Shadcn/UI defaults to Base UI, retains support for Radix

Introduction of Base UI as Default

Effective July 2026, Base UI has been established as the default component library in shadcn/ui, reversing its reliance on Radix since the library's inception in January 2023. This transition builds on feedback and usage patterns observed over the past year.

Comparison of Libraries

Initially, shadcn/ui relied on Radix for its unstyled components and robust API offerings. However, the emergence of Base UI from the same developers enhances existing functionalities and incorporates lessons learned from Radix's implementation. Base UI is currently stable at version 1.6.0 with over 6 million weekly downloads.

Community Adoption Insights

Recent metrics indicate a significant community shift towards Base UI, with a 2:1 preference for new projects created via shadcn/create. This includes automatic configuration for Base UI in the new component setup, while Radix documentation remains accessible for users who prefer it.

Continued Support for Radix

Radix is not being phased out; it continues to be a mature and supported option for existing projects. Developers are encouraged to keep their current Radix setups unless they choose to transition to Base UI progressively, with support tools provided for such migrations.

Conclusion

While Base UI is now recommended for new endeavors, the flexibility is maintained for developers to utilize Radix as needed. The shadcn/ui community exemplifies a growing inclination towards modern frameworks, as evident in their library of choice for development.