What it does
Carbon is IBM’s open-source design system for enterprise interfaces. It combines foundations, components, task patterns and data-visualization guidance with Figma kits and code packages. The core repository uses Apache License 2.0, and the public guidance can be read without signing in.
A data-heavy application can use Carbon at several levels. Its data table is one building block; filtering, loading and empty-state patterns explain the surrounding experience. Chart guidance covers axes, labels, legends and colour palettes.
Choose Start designing for the Figma-kit route or Start developing for implementation guidance. Carbon uses named colour, type and spacing tokens, so designs and code can share the same values. Carbon v11 officially supports React and Web Components; other framework implementations are community projects.
The main Carbon repository is available under Apache License 2.0. Public components and guidance are accessible without an IBM login, but some linked brand and internal resources are reserved for IBM employees. The design guide also distinguishes obtaining a Figma licence from accessing Carbon itself.
Strengths
- Components and task-level patterns are documented together
- Chart guidance includes axes, labels and legends
- Design and code resources share colour, type and spacing tokens
Watch out for
- Frameworks beyond React and Web Components rely on community implementations
- Some linked IBM brand resources require employee access
Best for
- Teams building complex enterprise interfaces
Sources
- Carbon Design System home (Oct 27, 2026)
- Getting started designing with Carbon (Oct 27, 2026)
- Getting started developing with Carbon (Oct 27, 2026)
- Carbon Apache License 2.0 (Oct 27, 2026)