Open-source library of accessible, framework-agnostic web components (Custom Elements) for any framework, with CSS-custom-property theming.
Why we recommend it
Shoelace remains a clean, MIT-licensed component set that works in any framework thanks to web standards. The catch is real: the project is sunset and points to Web Awesome as its successor, so new builds should start there.
Strengths
- Standards-based Custom Elements work with any framework or no framework, with first-party docs and React/Vue/Angular/Svelte wrappers.
- Fully themeable via CSS custom properties, design tokens (–sl-*), light/dark themes, and component CSS parts.
Drawbacks
- Project is sunset: repo archived and docs state 'Shoelace Is Sunset with no active development', directing new work to the Web Awesome successor.
- Framework integration quirks: React refs and event typings are awkward (GitHub issues #1510, #2440) and event.target typing requires casts.
How much does Shoelace cost?
Free (Open Source) — Free.
The vendor’s published list price, checked by hand and excluding tax. Team, education and non-profit rates are often lower than the figure above, and annual billing is usually cheaper than monthly. Compare what every tool in the directory costs.
Frequently asked questions
Shoelace is free to use.
Shoelace is free. There is no paid plan.
Yes, Shoelace is open source under the MIT licence.
Project is sunset: repo archived and docs state 'Shoelace Is Sunset with no active development', directing new work to the Web Awesome successor. Framework integration quirks: React refs and event typings are awkward (GitHub issues #1510, #2440) and event.target typing requires casts.
Shoelace alternatives and related tools
Aceternity UI
Animated React and Tailwind components aimed at high-impact landing pages.
FreemiumAnt Design
Enterprise-focused React component system with exhaustive data-display components.
FreeAuto Animate
Drop-in library that adds smooth transitions to list and layout changes with one line.
FreeBacklight
Collaborative development environment purpose-built for design systems.
FreemiumAll product names, logos and brands referenced on this site are the property of their respective owners. They are used here for identification purposes only, to describe the tools being reviewed. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship of The Design Tools by those owners.
1 AI prompts for design systems & ui kits — ready-to-copy prompts for this discipline, organised alongside the directory. Browse design systems & ui kits prompts →