Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use create-t3-app: setup, options and tips

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

create-t3-app is a command-line tool that generates a starter project for a full-stack, typesafe web app built with Next.js and TypeScript. This guide explains what you need before you start, how to run the tool, what it asks you and who should choose it. By the end you will know how to create a new project and whether it fits your work.

create-t3-appt3-oss/create-t3-app · ★ 29.2k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check prerequisites. Install Node.js and make sure npm or another Node package manager is available.
  2. 2Run the create command. Run npx create-t3-app@latest in the folder where you want the project.
  3. 3Answer the prompts. Choose the optional pieces you want for your app when the tool asks.
  4. 4Open the generated project. Move into the new project folder created by the tool and review its layout.
  5. 5Check the homepage for details. Visit https://create.t3.gg to confirm the current options and guidance.

What you need before you run create-t3-app

create-t3-app is run through a Node package manager. You need Node.js and npm, or another Node package manager, installed on your machine.

The generated project is built around Next.js and TypeScript, so it assumes you already know some TypeScript and are comfortable with Next.js concepts.

  • Node.js
  • npm or another Node package manager
  • Some familiarity with TypeScript and Next.js

Create a new app with create-t3-app

Run the tool through npx with the command below. It starts the command-line tool, which asks you a few prompts about which pieces you want, then sets up the project with your choices.

Answer the prompts about the optional pieces you want. The project description describes the result as a starter for a full-stack, typesafe app.

npx create-t3-app@latest

Which optional pieces does the generated project include?

The source material for this guide is a truncated README, so it does not confirm the full list of optional pieces. The project topics mention tRPC, Prisma, NextAuth and Tailwind CSS, which are the libraries you should expect to see as options.

Check the prompts and the project homepage at https://create.t3.gg for the current list before you commit to a stack.

  • tRPC for typesafe communication between frontend and backend
  • Prisma for database access
  • NextAuth for authentication
  • Tailwind CSS for styling

Decide whether this stack fits your project

The generated stack includes several added libraries. That helps if you want type-safety across the frontend and backend, and it can be too much if you want a minimal setup with no extra libraries.

create-t3-app is built around Next.js, so it is not a good choice for projects that do not use Next.js.

  • Good fit: developers who know TypeScript and want a Next.js starting point
  • Good fit: teams that want the same project layout across new apps
  • Good fit: learners following T3-stack tutorials who want a working base
  • Poor fit: complete beginners to JavaScript or TypeScript
  • Poor fit: projects that do not use Next.js
  • Poor fit: people who want no extra libraries

Compare create-t3-app with similar tools

If you are unsure, compare create-t3-app with other starters. The comparable projects named for this tool are create-next-app, Blitz.js, RedwoodJS and Remix.

create-next-app sets up a plain Next.js project, while create-t3-app adds a set of typesafe tools on top of Next.js. Blitz.js, RedwoodJS and Remix are full-stack frameworks with their own structures.

What people use it for

  • Starting a full-stack Next.js app with type-safety across frontend and backend
  • Setting up a consistent project layout for several new apps in a team
  • Following a T3-stack tutorial with a working base project
  • Building a Next.js app that uses Prisma or NextAuth as part of the starter

Frequently asked questions

How do I install create-t3-app?

You do not install it globally. Run npx create-t3-app@latest, which runs the tool and starts its prompts. You need Node.js and npm or another Node package manager.

Is create-t3-app free to use?

create-t3-app is open source under the MIT licence, as listed on its project page. You can use it under the terms of that licence.

What do I need before using create-t3-app?

You need Node.js and npm or another Node package manager. You should also know some TypeScript and be comfortable with Next.js, since the generated project assumes that background.

Can I use create-t3-app if I am a complete beginner?

This tool is not aimed at complete beginners to JavaScript or TypeScript. The generated project assumes familiarity with Next.js and related tools, so learn the basics first.

How does create-t3-app compare with create-next-app?

create-next-app creates a plain Next.js project. create-t3-app asks you which pieces you want and adds typesafe tools such as tRPC, Prisma, NextAuth and Tailwind CSS, so the result has more libraries included.

What are alternatives to create-t3-app?

Comparable projects named for this tool are create-next-app, Blitz.js, RedwoodJS and Remix. Choose based on whether you want plain Next.js, a more opinionated full-stack framework or a minimal setup.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

create-t3-app suits developers who know TypeScript and Next.js and want a typesafe full-stack starting point with a consistent layout. It is a poor choice for beginners, for projects that do not use Next.js, or for anyone who wants minimal dependencies, in which case create-next-app or a plain Next.js setup is a better fit.

Install options & downloads