plain.elements
Build reusable HTML components using a tag-based syntax.
Overview
Elements give you a component-like syntax for HTML templates. Instead of using Jinja {% include %} or macros, you write components as .html files and use them with capitalized HTML tags like <Button> or <Card>.
To create an element, add a template in templates/elements/. The filename becomes the tag name.
<!-- templates/elements/Button.html -->
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary">
{{ children }}
</button>
To use elements in a template, add {% use_elements %} at the top. Then use your element with its capitalized tag name.
{% use_elements %}
<div class="actions">
<Button>Click me</Button>
</div>
The output will be:
<div class="actions">
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary">
Click me
</button>
</div>
Passing attributes
You can pass attributes to elements in two ways: as strings or as Python expressions.
String attributes use standard HTML syntax:
{% use_elements %}
<Button type="submit">Save</Button>
Python expressions use single braces {}:
{% use_elements %}
<FormInput field={form.email} label="Email address" />
Inside the element template, attributes become template variables:
<!-- templates/elements/FormInput.html -->
<label for="{{ field.html_id }}">{{ label }}</label>
<input
id="{{ field.html_id }}"
type="{{ type|default('text') }}"
name="{{ field.html_name }}"
value="{{ field.value() or '' }}"
{% if field.field.required %}required{% endif %}
/>
By default, Plain raises an error for undefined variables. Use the |default filter or is defined test for optional attributes.
Nested content with children
Content between opening and closing tags is available as the children variable.
<!-- templates/elements/Card.html -->
<div class="card">
<div class="card-body">
{{ children }}
</div>
</div>
{% use_elements %}
<Card>
<h2>Welcome</h2>
<p>This content appears inside the card body.</p>
</Card>
Self-closing elements don't have children:
{% use_elements %}
<Divider />
Namespaced elements
You can organize elements into subdirectories. This is particularly useful for reusable packages or grouping related components.
Put the element template in a subdirectory of templates/elements/:
<!-- templates/elements/forms/Input.html -->
<input type="text" class="form-input" />
Use the dot-separated path as the tag name:
{% use_elements %}
<forms.Input />
FAQs
Can I nest the same element inside itself?
No. Elements cannot be nested inside themselves to prevent infinite recursion. If you need recursive structures, split them into separate element types.
Why use capitalized tag names?
Capitalized names like <Button> distinguish your elements from built-in HTML tags like <button>. This prevents conflicts and makes it clear which tags are custom components.
How does this compare to Jinja macros?
Elements are simpler for component-style usage. Macros require import statements and use function-call syntax. Elements look like HTML and feel more natural when building UIs. Use macros when you need complex logic or multiple return values.
Can I use elements without {% use_elements %}?
No. The {% use_elements %} tag enables element processing for that template. Without it, capitalized tags will be treated as literal text.
Installation
Install the plain.elements package:
uv add plain.elements
Add it to your INSTALLED_PACKAGES:
# app/settings.py
INSTALLED_PACKAGES = [
# ...
"plain.elements",
]
Create your first element template:
<!-- templates/elements/Alert.html -->
<div class="alert alert-{{ type|default('info') }}">
{{ children }}
</div>
Use it in any template:
{% use_elements %}
<Alert type="success">
Your changes have been saved.
</Alert>