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

Step-by-step guide: how to use HexoInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

Hexo vs Jekyll Gatsby vs Hexo Gridea vs Hexo

How to get it

1
Install with a package manager
You'll need: Node.js
Install Hexo CLI globally
npm install hexo-cli -g
Install with Homebrew (macOS and Linux)
brew install hexo
Set up a new blog
hexo init blog
Enter 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

Source code (.zip)master branch · straight from GitHub Release v8.1.2Release notes and source Official website & docshexo.io

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.