Hexo
A Node.js tool that turns Markdown posts into a static blog website.
- Stars
- 41.8k
- Forks
- 54
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- TypeScript
- Last update
- 10 days ago
- Type
- Framework
What it is
Hexo is an open-source blog framework built on Node.js. You write posts in Markdown, and it generates a folder of plain static HTML files that you can host almost anywhere. The README describes it as fast and extensible, with themes and plugins available for customization.
- Create a blog locally with hexo init and preview it using hexo server
- Write new posts with hexo new and publish them as static files
- Generate a static site with hexo generate for hosting
- Deploy the generated site to GitHub Pages, Heroku, or similar hosts
- Pick from community themes and plugins listed on the Hexo site
Great for
- Bloggers who want a fast static site they fully control
- Developers already comfortable with Node.js and the command line
- People who want to deploy to GitHub Pages or similar hosts with one command
- Writers who prefer working in Markdown
Not ideal for
- People who want a no-code, hosted blogging service, since Hexo requires installing and running Node.js tools
- Non-technical users who are uncomfortable with the terminal, since setup uses commands like npm and hexo server
- Sites needing dynamic server-side features, since Hexo generates static files
How to get it
- 1
Install with a package manager
You'll need: Node.js
Install Hexo CLI globally
npm install hexo-cli -gInstall with Homebrew (macOS and Linux)
brew install hexoSet up a new blog
hexo init blogEnter the blog folder
cd blog - 2
Run it
- Install the hexo-cli package with npm or Homebrew
- Run hexo init blog and cd into the blog folder
- Start a local preview with hexo server
- Create a post with hexo new "Hello Hexo"
- Generate static files with hexo generate
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Use the official themes and plugin lists on hexo.io to restyle your blog without rewriting it
- Use the one-command deploy feature to publish to GitHub Pages, Heroku, or other hosts
- Browse the Awesome Hexo list for curated resources
- Read the documentation and API pages to write custom plugins
Downloads
Strengths
- The README describes it as fast at generating sites
- Supports GitHub Flavored Markdown and most Octopress plugins
- Large ecosystem of themes and plugins, and an API for extension
Trade-offs
- Requires Node.js and command-line familiarity to set up and use
- Output is static, so dynamic features need other tools or services
- Quality and maintenance of third-party themes and plugins vary and are not covered by the README
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hexo (this) | 41.8k | Framework | intermediate | 10 days ago | Bloggers who want a fast static site they fully control |
| jekyll | 51.7k | Dev tool | intermediate | 23 days ago | Developers who want a blog or simple website built from plain text files |
| gatsby | 55.9k | Framework | intermediate | 17 days ago | Developers building content-heavy sites such as blogs or documentation |
| nextra | 13.9k | Framework | intermediate | 3 months ago | Developers who want a documentation site built on Next.js and React |
| next.js | 143k | Framework | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers already comfortable with React who want a full framework around it |
| vuepress | 22.7k | Dev tool | intermediate | 2.2 years ago | Developers with an existing VuePress v1 documentation site who need to keep it running |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.