Next.js Static Export: A Guide to Maximizing Website Performance

In the world of modern web development, static exports are a powerful tool, and Next.js static export is no exception. Next.js provides a robust framework for creating static sites, allowing you to generate static HTML files from your dynamic pages. This process involves converting your pages into static HTML files, which can then be served without the need for a server-side environment.

This blog will delve into the fundamentals of static exports, how they work in Next.js, and the benefits they offer.

What is Next.js Static Export?

Next.js static export enables you to pre-render your app into static HTML files. By running the export command, Next.js processes your pages and generates static HTML files for each page. This approach contrasts with server side rendering, where the HTML is generated on the fly for each incoming request.

Benefits of Static Export

1. Performance: Serving static HTML files is faster since they can be delivered directly by a web server without additional processing.

2. Scalability: Static sites can handle high traffic with ease because they do not rely on server-side processing.

3. SEO Friendly: Static HTML pages are more SEO-friendly because they can be fully crawled by search engines.

Generating Static HTML Files

The Export Command and Build Process

Generating static HTML files in Next.js involves a specific build process. The key steps include using the next build and next export commands.

Running the Export Command

The next build command compiles your application and prepares it for production. After building your app, you use the next export command to generate static HTML files.

Copy
1
2
next build
next export

The next export command takes your built application and outputs static HTML files for each page in the pages directory. These files are placed in the out folder, which can then be deployed to any static host.

Creating Static HTML Files

Creating static HTML files involves converting your dynamic Next.js pages into static HTML files that can be served without a Node.js server. This is done using the export default function to define each page's component.

Defining Pages with export default function

Each page in your Next.js app is defined using the export default function. This function exports the component that represents the page.

Copy
1
2
3
4
// pages/index.js
export default function HomePage() {
  return <div>Welcome to the Home Page</div>
}

When you run the next export command, Next.js processes each of these components and generates a corresponding static HTML file.

Organizing Your Pages Directory

The pages directory is crucial in the Next.js static export process. Each file in this directory corresponds to a route in your static site. For example, pages/about.js would generate an about.html file in the out directory.

Handling Dynamic Logic in Static Exports

Static exports work well for content that doesn't change frequently, but they can also handle dynamic logic to some extent.

Managing Dynamic Routes

Dynamic routes in Next.js are typically handled using the [param].js file naming convention. For example, pages/posts/[id].js handles routes like /posts/1, /posts/2, etc. However, to use these in a static export, you need to predefine the routes.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
  exportPathMap: async function (
    defaultPathMap,
    { dev, dir, outDir, distDir, buildId }
  ) {
    return {
      '/': { page: '/' },
      '/about': { page: '/about' },
      '/posts/1': { page: '/posts/[id]', query: { id: 1 } },
      '/posts/2': { page: '/posts/[id]', query: { id: 2 } },
    }
  },
}

Using Static Generation with Dynamic Content

For pages that fetch data at build time, you can use getStaticProps to generate static HTML. This allows you to include dynamic content in your static pages.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
// pages/posts/[id].js
export async function getStaticProps({ params }) {
  const res = await fetch(`https://api.example.com/posts/${params.id}`)
  const post = await res.json()

  return {
    props: {
      post,
    },
  }
}

export default function Post({ post }) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>{post.title}</h1>
      <p>{post.body}</p>
    </div>
  )
}

Structuring and Optimizing Your Static Site

Organizing the Pages Directory

The pages directory is the backbone of your Next.js project, determining the structure of your static site. Each file within this directory corresponds to a route in your application. Here’s how you can efficiently organize your pages directory for optimal performance and maintainability.

Best Practices for Organizing Pages

1. Consistent Naming Conventions: Use clear and consistent naming conventions for your files and folders. For example, use about.js for the About page and contact.js for the Contact page.

2. Nested Routes: Organize related pages using nested folders. For instance, you can group user-related pages under a user folder:

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
pages/
├── index.js
├── about.js
├── contact.js
├── user/
    ├── index.js
    ├── profile.js
    ├── settings.js

3. Dynamic Routes: For dynamic routes, use the [param].js syntax. For example, pages/posts/[id].js to handle routes like /posts/1, /posts/2, etc.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
// pages/posts/[id].js
export default function Post({ post }) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>{post.title}</h1>
      <p>{post.body}</p>
    </div>
  )
}

4. Index Files: Use index.js files for default pages within folders. For example, pages/user/index.js will correspond to /user.

Enhancing Performance with Static Export

Static exports provide significant performance benefits, but there are additional strategies to optimize your static site further.

Using Next/Image for Image Optimization

The next/image component provides built-in image optimization, ensuring that images are served in the most efficient format and size.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
import Image from 'next/image'

export default function HomePage() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome to the Home Page</h1>
      <Image
        src="/images/hero.jpg"
        alt="Hero Image"
        width={500}
        height={300}
      />
    </div>
  )
}

Leveraging Static HTML Export

Static HTML export (next export) ensures that your pages are pre-rendered and served as static HTML files, reducing load times and improving SEO.

Implementing Code Splitting

Next.js automatically divides your code into tiny bundles that are loaded only when necessary. This increases both initial load times and overall performance.

Custom Loaders and Static Site Configuration

Custom loaders and proper configuration can tailor your static site to specific needs and improve performance.

Implementing a Custom Loader

Custom loaders can handle specific resource types or perform unique optimizations. For example, you might use a custom loader for SVG files:

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
  webpack(config) {
    config.module.rules.push({
      test: /\.svg$/,
      use: ['@svgr/webpack'],
    })
    return config
  },
}

Configuring next.config.js

Your next.config.js file is crucial for customizing the behavior of your Next.js app. Here’s an example configuration that optimizes your static site:

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
  exportPathMap: async function (
    defaultPathMap,
    { dev, dir, outDir, distDir, buildId }
  ) {
    return {
      '/': { page: '/' },
      '/about': { page: '/about' },
      '/contact': { page: '/contact' },
    }
  },
  images: {
    domains: ['example.com'],
  },
  reactStrictMode: true,
}

This configuration:

• Defines the export path map for static export.

• Specifies image domains for optimization.

• Enables React strict mode for development.

Utilizing the out Folder

The out folder, generated by the next export command, contains all your static files. Ensure it’s correctly configured for deployment to your static host.

Deploying and Serving Your Static Site

Output and Out Directory

When you run the next export command, Next.js generates static HTML files and assets, placing them in a special directory called the out folder. Understanding the structure and contents of this directory is crucial for deploying your static site effectively.

Understanding the Out Directory

The out directory is the output folder where all the generated static HTML files, CSS, JavaScript, and other assets are stored after running the next export command. This directory is ready for deployment to any static host.

1. Static HTML Files: Each page in your pages directory corresponds to an HTML file in the out folder.

2. Assets: Includes all the necessary assets such as images, fonts, and CSS files.

3. Organized Structure: The structure of the out folder mirrors the structure of your pages directory.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
out/
├── index.html
├── about.html
├── contact.html
├── _next/
│   ├── static/
│   └── ...

Deployment Options for Static Sites

There are several options for deploying your Next.js static site, each with its own set of benefits.

Using a Static Host

Static hosts are a popular choice for deploying static sites because they are easy to set up and usually offer high performance and scalability. Examples include Vercel, Netlify, and GitHub Pages.

1. Vercel: Vercel is the company behind Next.js and provides seamless integration for deploying your Next.js static sites.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
# Install Vercel CLI
npm install -g vercel

# Deploy to Vercel
vercel

2. Netlify: Netlify offers powerful features for deploying and managing static sites, including continuous deployment and serverless functions.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
# Install Netlify CLI
npm install -g netlify-cli

# Deploy to Netlify
netlify deploy

3. GitHub Pages: Ideal for hosting project documentation or personal websites.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
# Initialize a new GitHub repository
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git remote add origin <your-repo-url>

# Push to GitHub
git push -u origin main

# Deploy to GitHub Pages
gh-pages -d out

Using a Node.js Server

For more control over your deployment, you might choose to serve your static site with a Node.js server. This approach allows you to customize your server configuration and add server-side logic if needed.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
const express = require('express')
const path = require('path')
const app = express()

app.use(express.static(path.join(__dirname, 'out')))

app.get('*', (req, res) => {
  res.sendFile(path.join(__dirname, 'out', 'index.html'))
})

app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server is running on http://localhost:3000')
})

Common Challenges and Solutions

While deploying and serving a static site with Next.js is generally straightforward, there are some common challenges you may encounter.

Handling Unsupported Features

Some Next.js features are not supported in static exports, such as server side rendering and certain dynamic routes. To handle these, you might need to adjust your code or use client-side rendering for those specific features.

1. Server Side Rendering: Convert server-rendered pages to static pages using getStaticProps.

2. Dynamic Routes: Pre-generate dynamic routes using the exportPathMap function in next.config.js.

Managing Dynamic Logic

Dynamic logic can be tricky in a static site. Consider using APIs or client-side JavaScript to handle dynamic content.

Copy
1
2
3
4
5
6
// Fetch data client-side
useEffect(() => {
  fetch('/api/data')
    .then(response => response.json())
    .then(data => setData(data))
}, [])

Dealing with Large Builds

Large projects may result in long build times. Optimize your build process by:

1. Code Splitting: Ensure your code is split into smaller bundles.

2. Optimizing Images: Use next/image for automatic image optimization.

3. Reducing JavaScript Size: Minimize the amount of JavaScript loaded by removing unused dependencies.

Conclusion

Mastering Next.js static export allows you to build high-performance, scalable, and SEO-friendly static sites. By understanding the out directory, utilizing efficient deployment options, and addressing common challenges, you can ensure a smooth and effective deployment process.

Whether you choose a static host like Vercel or Netlify, or serve your site with a Node.js server, Next.js provides the flexibility and power needed for modern web development. With these insights, you are well-equipped to create and deploy robust static sites using Next.js.