Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use MUI: install, build mobile screens and tips

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

MUI is an open-source front-end framework for building mobile app interfaces with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It is aimed at developers who want app-like screens in the browser or in a hybrid app, with styled components instead of plain browser controls. After this guide you will know what MUI is for, how to get its code, what its README covers, and where its documentation gaps are.

MUIdcloudio/mui · ★ 13.5k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your basics. Make sure you are comfortable with HTML, CSS and JavaScript before starting, since the README gives no beginner setup guide.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/dcloudio/mui in the folder where you want the project.
  3. 3Read the official docs. Open https://dev.dcloud.net.cn/mui/ to learn how to include the framework and use its components.
  4. 4Create a test page. Make a plain HTML file that links the MUI files from the clone.
  5. 5Add one component. Choose a component from the docs, add its markup and confirm it renders on a mobile-sized view.
  6. 6Try HBuilder snippets (optional). If you use HBuilder, type MUI snippet abbreviations to generate component HTML faster.

What MUI is and what problems it targets

MUI's README says that browser-based mobile apps often suffer from white screens when switching pages, janky animations, floating elements that shake, and pull-to-refresh that does not run smoothly. It also notes that default browser control styles are limited and that building attractive controls by hand is time-consuming.

MUI positions itself as a way to build high-performance app-like screens and provides styled UI components. The README makes these claims but does not document its full feature set, so treat specific capabilities as something to verify in the official docs.

  • Targets: mobile-style web and hybrid app screens
  • Provides: styled UI components
  • Language stack: HTML, CSS and JavaScript

Get the MUI code: install steps

The README lists one install method, which is cloning the repository with git. The README lists no prerequisites. Run the command below in the folder where you want the project to live.

The README does not include a package manager install, a CDN link, or a beginner setup guide. The official documentation site at https://dev.dcloud.net.cn/mui/ is the place to check for how to include the framework in a page.

git clone https://github.com/dcloudio/mui

Use MUI with HBuilder for faster component markup

The README says MUI components are packaged as code snippets in the HBuilder editor. Typing a short abbreviation generates the HTML for a given component. The README recommends using MUI together with HBuilder.

If you do not use HBuilder, you will need to write the component HTML yourself, based on the official documentation.

  • Open the HBuilder editor
  • Type a short MUI snippet abbreviation to generate component HTML
  • Adjust the generated markup for your screen

Build your first mobile-style screen

Start from a plain HTML page that links MUI's CSS and JavaScript files from the cloned repository. Then add components from the official documentation, testing each one on a phone or in a mobile-sized browser view. The README's Hello MUI app is a useful reference for seeing components in action on a phone.

Keep the page simple at first. Add one component, check that it behaves as expected, then add the next.

  • Create an HTML file and link the MUI files from the clone
  • Add one component at a time from the official docs
  • Preview on a phone or a narrow browser window
  • Try the Hello MUI demo for a reference of the UI

Decide whether MUI fits your project

MUI suits developers who know HTML and CSS and want prebuilt mobile UI pieces. It is a weaker fit where you need active, recently maintained tooling, or React or Vue integration, because the README does not address those.

Comparable projects named for this category include Framework7, Ionic, Onsen UI and Vant. Compare them on maintenance activity, framework support and documentation before you commit.

  • Good fit: HTML/CSS/JS developers who want prebuilt mobile components
  • Check first: maintenance status, since the README is brief on current upkeep
  • Check first: React or Vue support, which the README does not cover

What people use it for

  • Building a mobile-style web page with styled buttons, lists and navigation
  • Prototyping hybrid app screens using HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Generating component markup quickly with HBuilder snippets
  • Testing the look of prebuilt mobile controls in the Hello MUI demo

Frequently asked questions

How do I install MUI?

The README's documented install method is to clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/dcloudio/mui. It lists no package manager install or prerequisites, so check the official docs at https://dev.dcloud.net.cn/mui/ for how to include it in your page.

Is MUI free to use?

Yes. The README states that MUI is released under the MIT License, which is a permissive open-source licence. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.

What do I need before using MUI?

The README lists no prerequisites. Because it has no beginner setup guide, you should already know basic HTML, CSS and JavaScript before starting.

Does MUI work with React or Vue?

The README does not address React or Vue integration, so this project does not confirm that support. If you use those frameworks, check the official docs or compare alternatives such as Framework7, Ionic, Onsen UI or Vant.

What are good alternatives to MUI?

Comparable projects mentioned for this category are Framework7, Ionic, Onsen UI and Vant. Compare maintenance activity, framework support and documentation before choosing.

Why is my MUI page not working?

The README does not include a troubleshooting section. Start by confirming that the MUI files are linked correctly and that you are following the current official documentation at https://dev.dcloud.net.cn/mui/.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

MUI is worth trying if you know HTML, CSS and JavaScript and want prebuilt, app-like mobile components, especially if you use HBuilder. Pick a different framework if you need actively maintained tooling, React or Vue integration, or a beginner-friendly setup guide.

Install options & downloads