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

> vue@3.5.42 ships CommonJS and ESM builds. Dual package — require() works on every Node.js version we test; import works too.

The progressive JavaScript framework for building modern web UI.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against vue@3.5.42.

vue publishes both a CommonJS entry and a native ESM entry (ESM added in 2.7.0). require("vue") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "vue" works alongside it.

## What to do

1. Nothing to change. require("vue") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import * as vue from "vue" works alongside it; use named imports for what the ESM entry exports.
2. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 3.5.42 (Aug 27, 2026)
- Module format: Dual (CommonJS + ESM)
- Last CommonJS version: 3.5.42
- Native ESM since: 2.7.0
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 13.8M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for vue@3.5.42

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

| Runtime | require("vue") | import "vue" |
|---|---|---|
| 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 vue

ES modules:

```js
import * as vue from "vue";
```

Namespace import shown because the ESM entry may have no default export; use named imports for what it exports.

CommonJS:

```js
const vue = require("vue");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (338 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 3.4.22 – 3.5.42 | Dual (CommonJS + ESM) | Apr 15, 2024 |

## Frequently asked

**Is vue ESM-only?**

vue@3.5.42 ships CommonJS and ESM builds. vue publishes both a CommonJS entry and a native ESM entry (ESM added in 2.7.0). require("vue") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "vue" works alongside it.

**Can I require vue?**

Yes. vue ships a CommonJS entry alongside the native ESM entry. require("vue") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun.

**Does vue work in Bun?**

Yes. import "vue" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does vue ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. vue bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [vue on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/vue)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/vuejs/core)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/vue/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/vue.json)

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