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Copier

Copier is a free, open-source library and command-line app for creating projects from templates.

Place
#24 of 33
Score
6.0
Copier's website

What Copier is

Copier is a free, open-source library and command-line app for creating projects from templates. A template can come from a local path or a Git URL, including GitHub and GitLab shortcuts. A questionnaire collects project-specific answers, which Copier uses to render files and create directory structures. It uses Jinja2 for files ending in `.jinja`, or a different suffix configured for the template. Copier can update generated projects as their templates evolve, but only when the template supports updates. It avoids replacing existing files unless instructed otherwise. Developers can use the CLI or Python functions such as `run_copy`. The listed platforms are API, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and Python is listed as a supported language. Installation prerequisites include Python 3.10 or newer and Git 2.27 or newer; the documentation lists pipx, uv, pip, conda-forge, and Homebrew as installation methods. The project’s license is MIT. Jinja extensions, migrations, and tasks can execute arbitrary code, so they are disabled by default and require explicit trust. Updates may leave inline conflict markers or `.rej` files that need manual review.

Good

  • Creates files and directories from template answers.
  • Accepts local paths and Git URLs.
  • Offers a CLI and Python API.
  • Leaves existing files unchanged by default.

Watch out

  • Requires Python 3.10 or newer.
  • Requires Git 2.27 or newer.
  • Not all templates support project updates.
  • Update conflicts may need manual review.

Who it suits

Copier may suit template creators looking to reduce repeated coding and template users who want to start projects or update them from evolving templates. It is aimed at developers comfortable with its Python and Git prerequisites.

Verdict

Copier provides a free way to generate projects from templates and, where supported, update them later. Review its prerequisites and the manual work that update conflicts can require.

Plans and prices

From Copier's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
CopierFreeOpen-source library and CLI for rendering project templates

The facts

Each one read from Copier's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

File handling
Copier avoids overwriting existing files unless instructed to do so.checked 5 Oct 2026
Install methods
The docs list pipx, uv, pip, conda-forge, and Homebrew installation methods; Homebrew is listed for macOS or Linux.checked 5 Oct 2026
Intended users
Copier describes template creators who want to reduce repeated coding and template consumers who want to start projects quickly or evolve them comfortably.checked 5 Oct 2026
License
The project’s GitHub repository identifies its license as MIT.checked 5 Oct 2026
Project creation
Template questionnaires collect answers that Copier uses to generate project files and directory structures.checked 5 Oct 2026
Project updates
Copier can update generated projects from evolving templates, though not all templates support updates.checked 5 Oct 2026
Purpose
Copier is a library and command-line app for rendering project templates.checked 5 Oct 2026
Python API
Copier can be used programmatically through Python functions such as run_copy.checked 5 Oct 2026
Rendering
Copier uses Jinja2 to render files with the .jinja suffix or a configured alternative suffix.checked 5 Oct 2026
Requirements
The documentation lists Python 3.10 or newer and Git 2.27 or newer as installation prerequisites.checked 5 Oct 2026
Security
Jinja extensions, migrations, and tasks can execute arbitrary code, so these features are disabled by default and require explicit trust.checked 5 Oct 2026
Template input
It works with local paths and Git URLs, including GitHub and GitLab URL shortcuts.checked 5 Oct 2026
Update conflicts
Project updates can produce inline conflict markers or .rej files, which the docs say should be reviewed manually.checked 5 Oct 2026

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