When I first started working on React projects, I remember struggling with one small but annoying thing — adding icons. 
I’d copy SVGs, import them manually, and end up with a mess of inconsistent sizes and colors.

Then I discovered react js icons — and everything changed.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to use react-icons and install Font Awesome in your React app, step by step.
If you’re new to React or still confused about how icons fit into your project’s UI, trust me — by the end of this, you’ll be adding icons like a pro.

What Are React JS Icons and Why Use Them?

 

Let’s start simple.

React js icons are basically prebuilt icon components that you can directly import into your React app.
Instead of downloading icon packs manually or messing with SVGs, you just use a simple package — react-icons — which supports tons of icon libraries like:

• Font Awesome (FA)

• Material Design Icons (MDI)

• Bootstrap Icons

• Feather Icons

• Remix Icons

…and many more!

Think of it as a “one-stop shop” for all your favorite icon packs.

The beauty? You can scale, color, and style these icons just like any other React component. No more worrying about SVGs breaking or not aligning properly.

When I first switched to using react js icons, my UI development time dropped drastically. I spent less time designing icons and more time focusing on functionality.

Step 1: Create a New React App

If you already have a React project, feel free to skip this step.

But for beginners, open your terminal and run:

npx create-react-app my-react-icons-app

Then move into your project directory:

cd my-react-icons-app

Step 2: Install React Icons Library

Here’s where the magic begins.

In your terminal, type:

npm install react-icons --save

Or, if you’re a Yarn user,

yarn add react-icons

That’s it. You’ve just installed react js icons, which means you now have access to hundreds of icon sets, including Font Awesome, all in one package.

Step 3: Import Font Awesome Icons in Your React Component

Now comes the fun part — using Font Awesome icons in your React app.

Open your App.js file and import the icons you want. For example:

import { FaMug, FaReact } from "react-icons/fa";

Here,

• FaMug is a beer mug icon 🍺

• FaReact is the React logo 💙

Now you can simply use them as components:

function App() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome to My React App! <FaReact /></h1>
      <p>Let’s grab a beer! <FaBeer /></p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

you’ve got icons on your screen!

Step 4: Style Your React JS Icons

One thing I love about react js icons is how easily you can style them.

You can change size, color, and even animations using CSS or inline styles:

<FaReact size="3em" color="#61DBFB" />
<FaBeer size="2em" color="goldenrod" />

Or even make them spin!

You can use CSS animations like:

.spin {
  animation: spin 3s infinite linear;
}

@keyframes spin {
  100% {
    transform: rotate(360deg);
  }
}

And then apply the class:

<FaReact className="spin" />

Step 5: Explore Other Icon Libraries

Now that you’ve nailed Font Awesome, don’t stop there!
React js icons support several other libraries — so you can experiment freely.

For example:

import { MdHome } from "react-icons/md"; // Material Design Icons
import { AiFillHeart } from "react-icons/ai"; // Ant Design Icons
import { BsGithub } from "react-icons/bs"; // Bootstrap Icons

All of these work exactly the same way — import and use.

You can explore the full list here:
👉 https://react-icons.github.io/react-icons

I personally use Material Design for dashboards and Font Awesome for general apps because of their versatile collection.

Step 6: Customize Icon Sizes and Colors Dynamically

Want your icons to adapt to dark mode or theme changes?

You can make that happen dynamically!

const isDarkMode = true;

<FaReact color={isDarkMode ? "#61DBFB" : "#000"} size="2em" />;

You can even use props to control icons dynamically:

function IconDisplay({ color, size }) {
  return <FaBeer color={color} size={size} />;
}

<IconDisplay color="orange" size="3em" />;

I love doing this in projects where users can switch themes — icons adapt automatically!

Step 7: Deploy and See the Magic

Once your icons look good, you’re all set to deploy your React app.

If you haven’t deployed before, you can use:

npm run build

Then host your build folder using services like Vercel or Netlify.

You’ll see how smoothly react js icons render, even in production builds.

My Personal Experience with React JS Icons

 

When I was building my first React portfolio website, I wanted something sleek but lightweight.
Using Font Awesome via react-icons, I reduced my load time drastically compared to importing SVGs or external CSS libraries.

Also, version updates are painless. You don’t have to deal with missing icon links or script issues — everything just works!

If you’re building something creative like a React dashboard, eCommerce site, or even a portfolio, icons are what make it visually appealing.
And with react js icons, that process becomes ridiculously simple.

Final Thoughts:

So that’s it! That’s how you can easily use react-icons to install Font Awesome in a React app — and make your UI look awesome

To recap:

1. Install react-icons.

2. Import the Font Awesome icons you want.

3. Style them however you like.

4. Deploy and enjoy a beautiful UI.

Icons may seem small, but they make a big difference in how users experience your app. They guide, inform, and sometimes even delight users. ✨

If you haven’t already — give react js icons a try in your next project. I promise, once you start, there’s no going back.

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