What Happened to Eleventy (11ty)?

Eleventy (11ty) emerged in 2017 as a JavaScript-based static site generator, offering a flexible and performant alternative to existing tools like Jekyll. Its creator, Zach Leatherman, aimed for simplicity, zero-configuration by default, and the ability to work with various template languages (Markdown, Liquid, Nunjucks, Handlebars, etc.) without imposing a client-side JavaScript framework. This "static-first" philosophy resonated with developers seeking fast, secure, and scalable websites, aligning with the growing JAMstack movement.

The web development landscape was shifting towards pre-rendered content for performance and security benefits. While other static site generators existed, Eleventy filled a niche by offering a highly flexible, JavaScript-native solution that didn't force developers into a specific frontend framework. Its emphasis on developer control, fast build times, and minimal output made it attractive for content-heavy sites, blogs, and documentation portals.

Key turning points in Eleventy's history include its initial release in 2017, followed by steady growth and community adoption due to its unique approach. By May 2022, it had reached 3 million npm downloads. A significant development occurred in September 2024 when Eleventy was acquired by Font Awesome, with Zach Leatherman joining their team, a move aimed at ensuring the project's sustainable funding and development. This was followed by the release of Eleventy v3.0.0 in October 2024.

The most recent major development, announced in March 2026, is Eleventy's transition to be rebranded as "Build Awesome." This initiative aims to evolve Eleventy into a full site-building platform under the Font Awesome "Awesomeverse" umbrella, offering optional Pro workflow tools while keeping the core open-source and fully compatible with existing Eleventy projects. The rebrand signifies a strategic effort to ensure long-term sustainability and growth, allowing for increased investment in features and maintenance. While the name change has generated discussion, the commitment to open-source principles and backward compatibility aims to reassure existing users.

As of April 12, 2026, Eleventy, now transitioning to "Build Awesome," remains an active and evolving open-source project. Version 3.1.5 was released on March 18, 2026, and pre-releases for Eleventy v4.0.0-alpha.7 (which will be Build Awesome v4) were available as of March 20, 2026. The project continues to focus on performance, dependency reduction, and community engagement, with ongoing development and support under the Font Awesome banner. The "Build Awesome" initiative includes a Kickstarter campaign to fund additional Pro features, aiming to provide a comprehensive site-building platform while keeping the core Eleventy experience free and open-source.