CLI Quick Start Guide
Create a new HugoBlox project locally using the command line (CLI). Step-by-step install guide for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
For developers and data scientists who prefer working locally, our CLI tool creates a new project with all the best practices set up.
Prerequisites
To build locally, you need to install Hugo and its dependencies.
Core Requirements
- Node.js (version 18 or higher)
- Git
- Go
- Hugo Extended (The "Extended" version is required)
Install Guide
We recommend using Winget (Windows Package Manager), which comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11.
Open PowerShell or Terminal and run:
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS Git.Git GoLang.Go Hugo.Hugo.ExtendedYou may need to restart your terminal after installation for the tools to be recognized.
Open Terminal and install Homebrew:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install.sh)"Install Hugo Extended and dependencies:
brew install git golang hugo nodeFor Debian/Ubuntu, install all prerequisites (including Hugo Extended) via Snap:
sudo snap install --classic go node hugoFor other Linux distributions, follow the official Hugo documentation: Install from repository packages.
For installation issues, check the Hugo Community Forum.
Quick Start
Once prerequisites are installed, creating a site takes seconds.
🚚 Already have a HugoBlox site in GitHub? Import it instead of running Steps 1–2:
git clone <github_repo_url> my-site
cd my-site
npm install -g hugoblox
hugoblox devThe my-site suffix keeps your folder name consistent with the rest of this guide—swap it for any folder name you prefer.
Then jump to Step 3 to start your local server.
-
Create your Site
Open your terminal and create a new site:
npm install -g hugoblox hugoblox create sitePro Tip: You can use
hbxas a shortcut alias for thehugobloxcommand (e.g.hbx create site). -
Follow the Prompts
The CLI will ask you:
- What type of site you want to build (e.g., Academic, Blog, Landing Page)
- Where to create the folder
-
Start the Local Server
The CLI will ask if you want to start the local server to preview your site.
Your site will be available at
http://localhost:1313(or similar port). -
Customize with Ownable CMS
Open your new project folder in VS Code.
Install the Ownable CMS extension to visually configure your site without editing YAML files.
-
Deploy
Push to GitHub to auto-deploy to GitHub Pages or deploy to an alternative host.
Next Steps
🙋 Installation Troubleshooting & FAQ
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