Onlook for Windows

Product snapshot

Onlook is an open-source, no-cost visual editor built for teams working with React and Next.js alongside Tailwind CSS. It provides a canvas-based interface where developers and designers can visually compose layouts, tweak styles, and manipulate UI elements without leaving the editor. Changes made on the canvas are reflected in the underlying source immediately, enabling a tight visual-to-code feedback loop.

Core capabilities

• Runs as a local desktop application to keep work private and reduce reliance on external services
• Two-way live synchronization so edits in the visual editor and changes in code files stay aligned in real time
• Converts Figma designs into working components and can create new UI pieces from plain-text prompts using AI
• Drag-and-drop layout building with fine-grained style controls for rapid visual prototyping
• Direct project import from GitHub and one-click deployment options to streamline team handoffs

How it fits into development workflows

The editor is designed to sit alongside your existing codebase. You can import a repository, edit pages visually, and have those edits written back into your project files instantly. Because it runs locally, teams retain control over source code and assets while collaborating on the same project. When ready, the tool supports pushing built changes or deploying directly from the app.

AI and design automation

Onlook extends beyond manual editing by offering AI-driven utilities: generate reusable React components from descriptive text and translate Figma layouts into functional code scaffolding. These features speed up the move from mockups and ideas to working UI, cutting down repetitive implementation work.

Intended users

This tool targets frontend engineers and UI/UX designers who use React, Next.js, and Tailwind CSS and want a more visual approach to building interfaces without sacrificing direct access to the codebase. It’s particularly helpful for rapid prototyping, design-to-code handoffs, and collaborative editing with team members who prefer graphical tools.

Alternative to consider

Suggested alternative — SHAREit (free): a readily available free option that some teams use when looking for lightweight file and asset sharing alongside quick transfers between devices.