How can you simplify Jekyll templates with reusable includes

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Working with Jekyll templates often becomes repetitive when you need to add the same snippet of code across multiple layouts or pages. This is where the power of the _includes folder comes in. By using includes, you can simplify your workflow, reduce errors, and make your Jekyll site easier to maintain. In this guide, we explore how reusable components streamline your template management and help you build a cleaner GitHub Pages project.

Smart ways to organize reusable Jekyll includes

Why includes are essential for Jekyll projects

If you have ever copied the same block of HTML into multiple layouts, you already know how error-prone it can be. Updating one piece requires you to update it everywhere. Jekyll includes solve this problem by allowing you to centralize reusable code snippets. Instead of duplicating code, you call the include where needed, and any change made inside the _includes folder propagates instantly across your site.

Beyond saving time, includes also make your repository more maintainable. When working in teams, consistency becomes critical. Reusable components enforce uniformity across layouts and pages, making collaboration smoother.

Setting up your includes folder structure

Jekyll automatically recognizes a folder named _includes at the root of your project. Any file stored inside can be accessed with the Liquid {% raw %}{% include %}{% endraw %} tag. For clarity, you can further organize your components into subfolders such as headers, footers, or widgets.

.
├── _includes
│   ├── header.html
│   ├── footer.html
│   ├── widgets
│   │   └── newsletter-signup.html
└── _layouts
    └── default.html

By structuring your includes logically, you can easily find and update them without confusion, especially as your site grows in complexity.

Practical examples of reusable components

The beauty of includes lies in their versatility. Here are some popular examples:

  • Navigation bars: Instead of hardcoding links in multiple layouts, create a nav.html file inside _includes and call it wherever needed.
  • Footers: Company information, copyright text, or social media links belong in one centralized include.
  • SEO tags: Meta descriptions and structured data can be handled consistently with a single reusable include.
  • Widgets: Newsletter forms, related posts, or advertisement banners can live in _includes/widgets.
{% raw %}{% include nav.html %}{% endraw %}

With one line of Liquid code, you can inject complex reusable sections into any template.

Using parameters to make includes dynamic

Static includes are powerful, but dynamic includes unlock even more flexibility. Jekyll lets you pass parameters when calling an include. Inside the include file, you can reference those parameters to change behavior.

{% raw %}{% include button.html text="Subscribe" url="/newsletter" %}{% endraw %}

And inside button.html:

<a href="{{ include.url }}" class="btn">{{ include.text }}</a>

This makes one include reusable in multiple contexts with different labels, styles, or destinations. For larger projects, this dramatically reduces code duplication.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

While includes are straightforward, beginners often stumble into a few pitfalls:

  • Overusing includes: Breaking every small snippet into an include can make code harder to track. Use them only where reuse is beneficial.
  • Incorrect paths: Remember that Jekyll expects includes inside the _includes folder. Using wrong relative paths causes build errors.
  • Ignoring parameters: Some developers copy similar includes instead of using parameters. Embrace dynamic includes for flexibility.
  • Not documenting usage: In team projects, document what each include does and how to use its parameters.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures includes remain a solution, not a complication.

FAQs about using includes in Jekyll

Can I include Markdown files?

Yes, but you need to enable the option or render them as HTML. Jekyll processes Markdown differently than HTML, so test carefully.

Can includes call other includes?

Absolutely. You can nest includes, but be cautious of complexity. Too many nested includes can make debugging difficult.

Do includes work with GitHub Pages?

Yes, GitHub Pages fully supports includes since they are part of Jekyll’s core functionality. You don’t need extra plugins for them to work.

Key takeaways to simplify your template workflow

Reusable components with _includes make Jekyll templates cleaner, more efficient, and easier to manage. By centralizing commonly used code, using parameters for flexibility, and organizing files clearly, you simplify ongoing maintenance. Whether you are building a personal blog or a corporate documentation site, mastering includes ensures your templates remain scalable and professional.

Next step: Start by identifying which sections of your site repeat across layouts. Move them into the _includes folder, test dynamic parameters, and enjoy the streamlined workflow that reusable components provide.