Why I'm sharing this
I work with Tailwind CSS regularly, and one thing I've noticed is how much time I spend switching between my code editor and the browser. I'll change a class, save, refresh, check the result, then go back and adjust again. It's a cycle that adds up, especially when you're fine-tuning spacing or experimenting with layout options.
A few weeks ago I found the taillens extension and decided to give it a try. After using it on a few projects, I wanted to share what it does, how it works, and where it might actually save you some time.
What the taillens extension does
Taillens is a browser tool that works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. It lets you inspect and edit Tailwind CSS classes directly in the browser, with live visual feedback. Instead of editing classes in your code editor and refreshing to see changes, you can hover over class alternatives in the browser and watch the layout update in real time.
It supports both Tailwind CSS v3 and v4, and it recognizes custom configurations. If your project has a custom tailwind.config.js with specific theme values, breakpoints, or utility classes, the extension picks those up and includes them in its suggestions.
You're not replacing your editor, but you're adding another layer of visual feedback that can speed up iteration.
Features that stood out
Here's what I found useful after spending time with the taillens extension:
Live preview on hover
This is probably the most practical feature. When you inspect an element, the extension shows you alternative Tailwind classes. If you have gap-4 applied, it will suggest gap-2, gap-6, gap-8, and so on. When you hover over any alternative, the layout updates instantly in the browser. No saving, no refreshing. You see the change immediately.
This works well when you're dialing in spacing or trying to decide between different size values. Instead of guessing and checking multiple times, you can hover through the options and pick what looks right.
Spacing and layout guides
The extension includes real-time overlays that visualize margin, padding, height, and position values. When you're inspecting an element, you can see exactly how much space it's taking up and how it relates to neighboring elements.
This helps when you're debugging layout issues or trying to understand why elements are positioned a certain way. You don't have to open DevTools and inspect each element individually. The overlay shows you the information right away.
Smart class suggestions
The extension provides autocomplete and intelligent suggestions based on the classes you already have applied. If you're working with a flex container, it will suggest flex-related utilities. If you're adjusting colors, it will show color variants.
It also includes a search function that works across all available Tailwind classes, including any custom utilities you've defined in your config. This is helpful when you can't quite remember the exact class name but know roughly what you're looking for.
One-click class copying
After you've tweaked classes in the browser and found something that works, you can copy all applied classes with one click. Then you paste them into your source code. This removes the friction of manually retyping or remembering what changes you made.
Toggle and undo support
You can toggle classes on and off to test different combinations. There's also undo and redo support with keyboard shortcuts, so if you make a change you don't like, you can step back without losing your place.
The extension also lets you pin popups to inspect multiple components at the same time, and you can navigate nested elements using arrow keys. These are small details, but they add up when you're working through a complex layout.
Custom Configuration support
One of the standout features is how well the extension handles custom Tailwind configurations. If your project has a tailwind.config.js with custom colors, spacing values, or breakpoints, the extension picks those up automatically.
This means that when you're inspecting elements, the class suggestions and live previews reflect your actual design system. You don't have to worry about the extension only showing default Tailwind classes that don't match your project's styles.
When this tool makes sense
The taillens extension is most useful if:
- You frequently iterate on layouts and spacing in the browser
- You work with custom Tailwind configurations and want tooling that respects those settings
- You want faster visual feedback when experimenting with utility classes
- You're comfortable with a workflow where you prototype in the browser and then sync changes back to your codebase
If your process is more code-first and you rarely adjust things visually in the browser, the benefit might be less obvious. But if you're someone who clicks around in DevTools and manually edits classes to see what works, this tool streamlines that process.
Pricing structure
The taillens extension is available for a one-time payment of $29 (currently discounted from $59). It's a lifetime license with no recurring subscription. You get unlimited device usage, free updates, and priority email support.
I'm not a fan of subscriptions anyway, and one of the things I really appreciate about this tool is that it's a one-time purchase. You pay once and you're done. No monthly fees, no annual renewals, just a straightforward transaction.
There's also a 14-day refund policy if you try it and decide it's not for you. For developers who use Tailwind regularly, the one-time cost might be worth it compared to subscription-based tools.
If you decide to try it, you can get Taillens here. Full transparency: I'd benefit from referrals through that link, and I'd appreciate the support if you find this review helpful.
Final thoughts
The taillens extension is a practical tool for developers who work with Tailwind CSS and want a tighter feedback loop when adjusting layouts and classes. It does not replace your code editor or eliminate the need for proper version control, but it makes certain tasks faster and less repetitive.
If you spend a lot of time tweaking Tailwind classes and refreshing your browser to check results, this tool can cut down on that friction. The live preview, spacing guides, and class suggestions all contribute to a smoother iteration process.
I'd recommend trying it on a component you're actively working on. Test the hover preview, experiment with class alternatives, and see if the workflow fits. If it saves you time on that one component, it will probably save you time on future projects too.
Top comments (1)
Taillens feels like part of a bigger shift: browser-native, real-time UI tooling where DevTools becomes the IDE. Live class previews + design-token awareness echo the move to tighter feedback loops. Curious how this stacks with Tailwind v4, HMR, and RSC workflows.