# A statically generated blog example using Next.js and TakeShape
This example showcases Next.js's [Static Generation](https://nextjs.org/docs/basic-features/pages) feature using [TakeShape](https://www.takeshape.io/) as the data source.
Once you have access to [the environment variables you'll need](#step-5-set-up-environment-variables), deploy the example using [Vercel](https://vercel.com?utm_source=github&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=next-example):
[](https://vercel.com/new/git/external?repository-url=https://github.com/vercel/next.js/tree/canary/examples/cms-takeshape&project-name=cms-takeshape&repository-name=cms-takeshape&env=TAKESHAPE_PROJECT_ID,TAKESHAPE_API_KEY,TAKESHAPE_PREVIEW_SECRET&envDescription=Required%20to%20connect%20the%20app%20with%20TakeShape&envLink=https://vercel.link/cms-takeshape-env)
Execute [`create-next-app`](https://github.com/vercel/next.js/tree/canary/packages/create-next-app) with [npm](https://docs.npmjs.com/cli/init), [Yarn](https://yarnpkg.com/lang/en/docs/cli/create/), or [pnpm](https://pnpm.io) to bootstrap the example:
### Step 1. Create an account and a project on TakeShape
First, [create an account on TakeShape](https://www.takeshape.io/).
After creating an account, create a **new project** from the dashboard. You can select a **Blank Project**.
### Step 2. Create an `Author` model
From the project settings page, create a new **content type**.
- The title should be `Author`.
Next, drag these widgets:
- **Single Line** widget: Set the title as **Name**.
- **Asset** widget: Set the title as **Picture**.
When you’re done, click "Create Content Type".
### Step 3. Create a `Post` model
Click **Add Content Type** again.
- The title should be `Post`.
Next, add these fields (you don't have to modify the settings unless specified):
- **Single Line** widget: Set the title as **Title**.
- **Markdown** widget: Set the title as **Content**.
- **Single Line** widget: Set the title as **Excerpt**.
- **Asset** widget: Set the title as **Cover Image**.
- **Date** widget: Set the title as **Date**.
- **Single Line** widget: Set the title as **Slug**.
- **Relationship** widget: Set the title as **Author**, then set **Relationship Type** to `Single` and check the `Author` checkbox under **Allowed Content Types**.
When you’re done, click "Create Content Type".
### Step 4. Populate Content
Select **Author** and create a new record.
- You just need **1 Author record**.
- Use dummy data for the text.
- For the image, you can download one from [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/).
When you’re done, make sure to click **Enabled** under **Workflow Status**.
Next, select **Post** and create a new record.
- We recommend creating at least **2 Post records**.
- Use dummy data for the text.
- You can write markdown for the **Content** field.
- For the images, you can download ones from [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/).
- Pick the **Author** you created earlier.
When you’re done, make sure to click **Enabled** under **Workflow Status**.
### Step 5. Set up environment variables
From the dropdown next to the project name, click **API Keys**.
Create a new API Key with the **Read** permission.
-`TAKESHAPE_API_KEY` should be the API token you just copied.
-`TAKESHAPE_PROJECT_ID` should be the project ID, which is a substring in the project page URL: `https://app.takeshape.io/projects/<project-id>/...`
-`TAKESHAPE_PREVIEW_SECRET` can be any random string (but avoid spaces), like `MY_SECRET` - this is used for [the Preview Mode](https://nextjs.org/docs/advanced-features/preview-mode).
Your blog should be up and running on [http://localhost:3000](http://localhost:3000)! If it doesn't work, post on [GitHub discussions](https://github.com/vercel/next.js/discussions).
Now, if you go to `http://localhost:3000/posts/<slug>` (replace `<slug>`), you won’t see the post. However, if you use the **Preview Mode**, you'll be able to see the change ([Documentation](https://nextjs.org/docs/advanced-features/preview-mode)).
You can deploy this app to the cloud with [Vercel](https://vercel.com?utm_source=github&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=next-example) ([Documentation](https://nextjs.org/docs/deployment)).
To deploy your local project to Vercel, push it to GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket and [import to Vercel](https://vercel.com/new?utm_source=github&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=next-example).
[](https://vercel.com/new/git/external?repository-url=https://github.com/vercel/next.js/tree/canary/examples/cms-takeshape&project-name=cms-takeshape&repository-name=cms-takeshape&env=TAKESHAPE_PROJECT_ID,TAKESHAPE_API_KEY,TAKESHAPE_PREVIEW_SECRET&envDescription=Required%20to%20connect%20the%20app%20with%20TakeShape&envLink=https://vercel.link/cms-takeshape-env)
