# Is graphql-tag ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> graphql-tag@2.12.7 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

A JavaScript template literal tag that parses GraphQL queries

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against graphql-tag@2.12.7.

graphql-tag ships CommonJS only. require("graphql-tag") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=10. import "graphql-tag" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

It also declares a "module" field, so bundlers such as webpack, Vite and esbuild pick up an ESM build for tree-shaking.

## What to do

1. require("graphql-tag") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=10.
2. From ES modules use the default import: import graphqlTag from "graphql-tag"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 2.12.7 (Jun 17, 2026)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 2.12.7
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: >=10
- Weekly downloads: 13.4M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for graphql-tag@2.12.7

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("graphql-tag") from a CommonJS file and import "graphql-tag" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("graphql-tag") | import "graphql-tag" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | works | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import graphql-tag

ES modules:

```js
import graphqlTag from "graphql-tag";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const graphqlTag = require("graphql-tag");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (64 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1.4 – 2.12.7 | CommonJS | Jun 24, 2016 |

## Frequently asked

**Is graphql-tag ESM-only?**

graphql-tag@2.12.7 is a CommonJS package. graphql-tag ships CommonJS only. require("graphql-tag") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=10. import "graphql-tag" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

**Can I import graphql-tag with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import graphqlTag from "graphql-tag" works in Node.js and Bun because they support importing CommonJS modules. Named imports work only when Node.js can statically detect the exports.

**Does graphql-tag work in Bun?**

Yes. import "graphql-tag" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does graphql-tag ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. graphql-tag bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [graphql-tag on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/graphql-tag)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/apollographql/graphql-tag)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/graphql-tag/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/graphql-tag.json)

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