> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.civictheme.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.civictheme.io/components/atoms.md).

# Atoms

Atoms are the smallest component in an atomic design system. This page outlines their purpose.

### **What are Atoms?**

In CivicTheme, **atoms** are the smallest, most fundamental building blocks of the design system, based on Brad Frost’s **Atomic Design** principles. These individual elements are simple, self-contained, and non-reducible, forming the foundation of all components. Atoms in CivicTheme include basic HTML elements such as buttons, form inputs, and typography elements, all designed to ensure **accessibility**, **consistency**, and **reusability** across digital services.

***

These atoms are the foundation of CivicTheme, and they combine to form more complex components like molecules and organisms, ensuring a consistent, accessible, and flexible design system across projects. Each atom follows **WCAG 2.2 AA standards** and is optimised for both design and development, with implementations available in [Figma ](https://www.figma.com/design/nXTZFR1mKPLExtEbYtazzD/CivicTheme--Design-System-v1.9.0?node-id=0-1\&t=b83UZlIpwPkLMi9E-1)and **Storybook**.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.civictheme.io/components/atoms.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
