What is shadcn DESIGN.md?

shadcn DESIGN.md is a project-level design system file that tells AI agents how to use shadcn/ui primitives — which Button variant, Card density, Table padding and token overrides apply — so generated UI does not look like the default starter.

How is DESIGN.md different from components.json?

components.json configures the shadcn CLI (paths, style, base color). DESIGN.md tells the agent how to USE installed components: variants, density, layout patterns and anti-patterns for your product.

Can I use these templates with Cursor and Claude Code?

Yes. Copy DESIGN.md into your project root and reference it in Cursor rules or CLAUDE.md. Template kits include explicit agent workflows for Cursor, Claude Code and Codex.

Where is the full shadcn/ui reference file?

The complete shadcn/ui DESIGN.md reference lives at /p/shadcnui-design-md-reference with tokens, component rules, forms, tables and dashboard patterns.

Are shadcn DESIGN.md templates free?

Brand references and guides are free. Premium Next.js template kits unlock runnable source, tokens, blocks, license and updates after purchase.

shadcn DESIGN.mdNext.js · Tailwind · shadcn/ui

shadcn DESIGN.md templates and guides

Next.js template kits, guides and copyable DESIGN.md files for shadcn/ui — for Cursor, Claude Code and Codex.

35 template kits4 referencesFull shadcn/ui reference →

What is a shadcn DESIGN.md?

shadcn/ui gives agents a component vocabulary — Button, Card, Table, Dialog — but not product usage rules. A shadcn DESIGN.md documents which variants, density, token overrides and layout patterns your product requires so generated UI does not collapse into the default starter look.

components.json configures the shadcn CLI. DESIGN.md configures the agent — which Card variant, which Button size, which table padding profile and which anti-patterns are off-limits for your SaaS or admin product.

How to use with AI coding agents

Cursor: copy DESIGN.md to the project root and add a rule: read DESIGN.md before generating UI.
Claude Code: reference DESIGN.md from CLAUDE.md so every component edit inherits token and density rules.
Codex: include token overrides and component variant tables so Tailwind + shadcn edits stay aligned with your globals.css contract.

Start from a shadcn guide, copy the full reference, or bootstrap from a template kit with runnable Next.js source.

Templates