Static Site Generators

Metalsmith – simple, pluggable static site generator

Last Updated on February 26, 2026

Metalsmith is an extremely simple, pluggable static site generator.

Metalsmith works in three simple steps: (1) Read all the files in a source directory. (2) Invoke a series of plugins that manipulate the files. (3) Write the results to a destination directory.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

  • Works with all the tools and data formats you already know and use: NodeJS, npm, markdown, json, yaml and the templating language of your choice.
  • Translates a directory tree to plain JavaScript objects that you can manipulate effortlessly with your selection of plugins.
  • Pluggable.
  • Generate anything from a static site, to a scaffolder, backup, command-line, or deploy tool. Configuration over code or code over configuration: Metalsmith supports both.

Website: metalsmith.io
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: webketje
License: MIT License

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Read our verdict in the software roundup.


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