Eleventy vs Write.as

Eleventy and Write.as are both popular static site generators used for creating websites and blogs. Eleventy offers more flexibility and customization options with its simple setup and support for various templating languages. On the other hand, Write.as is known for its minimalist approach, focusing on distraction-free writing and publishing. Both platforms cater to different needs and preferences of users looking to create content online.

General information

Eleventy
Write.as
Introduction :
Eleventy is a modern static site generator that is gaining popularity for its simplicity and flexibility. Launched in 2018, Eleventy is open source and allows users to build websites using various templating languages. It is known for its fast build times and ease of use, making it a popular choice for developers looking for a lightweight and customizable platform for their projects.
Introduction :
Write.as is a minimalist and privacy-focused platform launched in 2015. It offers a distraction-free writing experience with a strong emphasis on anonymity and privacy. Write.as is open source, allowing users to self-host their content if desired. Popular for its simplicity and clean design, it appeals to writers looking for a no-frills platform to share their thoughts and ideas without the distractions of traditional blogging platforms.
Advantages :
  • Simple setup and configuration process
  • Fast performance and build times
  • Flexible and customizable templating system
  • Built-in support for various template languages
  • Strong community support and active development
Advantages :
  • Clean and distraction-free writing environment
  • Privacy-focused with no ads or tracking
  • Easy to use with minimal learning curve
  • Supports Markdown for formatting
  • Ability to publish anonymously or under a pseudonym
Disadvantages :
  • Limited built-in features compared to others
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Smaller community for support and resources
  • Less flexibility for customization and design
  • Limited third-party integrations and plugins
Disadvantages :
  • Limited customization options compared to other platforms
  • Lack of built-in e-commerce functionality
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Limited third-party integrations available
  • Less robust community support and resources
Website users : Thousands
Eleventy is used by thousands of websites as a flexible and simple static site generator, popular among developers for its ease of use.
Website users : Thousands
Write.as is used by thousands of websites as a simple and privacy-focused platform for blogging and content creation.
๐ŸŸก Difficulty : Average.
Getting started with Eleventy requires basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Some learning curve involved for beginners.
๐ŸŸข Difficulty : Easy.
Getting started on Write.as is straightforward with its simple interface and minimal setup requirements, making it accessible for beginners and non-technical users.
Year launched : 2013
Eleventy was launched in 2013, positioning it as a relatively newer option compared to more established content management systems.
Year launched : 2015
Launched in 2015, Write.as is a relatively newer platform compared to others in the content management space.
Official website : https://www.11ty.dev/
Official website : https://write.as/


Commercial details

Eleventy
Write.as
๐ŸŸก Open source : Partially.
Eleventy is partially open source, with the core functionality being open but some features requiring a paid license for full access.
๐ŸŸก Open source : Partially.
Write.as is partially open source, with the code for the core platform being available on GitHub, but some features are proprietary.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
Eleventy is a free and open-source static site generator, making it a cost-effective option for users looking to build websites without ongoing fees.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
Free option available with limited features. Hosted platform with basic functionality for personal blogging or simple websites.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
Eleventy offers a paid option for users looking for additional features, support, or hosted solutions, providing more flexibility and customization.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
Write.as offers a paid option with additional features such as custom domains, password protection, and priority support for users looking for more advanced capabilities.


Platform details

Eleventy
Write.as
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Eleventy does not offer a clear hosted option, but users may find third-party vendors providing hosting services for the platform.
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Hosted options may be available through third-party vendors, but specific details on official hosted options are unclear.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
Eleventy can be self-hosted on various platforms, offering flexibility and control over hosting options for users.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
Self-hosting is possible with Write.as, allowing users to have full control over their platform and data privacy.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not natively support headless systems but can be used with plugins or APIs to enable headless features.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
Write.as does not natively support headless systems but can be integrated with headless features through its API using plugins.
๐ŸŸข Static content generation : Support natively.
Eleventy natively supports static content generation, making it efficient and easy to use for creating static websites.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
Static content generation is possible on Write.as perhaps via a popular plugin, offering flexibility for users who prefer this feature.


Key features

Eleventy
Write.as
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy offers some content management capabilities through plugins, but may require additional setup compared to platforms with native content management features.
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
Write.as offers basic content management capabilities but may require plugins for more advanced features compared to other platforms.
๐ŸŸก Blogging : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy is a versatile static site generator suitable for blogging, but lacks some native features commonly found in dedicated blogging platforms.
๐ŸŸข Blogging : Support natively.
Write.as is a good platform for blogging with its simple and distraction-free interface, making it easy to focus on writing and publishing content.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
Eleventy is not specifically designed for e-commerce, lacking native features for online stores. However, it can be enhanced with third-party plugins/extensions.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
Write.as is not specifically designed for e-commerce functionality, lacking native features or popular plugins for online selling compared to other platforms.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not natively support community/forum features but can be enhanced by integrating third-party plugins/extensions for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
Write.as can support a community/forum with third-party plugins, offering enhanced functionality for user interaction and engagement.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not natively support content subscriptions/paywalls but can be enhanced by third-party plugins for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Supports content subscriptions and paywalls through third-party plugins, enhancing functionality for monetization options on the platform.


Other features

Eleventy
Write.as
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not support multi-site natively but can be achieved through third-party plugins or configurations for managing multiple sites.
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Multi-site functionality can be achieved through third-party plugins, offering flexibility and customization for managing multiple sites on Write.as.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not natively support multi-language but can be enhanced with popular plugins/extensions for multi-language functionality.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Support for multiple languages can be achieved through plugins like Polyglot or Multi-language on Write.as, enhancing its capabilities.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Eleventy does not natively support XML sitemaps but can be enhanced by third-party plugins like eleventy-plugin-sitemap for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Support for XML sitemaps can be added through a popular third-party plugin or extension, enhancing the platform's SEO capabilities.


When deciding between Eleventy and Write.as, consider your priorities - customization and flexibility with Eleventy or simplicity and focus on writing with Write.as. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences for creating and managing online content.