A Static Site Generator (SSG) is a tool that helps developers build static HTML pages by combining content data (like Markdown files) with templates. Unlike traditional Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress that store content in databases and generate pages dynamically, SSGs generate all the HTML files at build time. This approach offers faster performance, better security, and simpler deployment.

Many developers prefer SSGs for projects like blogs, documentation, or personal websites because they reduce the need for complex backend systems or heavy client-side rendering. With an SSG, you can focus on writing content while the generator takes care of building fast, efficient, and ready-to-serve HTML files.

Here is a list of popular Static Site Generators you should know in 2025:

1. Hugo

Type: Free and open source
Build with: Go Language

Hugo is one of the most popular open-source static site generators. With multilingual support, and powerful taxonomy system, Hugo is widely used to create documentation sites, landing pages, corporate, government, nonprofit, education, news, event, and project sites. Hugo include embedded web server during development to instantly see changes to content, structure, behavior, and presentation.

2. Jekyll

Type: Free and open source
Build with: Ruby

Jekyll is a widely used static site generator, ideal for blogs, portfolios, and GitHub Pages-hosted sites. It transforms Markdown and Liquid templates into static HTML, offering built-in support for posts, categories, and tags. With themes and plugins, Jekyll balances simplicity and extensibility, though it requires Ruby expertise for advanced customization.

3. Docusaurus

Type: Free and open source
Build with: JavaScript (React)

Docusaurus is a modern static site generator designed specifically for documentation websites. Developed by Facebook, it supports versioning, internationalization, and a built-in search feature. It’s optimized for content-heavy sites with Markdown/MDX support and integrates seamlessly with React for customizations.

4. Statamic

Type: Commercial (with free tier)
Build with: PHP (Laravel)

Statamic is a flexible flat-file CMS that can also function as a static site generator. It offers a user-friendly control panel, dynamic templating with Antlers (its templating language), and features like asset management, forms, and search. It supports both static builds and dynamic server-side rendering.

5. MkDocs

Type: Free and open source
Build with: Python

MkDocs is a lightweight static site generator focused on creating project documentation. It uses YAML for configuration and Markdown for content, with themes like "Read the Docs" and "Material for MkDocs." It’s ideal for Python projects but works for any documentation needs.

6. Docsify

Type: Free and open source
Build with: JavaScript

Docsify generates documentation sites dynamically (client-side) without a build step. It renders Markdown files on the fly, making it simple to set up. Features include themes, plugins, and live reloading. Unlike traditional SSGs, it doesn’t pre-build HTML files.

7. Gatsby

Type: Free and open source
Build with: JavaScript (React + GraphQL)

Gatsby is a React-based framework for building high-performance static and dynamic websites. It pulls data from CMSs, APIs, or Markdown via GraphQL and generates optimized static files. Features include image optimization, PWA support, and a rich plugin ecosystem.

8. Eleventy (11ty)

Type: Free and open source
Build with: JavaScript

Eleventy is a simpler alternative to Gatsby, focusing on flexibility and speed. It supports multiple templating languages (Liquid, Nunjucks, Markdown, etc.) and requires minimal configuration. It’s often praised for its fast build times and zero JavaScript by default.

9. Publii

Type: Free and open source
Build with: JavaScript

Publii is the first desktop static-website CMS. Designed with the simplicity for beginners to use, but boasting extensive options and functionalities that allow experienced web developers to make more complex modifications, Publii creates a safe, fast static website without all the hassle. In this guide you'll be able to learn how it works, from installation to creation.