aura-theme

Aura Theme Generator

Generate Vaadin Aura theme CSS files from free-form descriptions.

Workflow

1. Interpret the user's description — identify the intended colors, mood, density, typography, layout, surface hierarchy, semantic brand colors, and any component-specific styling needs.
2. Review relevant references based on what was identified in step 1:
   • Always read references/property-values.md for valid property values and defaults.
   • Select and read the most closely matching reference CSS files as idiomatic examples. Choose based on the interpreted style:
     • references/cozy-paper.css — dark mode, emerald accent, spacious, flat surfaces, mixed content scheme, side nav + button patterns
     • references/fresh-mint.css — same base config as cozy-paper, clean mint variant
     • references/monochrome.css — neutral monochrome, auto color scheme, opaque overlays, monospace font, button border patterns
     • references/night-operator.css — dark operator theme, same nav/button patterns as cozy-paper
     • references/preset-sunset-glass.css — vibrant indigo, very rounded, heavy font weights, card elevation scoping
   • Read references/components.md only when component-specific styling (e.g., Grid) was identified in step 1.
3. Map each interpreted aspect to Aura properties using values from the references (always consider: surface level/opacity, app layout inset, font family, border radius; rarely: palette colors for semantic states; only when explicitly mentioned: component properties)
4. Locate the styles.css file (default: /src/main/resources/META-INF/resources/styles.css)
5. Name the file descriptively
6. Create the theme CSS file in the same directory as styles.css
7. Add an @import statement to styles.css to import the new theme file

File Location and Integration

Finding styles.css:

• Default location: /src/main/resources/META-INF/resources/styles.css
• Search for this path first
• If not found, search for **/styles.css in the workspace

Creating the theme file:

• Create the new CSS file in the same directory where styles.css is located
• Use the descriptive filename determined in step 4

Integrating the theme:

• Add @import "filename.css"; at the top of styles.css (where filename.css is the name of the generated theme file)
• If styles.css already has imports, add the new import before other content

Interpreting Descriptions

Map user intent to Aura properties:

User says	Property to set
dark mode, dark theme	color-scheme: dark
light mode	color-scheme: light
auto/system theme	color-scheme: light dark
mixed mode, dark nav	color-scheme: dark + --aura-content-color-scheme: light
color name as accent (e.g., "emerald", "sky")	--aura-accent-color-light + --aura-accent-color-dark
colorful, vibrant, saturated background	Use Accent background (oklch-derived from accent color)
warm/earthy background	Stone, Taupe, or Olive backgrounds
cool background	Slate, Mist, or Zinc backgrounds
neutral/clean	Neutral or White/Black backgrounds
muted, desaturated, soft colors	Reduce saturation/chroma across palette colors, user colors, and accents
bright, vivid, vibrant colors	Increase saturation/vibrance across palette colors, user colors, and accents
specific brand color for errors, warnings, success	Set corresponding palette color (e.g., --aura-red, --aura-green)
warmer/cooler neutral tones	Adjust --aura-neutral-light and --aura-neutral-dark
compact, dense	--aura-base-size: 12
spacious, roomy	--aura-base-size: 20
sharp, angular, square	--vaadin-radius-s/m/l: 0 (no base radius value gives square corners)
minimal rounding	--aura-base-radius: -1
subtle, slightly rounded	--aura-base-radius: 0
default rounding	--aura-base-radius: 3 (default, omit)
rounded, soft	--aura-base-radius: 4
very rounded	--aura-base-radius: 7 (large surfaces only — small components are clamped)
high contrast, accessible	--aura-contrast-level: 2
subtle, soft contrast	--aura-contrast-level: 0.25
flat, minimal, low surface	--aura-surface-level: -0.5
elevated, layered, card-like	--aura-surface-level: 2
semi-transparent surfaces	--aura-surface-opacity: 0.5 (default)
opaque surfaces	--aura-surface-opacity: 1
small text	--aura-base-font-size: 13
large text	--aura-base-font-size: 16
monospace, code-like	Geist Mono, JetBrains Mono, or Atkinson Hyperlegible Mono
modern, clean font	Inter, Geist, Public Sans, or Manrope
accessible font	Atkinson Hyperlegible Next
opaque overlays, solid dialogs	--aura-overlay-surface-opacity: 1
maximized layout, edge-to-edge, no inset, full screen	--aura-app-layout-inset: 0px
default layout inset	--aura-app-layout-inset: 1.5vmin (default, omit)
allow content area to follow system light/dark	--aura-content-color-scheme: light dark
keep notifications always dark	--aura-notification-color-scheme: dark
notifications follow system	--aura-notification-color-scheme: light dark

Component-specific styling (Navigation — separate selectors, very common):

The side nav patterns below appear in most quality themes. Apply them proactively for any polished app theme:

Pattern	CSS
Accent icons on inactive nav items	vaadin-side-nav-item:not([current]) > vaadin-icon { color: var(--aura-accent-text-color); }
Current nav item: container background, no border	vaadin-side-nav-item[current]::part(content) { --vaadin-side-nav-item-background: var(--vaadin-background-container); --vaadin-side-nav-item-border-color: transparent; }
Nav section labels: uppercase, small, letter-spaced	vaadin-side-nav::part(label) { text-transform: uppercase; font-size: var(--aura-font-size-xs); color: var(--vaadin-text-color); letter-spacing: 0.03em; }

Component-specific styling (Buttons — separate selector, very common):

This pattern is used in most quality themes to make secondary/default buttons feel neutral rather than accented:

:is(vaadin-button, vaadin-menu-bar-button, vaadin-upload-button):not([theme~="primary"], [theme~="tertiary"]) {
  --aura-accent-color-light: var(--aura-neutral);
  --aura-accent-color-dark: var(--aura-neutral);
  --vaadin-button-background: var(--vaadin-background-container);
  --vaadin-button-border-color: transparent;
  --vaadin-button-shadow: none;
}

For monochrome/bordered button style (no fill, just border):

html {
  --vaadin-button-border-color: var(--vaadin-border-color);
  --vaadin-button-shadow: none;
}
:is(vaadin-button, vaadin-menu-bar-button, vaadin-upload-button):not([theme~="primary"]) {
  --vaadin-button-background: var(--vaadin-background-container);
}

Component-specific styling (Font weights — separate html block):

For fonts with multiple weights (e.g., Manrope), adjust the weight scale for a heavier, more polished feel:

html {
  --aura-font-weight-regular: 500;
  --aura-font-weight-medium: 600;
  --aura-font-weight-semibold: 700;
  --vaadin-button-font-weight: 600;
  --vaadin-input-field-value-font-weight: 500;
  --vaadin-checkbox-font-weight: 600;
  --vaadin-radio-button-font-weight: 600;
  --vaadin-message-name-font-weight: 600;
  --vaadin-grid-header-font-weight: 600;
}

Component-specific styling (Cards/Widgets — separate selector):

When a theme uses low global surface level but needs elevated cards:

vaadin-card,
vaadin-dashboard-widget {
  --aura-surface-level: 4;
}

Component-specific styling (Input Fields — applied on html):

User says	Property to set
customize input field appearance, borders, or background	Input field properties (--vaadin-input-field-background, --vaadin-input-field-border-*)
secondary accent for focus indicators	Focus ring color (--vaadin-focus-ring-color)

Component-specific styling (User Colors — applied on html):

User says	Property to set
customize avatar colors or chart palette	User color properties (--vaadin-user-color-0 through --vaadin-user-color-9)
branded color palette for data visualization	Define all 10 user colors to match brand guidelines

Component-specific styling (Grid — separate selector):

User says	Property to set
customize grid borders, background, or corners	Grid container properties (--vaadin-grid-background, --vaadin-grid-border-*, --vaadin-grid-border-radius)
add/adjust row or column borders in grid	Grid structure properties (--vaadin-grid-row-border-width, --vaadin-grid-column-border-width)
customize grid header appearance	Grid header properties (--vaadin-grid-header-font-size, --vaadin-grid-header-font-weight, --vaadin-grid-header-text-color)
set grid row backgrounds or stripes	Grid row properties (--vaadin-grid-row-background-color, --vaadin-grid-row-odd-background-color)

Important considerations:

• Read-only properties: Never set a property listed under Read-only in the reference's Property Index. Aura computes those, and overriding one breaks the color-scheme or contrast behavior it exists to provide — set the properties named alongside it instead.
• Border radius: --aura-base-radius scales three derived steps rather than setting a radius directly. --vaadin-radius-s is clamped at 0.25lh, so buttons and inputs stop changing above base 3 — raising it affects cards and dialogs only, and no base value yields square corners. For "square", set --vaadin-radius-s/m/l: 0 directly (see reference).
• Colorful backgrounds: When the user wants a vibrant/colorful UI, use the Accent background option with oklch formulas (see reference) instead of named backgrounds.
• Color palette adjustment: Adjust palette colors (--aura-red, --aura-green, etc.) to match the overall style (muted, bright, brand-specific). Keep color hues consistent (red stays red-ish, green stays green-ish) but adjust tone/saturation. Text colors are automatically derived.
• User colors adjustment: Adjust user color palette (--vaadin-user-color-*) to match the overall style for consistent visual appearance in avatars and charts.
• Component styling: Include side nav and button patterns proactively for polished app themes — they appear in the majority of quality reference themes. Grid properties only when explicitly mentioned.
• Surface level/opacity: Consider visual hierarchy needs. --aura-surface-level: -0.5 (flat) is common in modern themes. Pair with card elevation scoping when needed.
• Content color scheme: --aura-content-color-scheme: light dark allows the content area to follow the system preference, commonly combined with a fixed dark or light color-scheme for the nav.
• App layout inset: Always use a unit (0px not 0). This is required for CSS calc() functions.
• Fonts: Use only the curated fonts from the reference. Each has a pre-defined import URL.

Output Rules

1. Only include non-default properties. Omit anything that matches the default value.
2. Always pair light and dark accent colors from the same hue family.
3. Always pair light and dark background colors — either by name (Zinc/Zinc) or using the Accent option with matching oklch formulas.
4. Include @import for fonts using the exact URL from the curated font list when a custom font family is set.
5. Core Aura properties go on the html selector. Additional component token overrides that apply globally may use a second html {} block.
6. Include color-scheme on html when not using the default (light).
7. Use preset values from the reference for sizes, radii, contrast, surface levels, and surface opacity. Custom hex colors are only allowed when the user explicitly requests a specific color not in the presets.
8. App layout inset must include a unit (e.g., 0px not 0).
9. Include side nav and button component patterns for any general app theme unless the user says the app has no navigation or custom button styles. These patterns come directly from the reference themes.
10. Scope --aura-surface-level to vaadin-card, vaadin-dashboard-widget when the global surface level is flat (-0.5) but cards need to stand out.

File Naming

Name the output CSS file descriptively based on its configuration. Patterns:

• {accent}-{background}.css — e.g., emerald-zinc.css, sky-neutral.css
• {accent}-{density}-{font}.css — when density or font is distinctive
• Use lowercase, hyphen-separated names

CSS File Structure

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=FONT_NAME:wght@RANGE&display=swap');

/* Core Aura configuration */
html {
  color-scheme: VALUE;
  --aura-accent-color-dark: VALUE;
  --aura-accent-color-light: VALUE;
  --aura-app-layout-inset: VALUE;
  --aura-background-color-dark: VALUE;
  --aura-background-color-light: VALUE;
  --aura-base-font-size: VALUE;
  --aura-base-radius: VALUE;
  --aura-base-size: VALUE;
  --aura-content-color-scheme: VALUE;
  --aura-contrast-level: VALUE;
  --aura-font-family: VALUE;
  --aura-notification-color-scheme: VALUE;
  --aura-overlay-surface-opacity: VALUE;
  --aura-surface-level: VALUE;
  --aura-surface-opacity: VALUE;
  /* palette colors only when needed */
  --aura-blue: VALUE;
  --aura-green: VALUE;
  --aura-neutral-dark: VALUE;
  --aura-neutral-light: VALUE;
  --aura-orange: VALUE;
  --aura-purple: VALUE;
  --aura-red: VALUE;
  --aura-yellow: VALUE;
}

/* Side nav styling (include for most app themes) */
vaadin-side-nav-item:not([current]) > vaadin-icon {
  color: var(--aura-accent-text-color);
}

vaadin-side-nav-item[current]::part(content) {
  --vaadin-side-nav-item-background: var(--vaadin-background-container);
  --vaadin-side-nav-item-border-color: transparent;
}

vaadin-side-nav::part(label) {
  text-transform: uppercase;
  font-size: var(--aura-font-size-xs);
  color: var(--vaadin-text-color);
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
}

/* Button styling — neutral secondary/default buttons (include for most app themes) */
:is(vaadin-button, vaadin-menu-bar-button, vaadin-upload-button):not([theme~="primary"], [theme~="tertiary"]) {
  --aura-accent-color-light: var(--aura-neutral);
  --aura-accent-color-dark: var(--aura-neutral);
  --vaadin-button-background: var(--vaadin-background-container);
  --vaadin-button-border-color: transparent;
  --vaadin-button-shadow: none;
}

/* Card/widget elevation (include when global surface-level is flat) */
vaadin-card,
vaadin-dashboard-widget {
  --aura-surface-level: 4;
}

/* Font weights (include for variable-weight fonts like Manrope) */
html {
  --aura-font-weight-regular: VALUE;
  --aura-font-weight-medium: VALUE;
  --aura-font-weight-semibold: VALUE;
  --vaadin-button-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-input-field-value-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-checkbox-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-radio-button-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-message-name-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-header-font-weight: VALUE;
}

/* Input fields (only when explicitly requested) */
html {
  --vaadin-focus-ring-color: VALUE;
  --vaadin-input-field-background: VALUE;
  --vaadin-input-field-border-color: VALUE;
  --vaadin-input-field-border-radius: VALUE;
  --vaadin-input-field-border-width: VALUE;
}

/* User colors for avatars/charts (only when explicitly requested) */
html {
  --vaadin-user-color-0: VALUE;
  /* ... through --vaadin-user-color-9 */
}

/* Grid (only when explicitly requested) */
vaadin-grid {
  --vaadin-grid-background: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-border-color: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-border-radius: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-border-width: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-column-border-width: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-header-font-size: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-header-font-weight: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-header-text-color: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-row-background-color: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-row-border-width: VALUE;
  --vaadin-grid-row-odd-background-color: VALUE;
}

Omit the @import line if no custom font. Omit any property that uses its default value. Sort properties alphabetically within each block. Include only the sections relevant to the generated theme.

Examples

Refer to the reference CSS files for full, complete, idiomatic examples — they are the gold standard:

• Dark mode, emerald accent, spacious, accessible font, flat surfaces, mixed content scheme, nav + neutral buttons: references/cozy-paper.css and references/night-operator.css
• Neutral monochrome, auto color scheme, opaque overlays, monospace font, bordered buttons: references/monochrome.css
• Vibrant indigo, very rounded, heavy font weights, card elevation, system color scheme: references/preset-sunset-glass.css

User prompt: "Vibrant and colorful with yellow accents"

html {
  --aura-accent-color-dark: #FACC15;
  --aura-accent-color-light: #efb100;
  --aura-background-color-dark: oklch(from var(--aura-accent-color-dark) 0.18 calc(c * 0.3) h);
  --aura-background-color-light: oklch(from var(--aura-accent-color-light) 0.9 calc(c * 0.3) h);
  --aura-contrast-level: 2;
}

User prompt: "Use our brand colors: #FF0000 for errors, #00AA00 for success"

html {
  --aura-green: #00AA00;
  --aura-red: #FF0000;
}

User prompt: "Make the grid have rounded corners, no outer border, and add subtle column dividers"

vaadin-grid {
  --vaadin-grid-border-radius: var(--vaadin-radius-m);
  --vaadin-grid-border-width: 0;
  --vaadin-grid-column-border-width: 1px;
}

User prompt: "Make input fields have a light background with a subtle border and use purple for focus indicators"

html {
  --vaadin-focus-ring-color: #9810fa;
  --vaadin-input-field-background: var(--vaadin-background-container);
  --vaadin-input-field-border-color: var(--vaadin-border-color-subtle);
  --vaadin-input-field-border-width: 1px;
}

User prompt: "Use our brand color palette for avatars and charts"

html {
  --vaadin-user-color-0: #2E7D32;
  --vaadin-user-color-1: #1565C0;
  --vaadin-user-color-2: #C62828;
  --vaadin-user-color-3: #F57C00;
  --vaadin-user-color-4: #7B1FA2;
  --vaadin-user-color-5: #00838F;
  --vaadin-user-color-6: #558B2F;
  --vaadin-user-color-7: #D32F2F;
  --vaadin-user-color-8: #1976D2;
  --vaadin-user-color-9: #E64A19;
}