Common Problems

When PikaCSS output looks wrong, the problem is usually one of a small set of misunderstandings.

`pika()` did not generate what I expected

Check these first:

Is the file included in scan patterns?
Is pika.css imported?
Is the style input static?
Did you inspect generated CSS or generated typings?

I used runtime values inside `pika()`

This is the most common issue.

// pika() is available as a global function — no import needed

// ❌ Runtime variable — cannot be evaluated at build time
const userColor = getUserPreference()
const btn = pika({
	backgroundColor: userColor, // Error: userColor is not statically analyzable
})

Use predeclared variants, selectors, shortcuts, or variables instead.

If you are trying to pass per-instance runtime values, use CSS variables and bind them yourself as described in Dynamic Values With CSS Variables.

// pika() is available as a global function — no import needed

// ✅ Static object literal — works perfectly
const btn = pika({
	backgroundColor: 'blue',
	color: 'white',
	padding: '8px 16px',
})

I edited generated files and my changes disappeared

That is expected. Generated files are output artifacts, not source files. Fix the source call, config, or integration setup instead.

I added a plugin but nothing changed

Verify whether you configured a built-in capability or registered an external plugin. They use different configuration entry points.

My theme logic feels repetitive

That is usually a signal to move token values into variables and move theme context into selectors.

The build works but team usage is drifting

Add the ESLint integration and standardize config-level selectors, variables, and shortcuts. PikaCSS stays maintainable when project conventions are centralized.

Common Problems ​

pika() did not generate what I expected ​

I used runtime values inside pika() ​

I edited generated files and my changes disappeared ​

I added a plugin but nothing changed ​

My theme logic feels repetitive ​

The build works but team usage is drifting ​

Next ​