mkdocs-material/docs/getting-started.md

Getting started

Material for MkDocs is a theme for MkDocs, a static site generator geared towards (technical) project documentation. If you're familiar with Python, you can install Material for MkDocs with pip, the Python package manager. If not, we recommend using docker.

Installation

with pip recommended

Material for MkDocs is published as a Python package and can be installed with pip, ideally by using a virtual environment. Open up a terminal and install Material for MkDocs with:

=== "Latest"

``` sh
pip install mkdocs-material
```

=== "9.x"

``` sh
pip install mkdocs-material=="9.*" # (1)!
```

1.  Material for MkDocs uses [semantic versioning][^1], which is why it's a
    good idea to limit upgrades to the current major version.

    This will make sure that you don't accidentally [upgrade to the next
    major version], which may include breaking changes that silently corrupt
    your site. Additionally, you can use `pip freeze` to create a lockfile,
    so builds are reproducible at all times:

    ```
    pip freeze > requirements.txt
    ```

    Now, the lockfile can be used for installation:

    ```
    pip install -r requirements.txt
    ```

This will automatically install compatible versions of all dependencies: MkDocs, Markdown, Pygments and Python Markdown Extensions. Material for MkDocs always strives to support the latest versions, so there's no need to install those packages separately.

---

:fontawesome-brands-youtube:{ style="color: #EE0F0F" } How to set up Material for MkDocs by @james-willett – :octicons-clock-24: 15m – Learn how to create and host a documentation site using Material for MkDocs on GitHub Pages in a step-by-step guide.

---

Tip: If you don't have prior experience with Python, we recommend reading Using Python's pip to Manage Your Projects' Dependencies, which is a really good introduction on the mechanics of Python package management and helps you troubleshoot if you run into errors.

with docker

The official Docker image is a great way to get up and running in a few minutes, as it comes with all dependencies pre-installed. Open up a terminal and pull the image with:

=== "Latest"

```
docker pull squidfunk/mkdocs-material
```

=== "9.x"

```
docker pull squidfunk/mkdocs-material:9
```

The mkdocs executable is provided as an entry point and serve is the default command. If you're not familiar with Docker don't worry, we have you covered in the following sections.

The following plugins are bundled with the Docker image:

• mkdocs-minify-plugin

• mkdocs-redirects

??? question "How to add plugins to the Docker image?"

Material for MkDocs only bundles selected plugins in order to keep the size
of the official image small. If the plugin you want to use is not included, 
create a `user-requirements.txt` file in the repository root with the packages
you want to install additionally, e.g.:

``` txt title="user-requirements.txt"
mkdocs-macros-plugin==0.7.0
mkdocs-glightbox>=0.3.1
```

Next, you can build the image with the following command:

```
docker build -t squidfunk/mkdocs-material .
```

The new image will have additional packages installed and can be used
exactly like the official image.

with git

Material for MkDocs can be directly used from GitHub by cloning the repository into a subfolder of your project root which might be useful if you want to use the very latest version:

git clone https://github.com/squidfunk/mkdocs-material.git

The theme will reside in the folder mkdocs-material/material. After cloning from git, you must install all required dependencies with:

pip install -e mkdocs-material

!!! note "Enterprise support"

If you're using Material for MkDocs in your organization and need
assistance, e.g., to __reduce build times__, __improve performance__ or
ensure compliance, [__get in touch__](mailto:contact@squidfunk.com)
to discuss our __enterprise support__ offerings. We're happy to help!