Deploy a React App to Netlify: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Netlify is ideal for static React apps and Vite-based projects. It offers continuous deployment from Git, form handling, serverless functions, and a generous free tier. If your React app doesn't need server-side rendering, Netlify is a great choice.

For Vite: build command is `npm run build`, publish directory is `dist`. For Create React App: build command is `npm run build`, publish directory is `build`. Netlify auto-detects most configurations, but verify these settings in your project's Build & Deploy settings.

React apps with client-side routing (React Router) need a redirect rule. Without it, direct links to routes like /dashboard return 404. Create a `_redirects` file in your public folder with: `/* /index.html 200`. This tells Netlify to serve your app for all routes and let React Router handle them.

Add environment variables in Netlify's Site Settings > Environment Variables. For Vite apps, client-side variables must be prefixed with VITE_ (e.g., VITE_API_URL). For CRA, use REACT_APP_ prefix. Redeploy after adding variables - they're only available during build time.

In Domain Settings, add your custom domain. Configure DNS by pointing your domain to Netlify's load balancer or using Netlify DNS. SSL certificates are provisioned automatically through Let's Encrypt.