What it does
Eleventy is a JavaScript static site generator that transforms templates into web pages. Its documentation lists Markdown, HTML, Liquid, Nunjucks, and other template formats, while the project describes itself as framework-neutral and produces sites without client-side JavaScript by default. It suits developers who want control over templates and generated output without adopting a specific browser-side application framework.
Eleventy's getting-started guide uses a small Node project: create package.json, install @11ty/eleventy, add a template, then run npx @11ty/eleventy to build. Markdown is a convenient first input; the docs also list HTML, Liquid, Nunjucks, and several other template languages. For example, a project can start with a single Markdown page and a simple HTML template, then add layouts or data only when the content needs them. Eleventy is designed not to force a front-end framework, so the generated site can remain plain HTML unless the owner chooses to add client-side code. That makes it a flexible option for a small documentation site or blog assembled from different template sources.
The current v3.1.7 getting-started guide requires a JavaScript runtime, typically Node.js 18 or newer. The generator produces files that must be published separately; the tool is not itself a deployment destination. The repository README now uses the Build Awesome (Eleventy) name, while the product site and package documentation identify the generator as Eleventy. The project repository is MIT-licensed.
Strengths
- The docs list multiple input formats, including Markdown, HTML, Liquid, and Nunjucks.
- The project does not require a client-side framework or browser JavaScript by default.
- A local package installation lets a project run its own Eleventy version.
Watch out for
- The documented v3.1.7 setup requires a JavaScript runtime, typically Node.js 18 or newer.
- Generated static files need to be published through a separate hosting destination.
Best for
- Content sites that need a flexible choice of template languages.
- Developers who want static output without choosing a browser-side framework.
- Small site projects that can start with one template and add layouts and data as needed.
Sources
- Eleventy is a simpler static site generator (Oct 25, 2026)
- Getting Started (Oct 25, 2026)
- Eleventy documentation (Oct 25, 2026)
- Build Awesome (Eleventy) (Oct 25, 2026)
- MIT License (Oct 25, 2026)