Design Visually, Code Instantly: Onlook Bridges the Gap Between React Development and Design
Introduction
Tired of the endless back-and-forth between design tools and code editors? Onlook is the game-changing visual editor for React developers and designers. Edit your UI visually, watch changes write back to your code in real-time, and leverage AI to build interactive components, all without leaving your React project. Download the alpha now and see why 2.8k+ designers and engineers are obsessed.
What is Onlook?
Onlook is a local-first, design-to-code platform built specifically for React and Tailwind CSS. It lets you visually adjust layouts, colors, typography, and component logic while automatically generating clean, reliable code. Think "Figma for React" but with bidirectional sync—your design changes update your code, and code changes reflect in your canvas.
Features
- Real-Time Code Sync: Edit padding, margins, or text styles visually → see Tailwind classes update instantly.
- AI-Powered Design: Prompt AI to build components (e.g., "Create a modal that slides in from the right").
- Native React Integration: Works with existing projects, no migration or new components required.
- Design System Harmony: Use your existing variables, Tailwind config, and component libraries in a Figma-like UI.
- Local-First Security: Code stays on your device; never shipped to the cloud.
- Version Control Friendly: Roll back changes via Git without breaking your workflow.
- Component Playground: Test interactions (e.g., "When clicked, animate this card") visually.
- Open-Source Transparency: Audit Onlook’s code via their GitHub repo.
How It Works?
- Download: Install the desktop app (macOS/Windows).
- Import: Open your React + Tailwind project.
- Design: Adjust styles, layouts, or use AI prompts.
- Code: Watch Onlook write changes directly to your TSX/CSS files.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Eliminates manual CSS/Tailwind tweaking.
- AI understands component logic (e.g., "Make this button toggle the sidebar").
- Zero cloud dependency—code remains 100% local.
- Works with existing build processes and version control.
- Free during alpha; open-source community-driven.
⚠️ Cons:
- Alpha stage means occasional bugs.
- Requires basic React/Tailwind familiarity.
Stop designing blindfolded. Download Onlook’s Alpha today and experience the future of React development. Your designers will hug you.
Conclusion
Onlook isn’t just a tool, it’s a paradigm shift. Design fearlessly, code confidently, and let your React components evolve at the speed of creativity.
FAQs
Is Onlook free?
Yes! Free during alpha; pricing TBD post-launch.
Does it work with Next.js?
Absolutely, any React framework + Tailwind.
Can I use custom design systems?
Yes! Import your variables, fonts, and components.
How secure is it?
Your code never leaves your machine, local-first architecture.
What about collaboration?
Share projects via Git; team features coming soon.