Shadcn Command
React command palette component with fast search and keyboard shortcuts. Built with TypeScript and Tailwind CSS for Next.js applications using cmdk library.
Command menu sluggish?
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Ever used VS Code's ⌘K command palette and wondered how to build that magic in your own app? Or watched power users navigate Linear faster than you can click through menus? Yeah, command palettes aren't just trendy—they're the difference between apps that feel sluggish and apps that feel like extensions of your brain. This shadcn/ui command component brings that superpower to your React app.
Command showcase
Instant search that actually feels instant:
Built on cmdk by Paco Coursey—the same library powering command palettes in Linear, Raycast, and other developer favorites. Styled with Tailwind CSS so it matches your design system instead of looking like a generic search box.
npx shadcn@latest add commandWhy command palettes actually make users faster
Here's the thing—clicking through menus is slow, but more importantly, it breaks flow. When you're deep in a task and need to do something, clicking File → New → Document → Template pulls your brain out of the zone. Hit ⌘K, type "new temp", Enter—boom, done without losing focus.
Think about how Figma, Notion, or GitHub handle search. You don't browse categories, you type what you want and it appears. Command palettes work because they match how our brains work—we know what we want to do, we just need the computer to keep up.
This free shadcn command component handles the complex parts—fuzzy search, keyboard navigation, performance with large lists—while you focus on organizing your app's actions. Whether you're building admin dashboards, creative tools, or productivity apps in your JavaScript projects, commands that respond instantly make everything feel more professional.
Common command patterns you'll actually use
Global command palette
The classic ⌘K experience for app navigation:
Dynamic search interface
Real-time search through your content:
Features
This free open source command component includes everything you need:
- TypeScript-first - Full type safety with command actions and selection handling
- cmdk powered - Battle-tested fuzzy search and keyboard navigation
- Instant filtering - No lag even with hundreds of commands
- Tailwind CSS styled - Customize with utilities, not fighting component CSS
- Keyboard shortcuts - ⌘K, arrows, Enter, Escape work exactly as expected
- Dialog integration - Modal command palette with backdrop and focus management
- Grouping support - Organize commands by category with visual separators
- Empty state handling - Clear feedback when search returns no results
Component Architecture
The command system uses these components for complete functionality:
| Component | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
Command | Root container | Handles search logic, keyboard navigation |
CommandInput | Search field | Built-in search icon, placeholder text |
CommandList | Scrollable results | Virtualized for performance with large lists |
CommandItem | Individual command | Click to execute, keyboard selection |
CommandEmpty | No results state | Shown when search finds nothing |
CommandGroup | Category sections | Optional headings, visual grouping |
CommandSeparator | Visual dividers | Separate groups and categories |
CommandDialog | Modal wrapper | Full-screen command palette experience |
CommandShortcut | Keyboard hints | Display shortcuts like ⌘K, ⌘N |
Production tips
Make shortcuts discoverable. This free shadcn/ui command works beautifully, but users need to know it exists. Show the ⌘K shortcut in your navigation or help text. Your React component handles the functionality—you handle the discoverability.
Group commands logically. Don't dump 50 random actions in one list. Group by Navigation, Actions, Settings, or whatever makes sense for your app. This TypeScript component provides the grouping structure—you provide the organization that actually helps users.
Keep search results relevant. Fuzzy search is forgiving, but don't show 20 results for "new". Show the most common matches first. The command component handles the filtering—you handle the ranking that matches user intent in your Next.js application.
Handle loading states gracefully. If commands come from an API, show loading indicators in the CommandEmpty slot. Users expect instant feedback. This open source shadcn component manages the UI state—you manage the data fetching that keeps it snappy.
Test with real commands. Those neat demos with "Calendar" and "Settings" work great until you have "Create New Project Template from Existing Configuration". Long command names break layouts. Your JavaScript command palette should work with production content, not just demo data.
Integration with other components
Command palettes naturally showcase your app's actions using other shadcn components in React applications. Use Button components inside command items for secondary actions or quick access patterns.
For rich command displays, combine with Avatar components to show team members or user actions. Badge components work perfectly for showing keyboard shortcuts or command categories.
When building admin interfaces, pair commands with Dialog components for confirmation actions. This open source pattern keeps dangerous operations safe while maintaining the speed of command execution. Separator components help organize complex command lists into logical sections.
For form-heavy applications, use commands to trigger Sheet or modal workflows. Your JavaScript command system becomes the entry point for complex interactions while keeping the interface clean.
Questions you might have
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