create-pack11ty is a command-line scaffolding tool that generates a new Eleventy website using the Pack11ty starter. It belongs to the boilerplate category and its core function is to turn a single npm command into a ready-to-edit static site project.
What is create-pack11ty?
create-pack11ty is a command-line scaffolding tool that generates a new Eleventy website using the Pack11ty starter. It takes a project folder name as input and produces a complete Eleventy project directory initialized with the Pack11ty template. The tool runs through npm, so it works anywhere Node.js and npm are installed. It is maintained by GitHub user nhoizey, who also hosts the Pack11ty starter documentation at pack11ty.dev.
Key Features
- Single command setup —
npm create pack11ty@latest my-project-folderscaffolds a new Eleventy site without requiring a global install. - Eleventy foundation — the generated project is built on the Eleventy static site generator (11ty.dev), a JavaScript-based alternative to Jekyll or Hugo.
- Pack11ty starter — the command installs the Pack11ty starter, an Eleventy starter with its own documentation site at pack11ty.dev.
- Latest version fetching — using the
@latesttag in the command ensures npm fetches the most recent published version of the starter. - GitHub repository — source code and issues for create-pack11ty live in the nhoizey/create-pack11ty repository on GitHub.
Who is it for?
- Static site developers who want to start with a preconfigured Eleventy setup instead of creating files manually.
- Jamstack enthusiasts looking for a starter built around Eleventy's lightweight, flexible architecture.
- Developers who follow Pack11ty who can use the same command to set up new projects consistently.
What can you do with create-pack11ty?
- Launch a new site quickly: run the command with any folder name to generate an Eleventy project structure, then customize it for your content.
- Standardize project starts: use the same command across multiple projects to ensure every new site shares the same Pack11ty baseline.
How does create-pack11ty work?
When you run npm create pack11ty@latest my-project-folder, npm downloads the create-pack11ty package from the npm registry. The package then creates a new folder with the name you provided and populates it with the Pack11ty Eleventy starter files. After the command finishes, you can open the folder and run a local development server to preview the site.
FAQ
What does create-pack11ty do?
It creates a new Eleventy website project from the Pack11ty starter. You provide a project folder name, and the tool generates the initial site structure for you.
How do I use create-pack11ty?
Run npm create pack11ty@latest my-project-folder in your terminal, replacing my-project-folder with your desired project name. The command needs no prior installation because npm fetches the package automatically.
Do I need Node.js to run create-pack11ty?
Yes, create-pack11ty is an npm command, so Node.js and npm must be installed on your machine to use it.
Is create-pack11ty the same as Pack11ty?
No. Pack11ty is the Eleventy starter template that the command installs. create-pack11ty is the command-line tool that scaffolds that starter into a new project.
Where can I report bugs or suggest changes?
The project's GitHub repository at nhoizey/create-pack11ty is the source for the code and issue tracking.
