Redoc
OpenAPI-generated API documentation
The Lens
Redoc turns your OpenAPI spec into readable API documentation in one command. Drop in your spec file, get a fully rendered docs page with a three-panel layout: navigation, content, and code samples.
The output is clean. Seriously clean. Better-looking than Swagger UI out of the box. It renders as a single HTML file, no server needed. Host it on GitHub Pages, Netlify, S3, or embed it in your existing site.
One of the most popular API documentation generators. Used by companies from startups to enterprises. Redoc itself is free and MIT licensed. The commercial product is Redocly (the platform), which adds API linting, versioning, developer portals, and team collaboration, starting at $69/mo per project.
The catch: Redoc only reads OpenAPI specs. If your API isn't documented in OpenAPI format, Redoc can't help you. It's also read-only, no "Try it" button for sending test requests like Swagger UI has. If interactive testing matters, Swagger UI or Stoplight Elements are better fits. But for pure documentation quality, Redoc wins.
Free vs Self-Hosted vs Paid
open core### What's Free
Redoc: the documentation renderer. Full OpenAPI 3.0/3.1 support, responsive three-panel layout, code samples, search, nested schemas, markdown descriptions. MIT licensed. Deploy anywhere.
### What's Behind the Paywall
**Redocly Platform:** - **Starter ($69/mo/project):** API linting, CI/CD integration, versioning, custom domains. - **Professional ($169/mo/project):** Developer portal, multiple APIs, custom themes, analytics. - **Enterprise (custom):** SSO, SLA, dedicated support.
Redocly is the company; Redoc is the free open source renderer. You can use Redoc forever without touching Redocly.
### Self-Hosting Cost
$0. Redoc generates a static HTML file. Host it anywhere static files are served: GitHub Pages (free), Netlify (free), S3 ($0.02/mo).
### Verdict
Redoc is free and complete for rendering API docs. Pay for Redocly only if you need linting, portals, or multi-API management.
Redoc renderer is free forever. Redocly platform starts at $69/mo for advanced API management.
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