How to create a Chat Layout with Tailwind CSS

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a beautiful and responsive chat layout using Tailwind CSS. Chat layouts are commonly used in messaging applications, live chat support systems, and social media platforms. With the powerful utility classes provided by Tailwind CSS, we can easily design and customize our chat interface to enhance the user experience.

Demo Application

Output - How to create a Chat Layout with Tailwind CSS - Clue Mediator

Steps to Create a Chat Layout with Tailwind CSS

Set up a new project
Design the chat header
Create the chat container
Design the chat footer
Customize and enhance the layout
Output

1. Set up a new project

First, let's create a new project folder and set up a basic HTML file. We will also link the Tailwind CSS stylesheet to our HTML file.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <script src="https://cdn.tailwindcss.com"></script>
  <title>Chat Layout with Tailwind CSS</title>
</head>
<body>
  <!-- Your chat layout HTML goes here -->
</body>
</html>

2. Design the chat header

Let's start by adding an attractive header to our chat layout. We can use the bg-gradient-to-r class to create a gradient background color.

<div class="bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-500 to-purple-500 py-4">
  <h1 class="text-white text-2xl font-bold text-center">Chat App - ClueMediator.com</h1>
</div>

3. Create the chat container

Next, let's create the chat container that will hold the messages, input field, and send button. We will use the flex and flex-col classes to create a vertical layout.

<div class="flex-grow overflow-y-auto">
  <div class="flex flex-col space-y-2 p-4">
    <!-- Individual chat message -->
    <div class="self-end bg-blue-500 text-white rounded-lg p-2 flex items-center">
      <span class="material-icons mr-2">person</span>
      <p>This is a sender message</p>
    </div>
    <div class="self-start bg-gray-200 rounded-lg p-2 flex items-center">
      <span class="material-icons mr-2">person</span>
      <p>This is a receiver message</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

4. Design the chat footer

Let's add the footer that will contain the input field and button.

<div class="p-4 flex items-center">
  <input type="text" placeholder="Type your message..." class="border border-gray-300 rounded-lg px-4 py-2 w-full">
  <button class="ml-2 bg-blue-500 text-white px-4 py-2 rounded-lg">Send</button>
</div>

5. Customize and enhance the layout

Feel free to add more styling and customize the chat layout according to your preferences. You can add timestamps, avatars, and other interactive elements to make the chat more dynamic and engaging.

6. Output

Let's add entire code together and see how it looks. You can also use an advanced online playground for Tailwind CSS.

index.html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <script src="https://cdn.tailwindcss.com"></script>
  <title>Chat Layout with Tailwind CSS</title>
</head>
<body>
  <div class="flex h-screen flex-col bg-gray-100">
  <div class="bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-500 to-purple-500 py-4">
    <h1 class="text-center text-2xl font-bold text-white">Chat App - ClueMediator.com</h1>
  </div>
  <div class="flex-grow overflow-y-auto">
    <div class="flex flex-col space-y-2 p-4">
      <!-- Individual chat message -->
      <div class="flex items-center self-end rounded-xl rounded-tr bg-blue-500 py-2 px-3 text-white">
        <p>This is a sender message</p>
      </div>
      <div class="flex items-center self-start rounded-xl rounded-tl bg-gray-300 py-2 px-3">
        <p>This is a receiver message</p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="flex items-center p-4">
    <input type="text" placeholder="Type your message..." class="w-full rounded-lg border border-gray-300 px-4 py-2" />
    <button class="ml-2 rounded-lg bg-blue-500 px-4 py-2 text-white">Send</button>
  </div>
</div>
</body>
</html>

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created a chat layout using Tailwind CSS. By following the step-by-step guide, you learned how to structure the chat container, style the messages, and add an attractive header, and footer. Tailwind CSS's utility classes made it easy to design and customize the layout. Feel free to experiment and add more features to create a unique and interactive chat interface.

Happy coding! 💻✨