About package README files

Table of contents

Creating and adding a README.md file to a package
Updating an existing package README file

To help others find your packages on npm and have a good experience using your code in their projects, we recommend including a README file in your package directory. Your README file may include directions for installing, configuring, and using the code in your package, as well as any other information a user may find helpful. The README file will be shown on the package page.

An npm package README file must be in the root-level directory of the package.

Creating and adding a README.md file to a package

In a text editor, in your package root directory, create a file called README.md.
In the README.md file, add useful information about your package.
Save the README.md file.

Note: The file extension .md indicates a Markdown file. For more information about Markdown, see the GitHub Guide "Mastering Markdown".

Updating an existing package README file

The README file will only be updated on the package page when you publish a new version of your package. To update your README file:

In a text editor, update the contents of the README.md file.
Save the README.md file.
On the command line, in the package root directory, run the following commands:
```
 
npm version patch
npm publish
```

Edit this page on GitHub