Why Study Large Open Source Next.js Projects?
- Real-world architecture: Understand monorepos, Turborepo, and scalable code organization.
- Advanced Next.js features: Explore Server Components, App Router, API routes, and middleware.
- Full-stack integration: Learn to integrate databases (Prisma, Supabase), auth (Clerk, Auth.js), and payments (Stripe).
- TypeScript at scale: See type safety in large applications.
- Community best practices: Identify patterns and antipatterns in production codebases.
- Incremental migration: Study transitions from Pages Router to App Router.
1. Next.js
Repo: vercel/next.js
The official Next.js framework by Vercel, a React-based framework for building fast, SEO-friendly, and scalable web applications with hybrid rendering and TypeScript support.
Why study?
- Core framework for modern web development.
- Demonstrates App Router, Server Components, and API routes.
- Active community with frequent updates.
2. Nextra
Repo: shuding/nextra
Nextra is a Next.js-based framework for creating documentation sites and blogs, leveraging MDX for rich content and offering built-in search and dark mode.
Why study?
- Simplifies documentation with MDX integration.
- Showcases Next.js for content-driven sites.
- TypeScript and Tailwind CSS integration.
3. Tailwind Next.js Starter Blog
Repo: timlrx/tailwind-nextjs-starter-blog
A customizable blogging template built with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and MDX, optimized for SEO and developer blogs.
Why study?
- Ready-to-use blogging solution.
- MDX for rich content and live code previews.
- Tailwind CSS for rapid styling.
4. Supabase
Repo: supabase/supabase
Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative with Next.js integrations for dashboards and docs, featuring real-time databases and authentication.
Why study?
- Multi-app monorepo with Next.js.
- Real-time PostgreSQL and auth integration.
- Balances Pages and App Router.
5. Dify
Repo: langgenius/dify
Dify is a platform for building AI-driven applications with a Next.js frontend, supporting LLM workflows and model management.
Why study?
- AI-powered application architecture.
- Next.js with Tailwind and Zustand.
- Scalable API integrations.
6. Cal.com
Repo: calcom/cal.com
Cal.com is an open-source Calendly alternative using a Turborepo monorepo, migrating from Pages to App Router with Prisma and tRPC.
Why study?
- Incremental migration to App Router.
- Type-safe APIs with tRPC.
- Monorepo with multiple apps.
7. Unkey
Repo: unkey/unkey
Unkey is an API key and rate-limiting platform built with Next.js, Planetscale, Drizzle ORM, and Clerk in a Turborepo monorepo.
Why study?
- SaaS architecture for API management.
- Full-stack with modern tools.
- Turborepo for multi-app setup.
8. Documenso
Repo: documenso/documenso
Documenso is an open-source DocuSign alternative for digital signatures, using Next.js, Prisma, tRPC, and Stripe.
Why study?
- Digital signature workflows.
- Authentication and payment integration.
- Turborepo monorepo structure.
9. Midday
Repo: middayapp/midday
Midday is a freelancer platform for project and finance management, built with Bun, Supabase, and Next.js App Router.
Why study?
- Bun and Next.js integration.
- SaaS features for freelancers.
- Turborepo with multiple apps.
10. Plane
Repo: planeapp/plane
Plane is an open-source JIRA/Linear alternative for issue tracking, using Next.js, Tailwind, and MobX in a Turborepo monorepo.
Why study?
- Project management UI patterns.
- Incremental App Router adoption.
- Multi-app monorepo structure.
11. TypeHero
Repo: typehero/typehero
TypeHero is an educational platform for TypeScript challenges, built with Next.js, Prisma, and Auth.js.
Why study?
- Educational platform architecture.
- TypeScript-centric stack.
- Multi-app monorepo with Turborepo.
12. Dub
Repo: dubco/dub
Dub is an open-source URL shortening platform with Next.js, Planetscale, Prisma, and Stripe.
Why study?
- URL shortener architecture.
- Caching with Upstash.
- SaaS payment and auth patterns.
13. Noodle
Repo: noodleai/noodle
Noodle is an unreleased student education platform with Next.js, Bun, Clerk, and Drizzle ORM.
Why study?
- Indie SaaS with modern stack.
- Bun and Next.js integration.
- Educational platform features.
14. Morphic
Repo: morphic-ai/morphic
Morphic is an AI-powered search engine with Next.js, Tailwind, and Vercel AI SDK.
Why study?
- AI-driven search UI.
- Vercel AI SDK integration.
- Modern Next.js patterns.
15. OpenStatus
Repo: openstatus/openstatus
OpenStatus is a monitoring and performance tool with Next.js, Upstash, and Tinybird.
Why study?
- Real-time monitoring architecture.
- Multi-app monorepo.
- Modern database integrations.
16. Skateshop
Repo: skateshop/skateshop
Skateshop is an e-commerce demo for skateboards, showcasing Next.js, Stripe, and Clerk.
Why study?
- E-commerce workflows.
- Payment and auth integration.
- Modern Next.js features.
17. Feedbase
Repo: feedbase/feedbase
Feedbase is a feedback and update platform with Next.js, Supabase, and Tinybird.
Why study?
- Feedback collection architecture.
- Multi-app monorepo.
- Analytics integration.
18. Blitz.js
Repo: blitz-js/blitz
Blitz.js is a full-stack framework on Next.js with a zero-API data layer and Prisma.
Why study?
- Full-stack conventions.
- Zero-API data layer pattern.
- Rapid app development.
19. T3 Stack (Create T3 App)
Repo: t3-oss/create-t3-app
T3 Stack is a starter kit with Next.js, Prisma, tRPC, and NextAuth.js for full-stack apps.
Why study?
- Opinionated full-stack boilerplate.
- Type-safe APIs with tRPC.
- Modern development experience.
20. NextAuth.js
Repo: nextauthjs/next-auth
NextAuth.js is the leading authentication library for Next.js, supporting OAuth, email, and JWT.
Why study?
- Authentication workflows.
- Multiple provider integrations.
- Database adapter support.
Conclusion
These 20 open-source Next.js projects offer a diverse range of use cases, from e-commerce and SaaS to AI and education platforms. By studying their codebases, you can gain insights into modern web development, contribute to active communities, and build your own applications using best practices. Check the repositories on GitHub, experiment with their code, and join the Next.js ecosystem in 2025!