Skip to content
Eleventy logo

Eleventy

Unclaimed

A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.

Visit Website
Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Extremely fast build times and website performance

Biggest con

Requires Node.js and command-line familiarity

TL;DR - Eleventy

  • Compiles various content formats into static HTML for fast websites.
  • Offers extensive flexibility with multiple template languages and data sources.
  • Designed for simplicity, performance, and developer control over site generation.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Eleventy?

Editorial review
Eleventy (11ty) is a static site generator designed for simplicity and performance. It takes various content formats (like Markdown, HTML, Nunjucks, Liquid, Handlebars, etc.) and compiles them into static HTML files, which can then be deployed to a web server. This approach results in extremely fast websites and builds, as there's no server-side processing needed at runtime. It's ideal for developers and content creators who want fine-grained control over their site's structure and content, prefer working with plain files, and prioritize speed and maintainability. Eleventy offers extensive flexibility in template languages, data handling, and content organization, making it suitable for blogs, portfolios, documentation sites, and other content-driven static websites. It's known for its developer-friendly experience and minimal overhead.

Available on: Web

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely fast build times and website performance
  • High flexibility in choosing template languages and content formats
  • Simpler to learn and use compared to more complex frameworks
  • Strong emphasis on developer control and minimal abstraction
  • Active and supportive community

Cons

  • Requires Node.js and command-line familiarity
  • No built-in UI or GUI for content management (relies on external CMS or file-based editing)
  • May require more manual setup for complex features compared to opinionated frameworks

Preview

Key Features

Supports multiple template languages (HTML, Markdown, MDX, JavaScript, WebC, Nunjucks, Liquid, Handlebars, Mustache, EJS, HAML, Pug, Sass)Flexible data cascade for managing content (Front Matter, Global Data Files, JavaScript Data Files)Collections API for organizing and querying content programmaticallyPagination for creating lists of content across multiple pagesBuilt-in development server with live reloadingPlugins for extending functionality (e.g., Image, Fetch, Internationalization, RSS)Internationalization (i18n) supportProgrammatic API for advanced configuration and automation

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jun 12, 2026

Eleventy

Free

  • Fast builds and faster websites
  • Production ready
  • Full control over project’s output
  • Lovely community
  • Stable (218 releases, minimal breaking changes)
  • No tracking, telemetry, or data collection
  • Zero-config to start, flexible configuration options
  • Works with multiple template languages (HTML, Markdown, WebC, JavaScript, Liquid, Nunjucks, Handlebars, Mustache, EJS, Haml, Pug, TypeScript, JSX, MDX, Sass, Custom)

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review Eleventy, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

Best Eleventy Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Explore More

Eleventy FAQ

How does Eleventy contribute to website performance?

Eleventy compiles various content formats into static HTML files, which eliminates the need for server-side processing at runtime. This approach results in extremely fast websites and build times, enhancing overall performance.

Which template languages can Eleventy process?

Eleventy supports a variety of content formats and template languages, including Markdown, HTML, Nunjucks, Liquid, and Handlebars. This flexibility allows developers to choose their preferred tools for content creation.

What kind of user benefits most from Eleventy?

Eleventy is ideal for developers and content creators who desire fine-grained control over their site's structure and content. It suits those who prefer working with plain files and prioritize speed and maintainability in their web projects.

How is Eleventy priced?

Eleventy is free to use, meaning no paid plan is required to access its features and build static websites. This makes it an accessible option for developers and content creators.

Can Eleventy be used for documentation sites?

Yes, Eleventy is well-suited for documentation sites, as well as blogs, portfolios, and other content-driven static websites. Its flexibility in content organization and fast performance make it a strong choice for such projects.

What are the trade-offs when choosing Eleventy?

A trade-off with Eleventy is that it requires familiarity with Node.js and the command line. Additionally, it does not include a built-in UI or GUI for content management, relying instead on external CMS solutions or file-based editing.

How does Eleventy compare to Next.js for website development?

Eleventy focuses on generating static HTML files for maximum speed and simplicity, while Next.js is a full-stack framework often used for dynamic, server-rendered, or client-side rendered applications. Eleventy offers simpler learning and usage compared to more complex frameworks like Next.js.

Source: 11ty.dev

Guides & Articles