App builders · guidance updated 4 Oct 2026
v0 prompt guide
v0 uses its own models by default and lets you add custom models from Vercel AI Gateway, with thinking effort and fast-mode controls. It works best with Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind, shadcn/ui and AI SDK 6.
How to prompt v0
- Start simple: describe what you're building and who it's for in one or two sentences.
- Prompt for the Vercel stack (Next.js App Router, Tailwind, shadcn/ui) unless the user needs something else.
- Build one component or page at a time, core first, then add features progressively.
- Give specific UI and UX preferences: layout, colour scheme, components, interactions.
- Spell out functionality and data, including what happens on errors and with empty data.
- For complex projects, ask v0 to plan first (Plan Mode instruction) and approve the plan before it codes.
- Ask v0 to ask clarifying questions when requirements are unclear.
- Attach screenshots or Figma frames as visual references where you have them.
- Name integrations explicitly (database, auth, AI SDK, external APIs) so v0 wires them up.
- Save standing preferences as custom Instructions or Rules instead of repeating them.
The shape of a good prompt
[What it is and who it's for] [Stack: Next.js + Tailwind + shadcn/ui unless stated] [This step: page or component] [Layout and visual style] [Functionality and data] [States and error handling] [Integrations] [Plan first / ask questions if unclear]
Avoid
- Asking for a full multi-page product in one go
- Leaving out design direction and getting generic shadcn defaults
- Non-React or non-web stacks that v0 isn't optimised for
- Leaving out error and empty-state handling
Example
Request a pricing page for my SaaS
Create a pricing page for a B2B SaaS that schedules social media posts, aimed at small marketing teams. Stack: Next.js App Router, Tailwind, shadcn/ui components. Layout: headline + subhead, monthly/annual toggle (annual shows '2 months free'), 3 tier cards (Starter $19, Team $49 highlighted as 'Most popular', Agency $129) with 5 feature bullets each, a feature comparison table, and a 5-question FAQ accordion. Style: clean and confident: white background, indigo accent, Inter, soft shadows, rounded-xl cards. Behaviour: toggle updates prices without reload; CTA buttons link to /signup?plan=<tier>. Fully responsive: cards stack on mobile. If anything is unclear, ask me before building.