Easel

How it works

From zero to a live portfolio, without touching code

Easel never holds your work. It sets everything up on accounts you own, then gets out of your way. Here's the whole thing, start to finish.

  1. Connect GitHub

    One click links your free GitHub account, where your site files live. Easel asks for the least it can: permission to create one public repository for your portfolio, and nothing more.

  2. Name your site and connect Netlify

    Pick a name, then link Netlify (also free) in one click. Netlify is what builds your site and serves it to visitors, quickly.

  3. Easel builds it for you

    Easel copies the portfolio template into your GitHub, creates your Netlify site, runs the first build, and sets up your editor. You watch a short progress bar. No terminal, no config.

  4. Edit at /admin and publish

    Open your editor at yoursite/admin, drag in your work, write your bio, and save. Each save publishes a fresh version of your live site on its own.

Start free

What you own at the end

  • Your GitHub repository, with every word and image saved and yours to export.
  • Your Netlify site, on your account and free tier, ready for a custom domain.
  • Your editor, a friendly /admin that publishes the moment you save.

If Easel shut down tomorrow, your site would keep running just as it is.

Questions

You should know…

What does Easel cost?

Provisioning and hosting an Easel site is completely free. You should expect to pay around $20 a year at max for a custom domain, if you aren't already.

What accounts do I need?

You'll need to create a free GitHub and Netlify account to provision an Easel site. GitHub hosts the code for your Easel site, while Netlify serves it as a website.

What prior coding knowledge do I need?

None! Easel uses a simple sitebuilder, and you'll never need to interact with the code that makes your site work.

Can I use a custom domain?

Absolutely! Custom domains are free with Netlify.

What kind of work can I show?

Anything visual! Easel is built around image galleries, so it's a great fit for illustrators, photographers, painters, designers, and more.

Can I change how my site looks?

Yes! You can adjust colors, fonts, and layout right from the sitebuilder, no code required.

Who owns my site and content?

You do, fully. Your site lives on your own GitHub and Netlify accounts, so it stays online whether or not you keep using Easel.

I have an unanswered question or idea for a feature!

Shoot me an email at [email protected].