Shadcn Component Management

Prerequisites

Verify project setup:

shadcn___get_project_registries

If no components.json exists, instruct user: npx shadcn@latest init

Quick Add Workflow

For simple component additions (e.g., "add a date picker"):

1. Search - Find component in registry:

`` shadcn___searchitemsin_registries(registries, query) ``

1. View - Get implementation details:

`` shadcn___viewitemsin_registries(items: ["@shadcn/component-name"]) ``

1. Examples - Get usage demo:

`` shadcn___getitemexamplesfromregistries(registries, query: "component-demo") ``

1. Install - Get add command:

`` shadcn___getaddcommandforitems(items: ["@shadcn/component-name"]) ``

1. Output - Provide installation command and example code

Complex Build Workflow

For multi-component features (e.g., "build a login form"), see [references/workflows.md](references/workflows.md).

When to use Complex Build:

• Feature requires 3+ components
• Need component hierarchy planning
• Building complete sections (forms, dashboards, modals)

Component Naming Patterns

Common search queries:

• Forms: form, input, select, checkbox, radio-group
• Layout: card, dialog, sheet, drawer, tabs
• Feedback: alert, toast, skeleton, progress
• Navigation: button, dropdown-menu, navigation-menu

Example queries for demos: form-demo, card-with-form, dialog-demo

After Implementation

Always run audit:

shadcn___get_audit_checklist

Custom Styling & Theming

Shadcn provides structural foundation with default styling. For custom aesthetics:

Invoke frontend-design skill when:

• User wants unique/distinctive visual style beyond default shadcn theme
• Need custom typography, color schemes, or motion effects
• Building landing pages or marketing sites requiring creative design
• User mentions "custom styling", "unique design", "not generic"

Workflow:

1. Use shadcn-management for component structure and composition
2. Invoke frontend-design for visual customization:

- Custom CSS variables in globals.css - Tailwind theme extensions in tailwind.config.js - Animation and micro-interaction enhancements - Typography and color refinements

Customization targets:

• @/app/globals.css - CSS variables, custom fonts
• tailwind.config.js - theme colors, fonts, animations
• Component-level className overrides