Tailwind CSS v4.0 Released with Major Performance Improvements
Tailwind CSS v4.0 brings a new high-performance engine, CSS-first configuration, and simplified developer experience.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Tailwind CSS team has officially released version 4.0, marking the biggest update to the utility-first CSS framework since its inception. This release introduces a completely rewritten engine, CSS-first configuration, and significant performance improvements.
Key Highlights
New High-Performance Engine
Tailwind CSS v4.0 features a ground-up rewrite of the core engine, delivering up to 10x faster build times compared to v3. The new engine is built on a custom CSS parser called Oxide, written in Rust.
CSS-First Configuration
Gone are the days of tailwind.config.js. Tailwind v4 embraces a CSS-first approach where configuration lives directly in your CSS file using @theme directives.
Simplified Setup
Getting started with Tailwind v4 is simpler than ever:
npm install tailwindcss@latest
No PostCSS plugin required for many use cases, thanks to the built-in CLI and Vite plugin.
What’s Next
- Full migration guide available in the official docs
- Ecosystem plugins are being updated for v4 compatibility
- IDE extensions updated with v4 support
Conclusion
Tailwind CSS v4.0 represents a major leap forward in developer experience and performance. Whether you’re starting a new project or upgrading an existing one, the benefits of faster builds and simpler configuration make the upgrade worthwhile.
References
- Tailwind CSS Blog: tailwindcss.com/blog