Archetypes
Archetypes are starter files for known content shapes. They reduce copy-and-paste drift by giving each repeated page type the same initial front matter and opening structure.
Use Naming conventions for archetype key names. Use this page when adding or changing the physical files under archetypes/.
Current library#
| Archetype | Intended path family | Use when |
|---|---|---|
blog-post | content/blog/**/name.en.md | Creating a main-site article |
blog-section | content/blog/**/_index.en.md | Creating a main-site topic hub |
brand-docs-page | content-brand/docs/**/name.en.md | Creating a brand documentation leaf page |
brand-docs-section | content-brand/docs/**/_index.en.md | Creating a brand documentation section hub |
component | content-brand/docs/**/components/** | Creating a component reference page |
docs-page | content*/docs/**/name.en.md | Creating a generic documentation leaf page |
docs-section | content*/docs/**/_index.en.md | Creating a generic documentation section hub |
legal-page | content*/legal/**/name.en.md | Drafting legal or policy pages |
shortcode | content-brand/docs/**/shortcodes/** | Creating a shortcode reference page |
til-note | content/til/**/name.en.md | Creating a small note about something learned |
Create content with an explicit kind:
hugo new -k brand-docs-page content-brand/docs/site-governance/example.en.mdCreate the French pair from the same archetype, then translate the front matter and body intentionally:
hugo new -k brand-docs-page content-brand/docs/site-governance/example.fr.mdRules#
- Keep archetypes small; they should start a page, not write the page.
- Include only fields that change template behaviour or help authors avoid omissions.
- Do not include empty
aliases:unless the archetype documents URL migration. - Do not create a site-specific archetype when the generic shape is enough.
- Update this page and Naming conventions when a new archetype key is added.
What stays elsewhere#
Front matter fields are governed by Site governance > Content > Front matter. Template behaviour is documented in Front matter. Archetypes only provide starter files for those rules.