TypeDoc Tutorial: The Complete Guide to TypeScript Documentation in 2026

Transform your source code into a professional, searchable, and interactive documentation site. Master the industry standard for TypeScript API generation.

What is TypeDoc and Why Should You Use It?

In the software engineering landscape of 2026, undocumented code is technical debt waiting to happen. TypeDoc is a documentation generator for TypeScript that reads your source files, parses the TypeScript syntax and JSDoc-style comments, and outputs a static HTML site.

Key Benefits for TypeScript Developers

Unlike JSDoc, TypeDoc understands the TypeScript type system natively. It automatically extracts information about interfaces, classes, and types without you having to repeat yourself in comments. This "single source of truth" approach significantly reduces maintenance overhead.

TypeDoc vs. JSDoc: The Main Differences

While JSDoc is the grandfather of JavaScript documentation, it often struggles with modern TypeScript features like Generics, Union Types, and Utility Types (such as the TypeScript Record type). TypeDoc handles these with ease, providing a semantic representation that developers can actually use.

Prerequisites for Setting Up TypeDoc

Before you begin, ensure you have a modern development environment ready:

  • Node.js v20+ (LTS recommended)
  • TypeScript v5.0+ installed in your project
  • A valid tsconfig.json file

Step-by-Step Installation and Configuration

Let's get TypeDoc running in your local environment. We recommend installing it as a development dependency to ensure consistent versions across your team.

Local Installation via NPM/Yarn

npm install typedoc --save-dev

Creating a typedoc.json Configuration File

While you can use CLI flags, a typedoc.json file is best for reproducibility. Here is a production-ready template for 2026:

{
  "entryPoints": ["src/index.ts"],
  "out": "docs",
  "theme": "default",
  "plugin": ["typedoc-plugin-markdown"],
  "exclude": ["**/*.spec.ts"],
  "cleanOutputDir": true
}

Generating and Customizing HTML Documentation

Once configured, you can generate your site with a single command. The default output is a fully responsive HTML folder ready to be hosted on GitHub Pages or an internal server.

Documenting Classes, Interfaces, and Types

To get the best results, use standard TSDoc comments. These are similar to JSDoc but with stronger support for type-specific tags. For example, if you are documenting UI components like the Angular Material Expansion Panel, your comments should clearly define inputs and outputs.

/**
 * Represents a data point in the system.
 * @example
 * const point = { x: 10, y: 20 };
 */
export interface Point {
  x: number;
  y: number;
}
Important Note for 2026: Always integrate TypeDoc into your CI/CD pipeline. This ensures your documentation never drifts from the actual implementation. Use the --json flag if you want to export the documentation metadata for custom portals.

Frequently Asked Questions about TypeDoc

Can I use TypeDoc with Angular or React?

Yes! TypeDoc works beautifully with any TypeScript project. For Angular, it can document your components, services, and pipes. It's especially useful for documenting complex UI interactions.

How do I exclude specific files?

Use the exclude option in your typedoc.json. You can use glob patterns to ignore test files, mocks, or internal utilities that shouldn't be part of the public API.

Does TypeDoc support Markdown in comments?

Absolutely. TypeDoc supports CommonMark markdown by default. You can use bold text, lists, and even tables inside your documentation comments.

Are there themes for TypeDoc?

Yes, there is a vibrant ecosystem of themes. While the default 'clean' theme is excellent, you can install community themes via NPM to match your brand's identity.