Creating Custom Add-ons for Storybook

Introduction

Custom add-ons in Storybook allow developers to enhance their component development with additional functionalities and tools. This lesson will guide you through the process of creating your own add-ons.

Key Concepts

What is an Add-on?

An add-on in Storybook is a plugin that extends the capabilities of Storybook, allowing you to add features like custom panels, toolbar items, and more.

Core Components of an Add-on

API: An interface to interact with Storybook.
UI: Custom user interfaces that can be integrated into Storybook.
Configuration: Settings that define the behavior of the add-on.

Installation

To start creating an add-on, ensure you have Storybook installed. You can create a new add-on using the following command:

npx -p @storybook/cli sb init --type addon

This will set up the necessary folder structure and files for your new add-on.

Creating Your Add-on

Step 1: Set Up Your Add-on

Navigate to your add-on folder:

cd your-addon-name

Step 2: Create an Add-on Script

Create a new file named `register.js` in the add-on folder. This file will contain the logic to register your add-on:

import { addons } from '@storybook/addons';
import { create } from '@storybook/theming';

const theme = create({
  base: 'light',
  brandTitle: 'My Add-on',
});

addons.setConfig({
  theme,
});

Step 3: Add a Panel

In your `register.js`, add a panel to the Storybook UI:

addons.register('my-addon', (api) => {
  addons.addPanel('my-addon/panel', {
    title: 'My Panel',
    render: () => Hello from my add-on!,
  });
});

Step 4: Build and Test Your Add-on

After setting up, build your add-on and test it in your Storybook environment:

npm run build

Best Practices

Note: Always maintain clear documentation for your add-ons to help others understand how to use them effectively.

Keep your add-on lightweight and focused on a specific function.
Utilize Storybook's API to interact with the Storybook state effectively.
Test your add-on thoroughly in various Storybook configurations.

FAQ

What languages are used to create Storybook Add-ons?

Storybook add-ons are typically written in JavaScript or TypeScript.

Can I share my add-on with others?

Yes, you can publish your add-on as an npm package, allowing others to install it easily.

How can I debug my add-on?

You can use the browser's developer tools to debug your add-on while running Storybook.

Workflow for Creating an Add-on


graph TD;
    A[Start] --> B[Set Up Add-on];
    B --> C[Create Add-on Script];
    C --> D[Add Panel];
    D --> E[Build & Test];
    E --> F[Done];