Eleventy
Eleventy: A flexible, framework-optional generator for Markdown and template-driven static sites. Ranked #6 of 35 in Static Site Generators by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple flexible static sites.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple flexible static sites
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Content sourcesMarkdown
- Founded2017
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Zero-configuration setup with extensible configuration
- Supports Markdown and many templating languages
- Includes collections, data cascade, watch mode, and preview server
Where it doesn't
- Requires Node.js for local development
- CMS integration is guidance rather than a built-in CMS
- Internationalization relies on guidance and plugin support
Our verdict on Eleventy
Eleventy is an open-source static site generator that transforms directories of templates into pre-rendered HTML. It supports Markdown plus HTML, WebC, JavaScript, Liquid, Nunjucks, Handlebars, Mustache, EJS, Haml, Pug, TypeScript, JSX, MDX, and Sass. Developers who want control over generated output without a required client-side JavaScript framework will find a broad foundation for documentation, publishing, and other static websites. The project is free, open source, and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Its main advantage is the balance between a low-friction starting point and room for structured sites. Zero-configuration setup gets a project moving, while extensible configuration supports more tailored workflows. Markdown works as a content source, and collections and data cascade help organize content and shared values. Local watch mode and a development server provide a preview workflow during authoring. This combination suits developers who want to begin with simple templates and add structure without committing to a client-side framework.
Eleventy also covers common site requirements through documented integration paths. CMS integration guidance can connect content workflows to a content management system, while internationalization guidance and plugin support provide a route for multilingual sites. These areas require decisions and implementation rather than functioning as turnkey built-in systems. Local development runs with Node.js, so teams should be comfortable with that environment. Choose Eleventy when flexible templates, Markdown, generated HTML, and direct control are priorities; consider another option when the main requirement is a built-in CMS workflow, fully packaged multilingual management, or a required client-side JavaScript framework.
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Eleventy pricing
Eleventy fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Content sources | Markdown |
| CMS integration | Yes |
| Incremental builds | Not verified |
| Multilingual support | Yes |
| Local preview server | Yes |
| Supported languages | HTML, Markdown, WebC, JavaScript, Liquid, Nunjucks, Handlebars, Mustache, EJS, Haml, Pug, TypeScript, JSX, MDX, Sass |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | 11ty.dev |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Eleventy
- GatsbyA broad React framework for static, dynamic, multilingual, and CMS-connected sites.9.4
- HugoA free, flexible choice for fast, content-rich websites across major desktop platforms.9.2
- PubliiA free desktop CMS for bloggers who want visual editing and static hosting flexibility.9.0
See all Eleventy alternatives →
Eleventy vs the competition
- Eleventy vs Gatsby
- Eleventy vs Hugo
- Eleventy vs Publii
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Compare Eleventy with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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