.env File Generator

Generate .env files for any project. Templates for Node.js, React, Next.js, Django, Laravel, and cloud services.

✨ Generated locally in your browser

Ready-to-Download Samples

Download pre-built sample files instantly. No configuration needed.

Minimal

100 B

Basic environment variables (~100 bytes)

Basic

Node.js App

300 B

Standard Node.js application (~300 bytes)

Node.js

Next.js

400 B

Next.js application environment (~400 bytes)

Next.js

React + Vite

250 B

React with Vite bundler (~250 bytes)

React

Express API

500 B

Express.js REST API (~500 bytes)

Node.js

Django

400 B

Django application environment (~400 bytes)

Python

Create Custom File

Configure your own file with custom settings and content

Shell Preview

shell

Create .env files for any application in seconds. Our generator provides templates for popular frameworks with proper variable naming and security guidance.

What is a .env File?

A .env (dotenv) file is a simple text file that stores environment variables as KEY=value pairs. These files keep sensitive configuration like API keys, database credentials, and feature flags separate from your code. Libraries like dotenv for Node.js or python-dotenv load these variables into your application at runtime.

Why Use Environment Variables?

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Keep secrets out of source code and version control

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Configure different settings for dev, staging, and production

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Share required configuration with your team via .env.example

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Enable feature flags without code changes

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Follow the twelve-factor app methodology

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Simplify deployment across different environments

Common Use Cases

API Keys & Secrets

Store third-party API keys, JWT secrets, and encryption keys securely outside your codebase.

Database Configuration

Configure database connection strings that vary between development, staging, and production.

Feature Flags

Toggle features on/off across environments without deploying new code.

External Service URLs

Configure API endpoints, CDN URLs, and service addresses for different environments.

Generator Features

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14 pre-built templates for popular frameworks

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Node.js, React, Next.js, Django, FastAPI, Laravel

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Cloud service templates (AWS, Firebase, Supabase)

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Payment integration (Stripe) templates

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Production-ready security patterns

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Proper variable naming conventions

How It Works

Configure

Customize your file settings using the form above

Preview

See your changes in real-time in the preview panel

Download

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .env file?

A .env file stores environment variables as key-value pairs. It keeps sensitive configuration (API keys, database passwords) separate from code. Libraries like dotenv load these variables into process.env at runtime.

Should I commit .env files to Git?

Never commit .env files with real secrets to Git. Add .env to .gitignore. Instead, commit a .env.example file with placeholder values to document required variables for your team.

What is the difference between .env and .env.local?

.env contains default values shared across environments. .env.local contains local overrides and secrets, never committed to Git. Next.js and other frameworks load .env.local after .env.

How do I use environment variables in React?

In Vite, prefix variables with VITE_ (e.g., VITE_API_URL). In Create React App, use REACT_APP_ prefix. Access them via import.meta.env.VITE_API_URL or process.env.REACT_APP_API_URL.

How should I manage secrets in production?

Use secret management services like HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Doppler. Never store production secrets in .env files. Use environment variables injected by your hosting platform.

What naming conventions should I use?

Use SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE for variable names (e.g., DATABASE_URL, API_KEY). Group related variables with prefixes (DB_, AWS_, SMTP_). Add comments to document each variable.