- Tailwind -

Everything you need to know about Tailwind CSS 4.0

25 January, 2025

Anuz Pandey

3 min read

Tailwind CSS 4.0 has been released, introducing its biggest update yet! With a reimagined configuration experience and a brand-new Oxide engine built for speed, this release takes performance and flexibility to a whole new level.

Here's a quick overview of what's new:

High-Performance Oxide Engine

Tailwind CSS 4.0 leverages Rust with the Oxide engine, making it faster than ever. Incremental builds are up to 100x faster, ensuring a smoother and more efficient development experience.

Simplified Installation & Configuration

Tailwind CSS 4.0 streamlines the installation process, reducing the number of steps and removing boilerplate code.

First-party Vite Plugin

Most of the application development is now done with Vite, and if you're using Vite, you can integrate Tailwind CSS using @tailwindcss/vire instead of PostCSS, which is even better for performance.

Automatic Content Detection

Say goodbye to tedious manual configurations! Tailwind now automatically detects template files, simplifying your setup.

CSS-First Configuration

Customization is now centered on CSS. You can directly use @import for styles, tweak themes with @theme, and rely on CSS variables, reducing the need for JavaScript in your styling workflow.

Container Queries

Tailwind 4.0 introduces first-class APIs for container queries, allowing your designs to adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes.

Modernized Features and Utilities

P3 Color Palette: Vibrant, modern colors optimized for advanced displays.
Dynamic Utility Values: Eliminate the need for complex customizations.
3D Transform Utilities: Add stunning 3D effects directly in HTML.
Expanded Gradients: Support for radial, conic gradients, and new interpolation modes.
@starting-style Support: Simplify transitions without JavaScript.

Unified Toolchain

Built-in Lightning CSS handles everything from browser-specific prefixes to nested styles, making development smoother while maintaining support for older browsers.

Migration Made Easy

Upgrading from Tailwind 3.0? Tailwind’s migration tool does the heavy lifting for you, automatically updating configuration files and dependencies.

If you want to learn more about the Upgrade process, you can visit the Tailwind Upgrade Guide.

Key Changes from Previous Versions

Deprecated utilities removed for cleaner, modern development.
PostCSS plugin and CLI separated into standalone tools for greater flexibility.
Default border and ring utilities updated for better consistency.

Why Upgrade to Tailwind CSS 4.0?

With enhanced performance, cutting-edge features, and an improved developer experience, Tailwind CSS 4.0 is a game-changer. Whether you’re starting a new project or upgrading an existing one, this release has everything you need to build faster, smarter, and with greater ease.

Ready to dive in? Explore the full Tailwind CSS v4 release notes and check out the upgraded documentation for all the details.

Conclusion

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Keep coding, keep exploring, and keep inspiring. 🐼

Written By Anuz Pandey

Anuz Pandey is a multi-disciplinary designer and developer with a passion for creating visually stunning and user-friendly digital experiences. He has been working in the industry for over 5 years. He is currently working as a freelance designer and developer and is available for hire.