I build free browser tools with Next.js — no backend, no uploads, everything runs client-side

📰 Dev.to · Sreten Madzgalj

Learn how to build free browser tools with Next.js without a backend or uploads, running everything client-side, and why this approach matters for privacy and speed.

intermediate Published 13 Apr 2026

Action Steps

Create a new Next.js project using `npx create-next-app` to get started with building your browser tool.
Design and plan your tool's functionality and user interface, considering what features will run client-side.
Use Next.js's built-in features like `getStaticProps` and `useEffect` to manage state and fetch data without a backend.
Implement your tool's logic using JavaScript and React, keeping in mind the limitations and advantages of client-side execution.
Test and deploy your tool, ensuring it works as expected in different browsers and environments.

Who Needs to Know This

Frontend developers and software engineers can benefit from this approach as it allows for fast, privacy-friendly, and lightweight browser utilities, while also being a great way to learn and practice Next.js skills.

Key Insight

💡 Next.js allows for building fast, privacy-friendly, and lightweight browser utilities without a backend or uploads, making it a great choice for developers who want to create tools that run client-side.