Eleventy
UnclaimedA simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.
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What is Eleventy?
Eleventy (static site generators): A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management. 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. Key capabilities: 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 programmatically, Pagination for creating lists of content across multiple pages, Built-in development server with live reloading. Eleventy is free to use with no paid tier. Buyers most often compare Eleventy against Docusaurus, VuePress, Starlight.
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
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
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)
- Uses independent template languages (no content hostage)
- Does not require a JavaScript framework (zero client-side JavaScript by default)
- Works with existing directory structure
- Allows incremental adoption
About Eleventy
By Toolradar Team·
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.
How we evaluate tools →Source: 11ty.dev
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Eleventy FAQ
What specific Node.js version is recommended for running Eleventy?
Eleventy requires Node.js version 18 or newer to run JavaScript on your computer. You can verify your installed version by running
node --version in your terminal.How does Eleventy handle different template languages, and can I use multiple in one project?
Eleventy supports a wide array of template languages including HTML, Markdown, MDX, JavaScript (JSX, TypeScript), WebC, Nunjucks, Liquid, Handlebars, Mustache, EJS, HAML, Pug, and Sass. You can configure templates with data and override languages, suggesting flexibility in using different syntaxes within a single project.
What is the primary benefit of using Eleventy compared to other static site generators like Astro or Next.js, particularly regarding build times?
Eleventy offers significantly faster build times compared to other static site generators. For example, it built 4000 Markdown files in 1.93 seconds, while Astro took 22.90 seconds and Next.js took 70.65 seconds.
Can Eleventy integrate with external services for deployment or content management?
Yes, Eleventy supports various services including deployment and hosting solutions, integration with Content Management Systems (CMS), and runtime APIs. It also offers features like OpenGraph image generation and image hosting.
How does Eleventy manage data within templates, and what is the 'Data Cascade'?
Eleventy manages data through a 'Data Cascade' which includes Front Matter, custom Front Matter, template and directory data files, global data files, and computed data. This system allows for flexible data injection and organization within your templates.
What are some of the advanced features available in Eleventy for developers?
Advanced features include a programmatic API, configuration options, event handling, and control over the order of operations. Eleventy also supports plugins for extended functionality like image optimization, internationalization, and syntax highlighting.
Source: 11ty.dev