css-tokens

To set up CSS design tokens, create a references/tokens.css file containing custom properties for typography, spacing, colors, borders, z-index, and transitions, then import it into your project to establish a consistent styling baseline.

CSS custom properties are reusable variables that enable scalable theming. This tokens system supports dark mode by leveraging the prefers-color-scheme media query to automatically swap color values for consistent UI theming.

You use CSS variables for spacing and typography by referencing tokens like var(--color-primary) or var(--size-16) directly in your main styles, ensuring consistent design language across all components.

Yes, you can use this design tokens system to bootstrap a new web project or design system. It provides a complete tokens.css file that enables scalable theming and consistent styling across components from the start.

No, you do not need a specific framework to apply CSS design tokens. The system exposes tokens as standard CSS custom properties, requiring only a tokens.css file imported where CSS variables are needed in your web project.

The best way to maintain consistent styling is to define a foundational design tokens system using CSS custom properties. This establishes a scalable design baseline, ensuring easier maintenance and consistent styling across all components.