Nordic

# DESIGN.md — Nordic

> Design context for AI coding agents. Paste this file into Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, v0 or Lovable
> before asking for UI, or commit it at your repo root as `DESIGN.md`.

- **Source:** [Nordic on CSS Crème](https://csscreme.com/themes/nordic)
- **Default mode:** light
- **Tags:** blue, calm, minimal
- **Install as a real shadcn/ui theme:** `npx shadcn@latest add https://csscreme.com/r/nordic.json`
- **Fingerprint:** `fnv1a-c67ee52b` — a hash of the token set below. It changes only when a token changes.
- **Verify this copy:** call the MCP tool `verify_design_md` with `{ "id": "nordic", "fingerprint": "fnv1a-c67ee52b" }`
  at `https://csscreme.com/mcp`, or refetch https://csscreme.com/d/nordic.md. A stale copy is worse than none: an agent will follow it faithfully.
- **Also available as:** [DTCG tokens](https://csscreme.com/d/nordic.tokens.json) for Tokens Studio / Figma Variables · [agent rules block](https://csscreme.com/d/nordic.rules.md) for CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or .cursor/rules

Cool arctic greys and a muted frost-blue primary — a calm, low-contrast Scandinavian palette that is easy to live in all day.

---

## Semantic color roles

Six roles carry the identity. Everything else in this file is derived from them.

| Role | Hex | OKLCH | Use it for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `bg` | `#ECEFF4` | `oklch(95.1% 0.007 260.7)` | page background |
| `surface` | `#FFFFFF` | `oklch(100.0% 0.000 89.9)` | cards, panels, popovers |
| `primary` | `#5E81AC` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | brand actions: primary buttons, links, focus rings |
| `accent` | `#88C0D0` | `oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5)` | secondary emphasis only, never a second primary |
| `text` | `#2E3440` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | body and heading text |
| `muted` | `#4C566A` | `oklch(45.2% 0.035 264.1)` | secondary text, borders, disabled states |

## Full token set (shadcn/ui, both modes)

Colors are OKLCH (Tailwind v4 / shadcn native). Brand colors are identical in both modes by design:
only the neutrals move, and they keep their hue, so light and dark read as the same design system.

| Token | Light | Dark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `--background` | `oklch(95.1% 0.007 260.7)` | `oklch(18.5% 0.005 248.1)` |
| `--foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--card` | `oklch(100.0% 0.000 89.9)` | `oklch(25.2% 0.000 89.9)` |
| `--card-foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--popover` | `oklch(100.0% 0.000 89.9)` | `oklch(25.2% 0.000 89.9)` |
| `--popover-foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--primary` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` |
| `--primary-foreground` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` |
| `--secondary` | `oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5)` | `oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1)` |
| `--secondary-foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--muted` | `oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5)` | `oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1)` |
| `--muted-foreground` | `oklch(45.2% 0.035 264.1)` | `oklch(70.3% 0.009 271.3)` |
| `--accent` | `oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5)` | `oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5)` |
| `--accent-foreground` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` |
| `--destructive` | `oklch(62.6% 0.193 23.0)` | `oklch(62.6% 0.193 23.0)` |
| `--destructive-foreground` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` |
| `--border` | `oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3)` | `oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3)` |
| `--input` | `oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3)` | `oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3)` |
| `--ring` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` |
| `--chart-1` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` |
| `--chart-2` | `oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5)` | `oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5)` |
| `--chart-3` | `oklch(53.4% 0.120 291.9)` | `oklch(53.4% 0.120 291.9)` |
| `--chart-4` | `oklch(69.2% 0.079 185.9)` | `oklch(69.2% 0.079 185.9)` |
| `--chart-5` | `oklch(68.7% 0.065 236.7)` | `oklch(68.7% 0.065 236.7)` |
| `--sidebar` | `oklch(97.6% 0.004 271.4)` | `oklch(22.1% 0.002 247.9)` |
| `--sidebar-foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--sidebar-primary` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` |
| `--sidebar-primary-foreground` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` | `oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3)` |
| `--sidebar-accent` | `oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5)` | `oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1)` |
| `--sidebar-accent-foreground` | `oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2)` | `oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4)` |
| `--sidebar-border` | `oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3)` | `oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3)` |
| `--sidebar-ring` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` | `oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0)` |

**What is measured and what is derived.** The six roles are the source. `chart-*` and `sidebar-*` follow
fixed rules over them (chart-1 = primary, chart-2 = accent, chart-3/4 = primary rotated ±40°, chart-5 = the
primary–accent midpoint; sidebar maps onto surface, border and primary). `shadow-*` is the foreground
colour at a fixed opacity per step. None of those is a measurement, and an agent should treat them as
defaults it may override, unlike the six roles, which it may not.

## Typography

- **Headings:** Inter
- **Body:** Inter

## Shape and rhythm

- **Radius:** `8px` (the `--radius` token; derive smaller/larger from it, do not invent new values)
- **Spacing scale:** 4px base · 4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 24 / 32

## Contrast, measured

Computed from the tokens above in light mode, not asserted. Ratios are WCAG 2.1 relative luminance.

| Pair | Foreground | Background | Ratio | Verdict |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Body text on page background | `#2E3440` | `#ECEFF4` | 10.84:1 | AAA |
| Body text on card | `#2E3440` | `#FFFFFF` | 12.49:1 | AAA |
| Muted text on page background | `#4C566A` | `#ECEFF4` | 6.4:1 | AA |
| Button label on primary | `#0b0b0f` | `#5E81AC` | 4.88:1 | AA |
| Button label on accent | `#0b0b0f` | `#88C0D0` | 9.82:1 | AAA |

## Rules for the agent

These are constraints, not suggestions. Each one is checkable against the tables above.

1. **Use only the tokens listed here.** Do not introduce a hex value that is not in the token table. If
   you need an in-between shade, mix two existing tokens rather than inventing a new hue.
2. **`#5E81AC` (primary) is the only call-to-action color.** One primary action per view. `accent`
   is for secondary emphasis and must never be styled as a second primary button.
3. **Never restyle brand colors between light and dark.** Only neutrals change mode. A theme whose
   primary shifts between modes is a different theme.
4. **Respect the radius token.** Every corner derives from `8px`. Mixed radii across a view is
   the most common tell of generated UI.
5. **Stay on the spacing scale.** 4px base · 4 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 24 / 32. No arbitrary pixel values.
6. **Do not drop below the contrast ratios above.** If a combination you need is not in the contrast
   table, compute it before shipping it. Text under 4.5:1 fails AA.
7. **Headings in Inter, body in Inter.** Do not add a third family.
8. **Use the semantic role, not the raw color.** Write `var(--primary)`, never `#5E81AC`, so the
   theme stays swappable.

## CSS variables

Paste into `globals.css`:

```css
:root {
  --background: oklch(95.1% 0.007 260.7);
  --foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --card: oklch(100.0% 0.000 89.9);
  --card-foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --popover: oklch(100.0% 0.000 89.9);
  --popover-foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --primary: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --primary-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --secondary: oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5);
  --secondary-foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --muted: oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5);
  --muted-foreground: oklch(45.2% 0.035 264.1);
  --accent: oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5);
  --accent-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --destructive: oklch(62.6% 0.193 23.0);
  --destructive-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --border: oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3);
  --input: oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3);
  --ring: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --chart-1: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --chart-2: oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5);
  --chart-3: oklch(53.4% 0.120 291.9);
  --chart-4: oklch(69.2% 0.079 185.9);
  --chart-5: oklch(68.7% 0.065 236.7);
  --sidebar: oklch(97.6% 0.004 271.4);
  --sidebar-foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --sidebar-primary: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --sidebar-primary-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --sidebar-accent: oklch(98.2% 0.003 264.5);
  --sidebar-accent-foreground: oklch(32.4% 0.023 264.2);
  --sidebar-border: oklch(78.5% 0.017 266.3);
  --sidebar-ring: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --radius: 8px;
  --shadow-2xs: 0 1px 2px 0px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.05);
  --shadow-xs: 0 1px 3px 0px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.06);
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px 0px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.08), 0 1px 2px -1px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.08);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 6px -1px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.09), 0 2px 4px -2px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.09);
  --shadow-lg: 0 10px 15px -3px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.1), 0 4px 6px -4px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.1);
  --shadow-xl: 0 20px 25px -5px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.12), 0 8px 10px -6px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.12);
  --shadow-2xl: 0 25px 50px -12px rgb(46 52 64 / 0.22);
  --spacing: 4px;
}

.dark {
  --background: oklch(18.5% 0.005 248.1);
  --foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --card: oklch(25.2% 0.000 89.9);
  --card-foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --popover: oklch(25.2% 0.000 89.9);
  --popover-foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --primary: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --primary-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --secondary: oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1);
  --secondary-foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --muted: oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1);
  --muted-foreground: oklch(70.3% 0.009 271.3);
  --accent: oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5);
  --accent-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --destructive: oklch(62.6% 0.193 23.0);
  --destructive-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --border: oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3);
  --input: oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3);
  --ring: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --chart-1: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --chart-2: oklch(77.5% 0.062 217.5);
  --chart-3: oklch(53.4% 0.120 291.9);
  --chart-4: oklch(69.2% 0.079 185.9);
  --chart-5: oklch(68.7% 0.065 236.7);
  --sidebar: oklch(22.1% 0.002 247.9);
  --sidebar-foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --sidebar-primary: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --sidebar-primary-foreground: oklch(15.2% 0.009 285.3);
  --sidebar-accent: oklch(23.0% 0.002 197.1);
  --sidebar-accent-foreground: oklch(96.4% 0.001 286.4);
  --sidebar-border: oklch(34.8% 0.006 258.3);
  --sidebar-ring: oklch(59.4% 0.077 254.0);
  --shadow-2xs: 0 1px 2px 0px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.16);
  --shadow-xs: 0 1px 3px 0px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.18);
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px 0px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.22), 0 1px 2px -1px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.22);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 6px -1px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.26), 0 2px 4px -2px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.26);
  --shadow-lg: 0 10px 15px -3px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.3), 0 4px 6px -4px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.3);
  --shadow-xl: 0 20px 25px -5px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.34), 0 8px 10px -6px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.34);
  --shadow-2xl: 0 25px 50px -12px rgb(243 243 244 / 0.45);
}
```

Tailwind v4 maps them into utilities:

```css
@theme inline {
  --color-background: var(--background);
  --color-foreground: var(--foreground);
  --color-card: var(--card);
  --color-card-foreground: var(--card-foreground);
  --color-popover: var(--popover);
  --color-popover-foreground: var(--popover-foreground);
  --color-primary: var(--primary);
  --color-primary-foreground: var(--primary-foreground);
  --color-secondary: var(--secondary);
  --color-secondary-foreground: var(--secondary-foreground);
  --color-muted: var(--muted);
  --color-muted-foreground: var(--muted-foreground);
  --color-accent: var(--accent);
  --color-accent-foreground: var(--accent-foreground);
  --color-destructive: var(--destructive);
  --color-destructive-foreground: var(--destructive-foreground);
  --color-border: var(--border);
  --color-input: var(--input);
  --color-ring: var(--ring);
  --color-chart-1: var(--chart-1);
  --color-chart-2: var(--chart-2);
  --color-chart-3: var(--chart-3);
  --color-chart-4: var(--chart-4);
  --color-chart-5: var(--chart-5);
  --color-sidebar: var(--sidebar);
  --color-sidebar-foreground: var(--sidebar-foreground);
  --color-sidebar-primary: var(--sidebar-primary);
  --color-sidebar-primary-foreground: var(--sidebar-primary-foreground);
  --color-sidebar-accent: var(--sidebar-accent);
  --color-sidebar-accent-foreground: var(--sidebar-accent-foreground);
  --color-sidebar-border: var(--sidebar-border);
  --color-sidebar-ring: var(--sidebar-ring);
  --radius: var(--radius);
  --radius-sm: calc(var(--radius) - 4px);
  --radius-md: calc(var(--radius) - 2px);
  --radius-lg: var(--radius);
  --radius-xl: calc(var(--radius) + 4px);
  --shadow-2xs: var(--shadow-2xs);
  --shadow-xs: var(--shadow-xs);
  --shadow-sm: var(--shadow-sm);
  --shadow-md: var(--shadow-md);
  --shadow-lg: var(--shadow-lg);
  --shadow-xl: var(--shadow-xl);
  --shadow-2xl: var(--shadow-2xl);
  --spacing: var(--spacing);
}
```

---

Generated by [CSS Crème](https://csscreme.com) — curated web design, decoded so you can build it.
Every value above is computed from the palette, not written by hand.