDialog, controlled state, animations |112| Composition | `rules/radix-composition.md` | asChild, Slot, nested triggers, polymorphic rendering |113| Styling | `rules/radix-styling.md` | Data attributes, Tailwind arbitrary variants, focus management |114115## Key Decisions116117| Decision | Recommendation |118|----------|----------------|119| Color format | OKLCH for perceptually uniform theming |120| Class merging | Always use cn() for Tailwind conflicts |121| Extending components | Wrap, don't modify source files |122| Variants | Use CVA for type-safe multi-axis variants |123| Styling approach | Data attributes + Tailwind arbitrary variants |124| Composition | Use `asChild` to avoid wrapper divs |125| Animation | CSS-only with data-state selectors |126| Form components | Combine with react-hook-form |127128## Anti-Patterns (FORBIDDEN)129130- **Modifying shadcn source**: Wrap and extend instead of editing generated files131- **Skipping cn()**: Direct string concatenation causes Tailwind class conflicts132- **Inline styles over CVA**: Use CVA for type-safe, reusable variants133- **Wrapper divs**: Use `asChild` to avoid extra DOM elements134- **Missing Dialog.Title**: Every dialog must have an accessible title135- **Positive tabindex**: Using `tabindex > 0` disrupts natural tab order136- **Color-only states**: Use data attributes + multiple indicators137- **Manual focus management**: Use Radix built-in focus trapping138139## Detailed Documentation140141| Resource | Description |142|----------|-------------|143| [scripts/](scripts/) | Templates: CVA component, extended button, dialog, dropdown |144| [checklists/](checklists/) | shadcn setup, accessibility audit checklists |145| [references/](references/) | CVA system, OKLCH theming, cn() utility, focus management |146147## Design System148149Design token architecture, spacing, typography, and interactive component states.150151| Rule | File | Key Pattern |152|------|------|-------------|153| Token Architecture | `rules/design-system-tokens.md` | W3C tokens, OKLCH colors, Tailwind @theme |154| Spacing Scale | `rules/design-system-spacing.md` | 8px grid, Tailwind space-1 to space-12 |155| Typography Scale | `rules/design-system-typography.md` | Font sizes, weights, line heights |156| Component States | `rules/design-system-states.md` | Hover, focus, active, disabled, loading, animation presets |157158## Design System Components159160Component architecture patterns with atomic design and accessibility.161162| Rule | File | Key Pattern |163|------|------|-------------|164| Component Architecture | `rules/design-system-components.md` | Atomic design, CVA variants, WCAG 2.1 AA, Storybook |165166## Forms167168React Hook Form v7 with Zod validation and React 19 Server Actions.169170| Rule | File | Key Pattern |171|------|------|-------------|172| React Hook Form | `rules/forms-react-hook-form.md` | useForm, field arrays, Controller, wizards, file uploads |173| Zod & Server Actions | `rules/forms-validation-zod.md` | Zod schemas, Server Actions, useActionState, async validation |174175## Modern CSS & Tooling176177Modern CSS patterns, Tailwind v4, and component documentation tooling for 2026.178179| Rule | File | Key Pattern |180|------|------|-------------|181| CSS Cascade Layers | `rules/css-cascade-layers.md` | @layer ordering, specificity-free overrides, third-party isolation |182| Tailwind v4 | `rules/tailwind-v4-patterns.md` | CSS-first @theme, native container queries, @max-* variants |183| Storybook Docs | `rules/storybook-component-docs.md` | CSF3 stories, play() interaction tests, Chromatic visual regression |184185## UX Foundations186187Cognitive-science-grounded UI/UX principles with specific numeric thresholds for production-quality interfaces.188189| Rule | File | Key Pattern |190|------|------|-------------|191| Visual Hierarchy | `rules/visual-hierarchy.md` | Button tiers, de-emphasis, F/Z scan, Von Restorff, proximity, max-width |192| Typography Thresholds | `rules/typography-thresholds.md` | 65ch line length, 1.4–1.6 line height, rem units, modular type scale |193| Color System | `rules/color-system.md` | OKLCH 9-shade scales, semantic categories, no true black, brand-tinted neutrals |194| Empty States | `rules/empty-states.md` | Skeleton-first, icon + headline + description + CTA, cause-specific tone |195196## Related Skills197198- `ork:accessibility` - WCAG compliance and React Aria patterns199- `ork:testing-unit` - Component testing patterns200201---202> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/yonatangross) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.203<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->