How to Convert React JS to Next JS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Overview: What is Next.js?

Next.js is like the superhero of React frameworks. It takes everything we love about React—like building interactive UIs — and adds some powerful extras, such as server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG), which help boost performance and SEO. Essentially, it makes web apps faster and more scalable right out of the gate.

One of the standout features of Next.js is its ability to combine client-side and server-side rendering, allowing you to choose the best approach for each page. That means faster load times and a smoother user experience. Plus, its file-based routing system makes navigation a breeze.

In short, if you’re already familiar with React, Next.js is the natural upgrade, and moving from React to Next JS solves common headaches while keeping the development process smooth and efficient. For more insights on improving your development process, check out our article on React performance optimization techniques.

Why One Should Migrate from React to NextJS?

Improved Performance

Next.js enhances load times with server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG), delivering pre-rendered HTML to users and boosting performance compared to traditional React apps.

Enhanced SEO Capabilities

By converting your React application to a Next app, you gain significant SEO advantages. Pre-rendered pages are easily indexed by search engines, improving visibility and driving organic traffic.

Simplified Routing

With file-based routing system, creating new pages is as easy as adding a file. Dynamic routes are also straightforward, allowing you to focus on development without complex configurations.

Seamless Data Fetching

With Next.js, fetching data happens at both build and request times, allowing for a flexible approach to dynamic content and enhancing user interactivity.

Easy Setup and Configuration

The migration process is simple, with sensible defaults that simplify installation and configuration. After cloning your project, you can install dependencies with npm install and configure your environment variables as needed. For more tips on optimizing your workflow, check out our article on offshore React development.

Community and Ecosystem

Next.js benefits from a robust community and ecosystem, with ample documentation, tutorials, and plugins available. As you convert your React project to Next.js, you’ll stay updated on the latest features and best practices.

Scalability

Next.js supports application growth with automatic code splitting and optimized build times, ensuring speed and user experience are maintained as your project expands.

Need assistance with the transition? Our team of ReactJS developers is here to help make your migration as smooth as possible.

Pros and Cons of Next.js

Next.js improves performance and development speed but also introduces build, routing, and configuration limitations. Knowing these trade-offs helps when deciding to use it, as what works well for one project might create challenges for another.

Pros:

• Enhanced Performance: Features like server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) significantly boost performance. These optimizations ensure faster load times and a smoother user experience, making it easier to convert React JS to Next JS effectively.
• File-Based Routing: Next.js simplifies navigation, making page creation straightforward. This intuitive structure enables rapid development without the complexities of manual route configuration. For a comparison of frameworks, check out our article on React vs Angular.
• Dynamic Routes: Create responsive applications that adapt to varying user needs. This flexibility is invaluable for modern React apps looking to scale.

Cons:

• Slow bundle analysis: When you migrate from React to Next JS, server-side rendering and automatic code splitting increase build times.
• No full webpack/Vite control: Custom plugins or loaders often need workarounds, limiting flexibility.
• Large server footprint: The server side is heavier, using more memory and CPU.
• Forced image handling: Next.js Image component requires specific setup and limits third-party libraries.
• Routing limitations: Complex routes can be awkward, requiring unconventional file structures. This is important for JS developers for hire to consider when planning projects.

Challenges of Moving from React to Next.js

Next.js unlocks new possibilities but also changes how you build and manage apps. From rendering choices to routing and performance tracking, developers need to adjust their habits to get the most out of the framework.

Understanding SSR and SSG

Unlike traditional React apps that mainly rely on client-side rendering, Next.js lets you select the best rendering method for each page. While this flexibility boosts performance, it also demands a solid grasp of data fetching and server rendering. Investing time to understand these concepts will enhance your app’s speed and SEO in the long run.

Adapting to the File System Routing

Next.js uses file and folder names to define routes, which feels intuitive at first but comes with limitations. A small typo in file naming can break the whole routing structure, making it less flexible than React Router or custom solutions. Teams that convert React to Next.js often face a learning curve in adapting to this opinionated routing model.

Dependency on Next.js Ecosystem

Next.js tightly integrates routing, rendering modes, and image optimization. While convenient, this dependency reduces flexibility in choosing third-party libraries or alternative architectural approaches. Once a project grows within the Next.js ecosystem, moving away can become costly in terms of time and resources. This lock-in effect is important to consider before committing fully to the framework.

Performance Monitoring

With SSR, ISR, SSG, and client components coexisting, identifying performance bottlenecks is not straightforward. Developers may struggle to determine whether delays come from the server, client, or network layer. Adding monitoring, logging, or APM tools usually requires extra configuration, particularly when deploying outside Vercel. This added complexity means performance oversight is more demanding than in simpler React setups.

Steps to Migrate from React to Next.js

Moving from React to Next.js might feel big, but it’s really just a series of small, manageable steps. You’ll be reusing most of your code, just reshaping it to fit Next.js’s way of setting things up.

Project Setup and File Restructuring

Before migrating any code, you need a working Next.js project with the right folders in place. That way, your components, pages, and assets will slot in smoothly.

Initialize a Next.js project for Migration

Start by creating a new Next.js project with npx create-next-app@latest. This sets up the folder structure, dependencies, and scripts needed for development. Choose TypeScript if your React project uses it, as this will make migration smoother and reduce type errors later. Verify that the project runs by launching npm run dev before moving any code.

Create Root Layout for Your React App to Next.js Conversion

Next.js relies on a root layout to manage anything that should appear across all pages. Things like your header, footer, sidebar, or navigation belong in app/layout.tsx (or layout.js). By placing them here, you avoid repeating code and keep the structure consistent. It’s also the right spot for global CSS or wrapping the app with context providers.

Move Components from React Project to Next.js

Start transferring reusable components into the Next.js components folder. Adjust imports for styles, utilities, or hooks. Keep an eye on browser-specific code: anything that relies on window or document may need useEffect or conditional checks, because Next.js renders on the server.

Restructure Pages Directory for Next.js Routing

Next.js uses a pages directory to define routes automatically. Convert your React routes into individual files under pages. For dynamic routes, use bracket notation (e.g., [id].tsx) to handle URL parameters. This is a key part of the process when you migrate from React to Next because routing logic changes from client-side to file-based server-side routing.

Migrate Public Assets to New Project

Move all static files — images, fonts, icons — into the public folder. Update all references in your components to the new paths. Assets in public are accessible both on the server and client side.

Dependencies and Scripts Management

Take a moment to prepare your setup. You’ll need to install the framework, adjust your scripts, bring over the right dependencies, and configure TypeScript. Let’s go through these steps one by one.

Install Next.js to Convert React App to NextJS

If you haven’t yet, install Next.js along with react and react-dom using npm install next react react-dom. This gets your project ready for server-side rendering, routing, and all the built-in Next features. Using the latest stable version avoids compatibility issues down the line.

Update package.json Scripts for Next App

Update your package.json scripts so they work with Next. A simple setup looks like this:

"scripts": {
  "dev": "next dev",
  "build": "next build",
  "start": "next start",
  "lint": "next lint"
}

Install and Manage Dependencies When Converting React to NextJS

Go through your old React dependencies and bring them into the new project one by one. Some libraries that work only in the browser might need tweaks for server-side rendering. If you install them gradually, it’ll help catch issues early and keep your setup clean.

Configure TypeScript for React to Next.js Migration

If your React app already uses TypeScript, start by renaming your files to .ts or .tsx. This step signals Next.js to detect TypeScript and automatically generate a tsconfig.json with recommended settings. Make sure you also install the type definitions for React, Node, and any libraries you use. A proper TypeScript setup now will save you headaches later, especially when handling props, hooks, or API calls.

Routing and Navigation Migration

Next.js uses file-based routing, which means you’ll need to rethink how your app handles navigation. This step covers updating routes, links, and dynamic paths.

Remove react-router-dom from React Project

Since Next.js uses file-based routing, you can remove react-router-dom from your project. Run npm uninstall react-router-dom and clean up any related imports or wrappers in your components. This reduces unnecessary dependencies and prevents conflicts.

Update Routing Logic for Next.js Client Side Rendering

Next.js automatically generates routes from the pages or app directory, so you’ll need to adjust your navigation logic. Replace from React Router with Next.js’s next/link. Update navigation components to use the href prop instead of to, and remove any route-specific logic that relied on React Router hooks like useHistory or useParams.

Handle Dynamic Routes in Next App

For pages with variable paths (like /products/:id), create files with bracket notation, e.g., pages/products/[id].js. Inside these pages, use Next.js’s useRouter hook to access parameters with const { id } = router.query. This approach covers both server-side and client-side navigation seamlessly and keeps your app consistent across environments.

Data Fetching Optimization

Instead of handling everything in components, you can choose built-in methods that improve speed and SEO, or even create your own API routes. Let’s look at the main options and when to use them.

Leverage Next.js Data Fetching Methods

Next.js gives you a few different ways to fetch data, and picking the right one makes a big difference. Use getStaticProps for pages that don’t change often—like blogs or marketing pages—so they can be built once and served fast. For content that updates frequently, getServerSideProps fetches data at request time. And for dynamic routes, getStaticPaths works hand-in-hand with getStaticProps to pre-render pages based on your data. Moving your existing API calls into these methods can drastically improve page speed and SEO without a complete rewrite.

Consider API Routes for Server-Side Data Management

Next.js allows you to define API routes inside pages/api. Think of them as mini backend endpoints directly in your project. You can handle form submissions, fetch from databases, or protect API keys. Use API routes, and you’ll keep your frontend cleaner and centralize server-side logic—no more spreading fetch calls all over your components.

Styling and Asset Migration

Next.js lets you combine component-level CSS Modules with global styles, making it easier to organize and maintain your app’s design during migration.

Implement CSS Modules in Next.js

Component-level styling is easier with CSS Modules. Rename your styles to [Component].module.css and import them directly into your component. This way, classes are scoped locally, avoiding accidental style clashes. If you have multiple React components, this keeps styles predictable and easy to manage.

Configure Global CSS for Client Side Styling

Some styles, like resets or color variables, belong in a global stylesheet. Import it once in app/layout.tsx or pages/_app.tsx, and you’re done. For more advanced setups, consider Sass or Tailwind — they integrate nicely and save time on repetitive styling. Remember: global CSS for shared design, modules for component-specific styles.

Image and Font Optimization for Performance

With Next.js, you can easily optimize images and fonts—this built-in feature ensures faster load times and smoother performance without extra manual work.

Use Next.js Image Component for Automatic Code Splitting

One of the easiest wins after moving to Next.js is switching out your tags for the component. It doesn’t just display the picture—it automatically handles lazy loading, resizing for different screens, and even formats like WebP. In practice, that means smaller files, faster load times, and less manual optimization work for you.

Optimize Fonts to Improve Application’s Performance

Fonts are another sneaky performance killer. Instead of dropping them into CSS, use next/font to load Google or local fonts. Next.js will subset them automatically (only the characters you actually use), which cuts down file size. The result: faster first paint and fewer layout shifts when the page loads.

Environment Variables Configuration

Before deploying, it’s worth cleaning up how your app handles environment variables. Next.js has its own conventions, and following them keeps sensitive data safe while still letting you share the right values with the client.

Adopt Next.js Environment Variable Prefixes

Environment variables work a bit differently in NextJS. Anything that needs to be available on the client has to start with NEXT_PUBLIC_. Everything else should stay unprefixed and live safely on the server side. So, your API keys stay hidden, while public config (like an analytics ID) can be exposed without risk. It’s a small change, but it keeps your app secure by default.

Testing Your Migrated Application

Migration isn’t finished until you know everything still works. Testing helps confirm that your components, pages, and data fetching behave the same way in Next.js as they did in React.

Continue Using Existing Tests for React to Next.js Migration

The good news: most of your React tests will still work. You’ll mainly need to update imports and mock out Next.js-specific bits like next/router. Jest, React Testing Library, or whatever you’re already using will still do the job. The key is to keep running tests throughout the migration—don’t wait until the end. It’s a quick way to catch issues early and avoid surprises.

Deployment and Performance Optimization

Once your app is running well in development, the last step is getting it live and making sure it performs efficiently in production. Deployment with Next.js is usually straightforward, but it’s also a good time to think about performance tweaks that keep your app fast as it scales.

Build the Next.js Application from React Project

Run npm run build to generate an optimized production build. This step bundles your code, pre-renders pages, and prepares static assets. Fix any warnings or errors that appear here—they often point to issues that only show up during server-side rendering.

Deploy Your Migrated Next App

Next.js apps can be deployed almost anywhere, but the most seamless option is Vercel, since it’s built by the creators of Next.js. If you prefer, you can deploy on platforms like Netlify, AWS, or your own server. The process usually comes down to pushing your code to GitHub/GitLab and letting the host handle builds and deployments automatically.

Implement Incremental Adoption Strategy

If your React project is large, consider migrating piece by piece instead of all at once. Start with a few routes or pages in Next.js, test them thoroughly, and expand from there. This approach reduces risk and makes it easier for your team to get comfortable with the new framework.

Consider Advanced Optimizations for Server Performance

For apps with heavier traffic, look into caching strategies, CDN integration, and fine-tuning your getServerSideProps calls to avoid slow responses. Features like Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) let you serve mostly static pages while keeping data fresh in the background—a great balance of speed and flexibility.

Key Takeaways and Benefits of Migrating to Next.js

Next.js isn’t just a different framework — it brings performance, scalability, and workflow improvements. Let’s break down the main benefits of making the switch.

Performance Benefits of Converting React App to NextJS

Next.js apps generally feel faster—the reason is because Next.js improves performance in several ways:

• Server-side rendering (SSR): pages are rendered before they reach the browser, so users see content immediately.
• Static site generation (SSG): pre-built pages load faster and reduce server load.
• Automatic code splitting: only the code needed for a given page is loaded.
• Built-in image optimization: responsive resizing, lazy loading, and WebP support out of the box.

These features mean faster load times, smoother user experiences, and less manual performance tuning for developers.

SEO Advantages When You Migrate from React to NextJS

Search engines favor sites that serve content immediately, rather than relying on JavaScript to render everything. With server-side rendering and pre-rendering, Next.js makes your content visible to crawlers right away.

Key SEO boosts you get with Next.js:

• Pre-rendered HTML
• Improved page speed
• Dynamic meta tags and Open Graph support
• Cleaner URL structures

Together, these give your app a stronger presence in search results and better discoverability.

Enhanced Developer Experience in Next App Development

Next.js reduces boilerplate and provides sensible defaults—routing, code splitting, and data fetching are built in. Developers spend less time wiring up libraries and more time building features. Tools like API routes and integrated TypeScript support also make it easier to maintain larger projects without adding extra complexity.

Scalability Improvements for Your Migrated React Project

As your project grows, Next.js makes scaling easier. For example, Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) allows you to update or add thousands of pages without rebuilding the entire site, keeping build times short. Built-in features like automatic code splitting and image optimization ensure performance stays consistent even as traffic increases. Coupled with deployment platforms like Vercel or Netlify, your app can handle higher loads and expand functionality without slowing down.

How MaybeWorks Can Help You?

At MaybeWorks, we get that moving from React to Next.js can feel overwhelming. That’s why our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Switching to a more convenient architecture not only improves your application’s performance but also prepares it for future scalability. If you’re seeking help with this transition or want to discuss Angular.js to React migration, reach out to us. Our team of Angular developers for hire is here to support you!

Conclusion

Migrating from React to Next.js is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits, from improved performance to enhanced SEO. The process may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and tools, it can be a smooth transition. By understanding how to migrate from React to Next, you’ll create new possibilities for scalability and speed in your applications. Ready to get started? With MaybeWorks by your side, transitioning will be both easy and effective.

FAQ

1. What are the key benefits of migrating a React app to Next.js?

   Next.js offers server-side rendering, better SEO, and improved performance compared to React’s client-side-only approach. If your project requires faster load times and dynamic routing, converting React to Next JS is a smart move.

2. How do you ensure a seamless transition when migrating from React to Next.js?

   We use a structured process, converting components step-by-step while testing to ensure minimal disruption during the React to Next JS migration. Our team tests thoroughly at each stage to prevent disruptions and ensure a seamless experience.

3. What are the main challenges in migrating a React app to Next.js, and how do you address them?

   Key challenges include adapting routing and optimizing server-side features. We address these by configuring Next.js’s routing system and ensuring that all essential functionality is preserved during the migration.

4. How does Next.js improve performance compared to a traditional React app?

   It enhances performance with server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG), reducing load times and improving SEO compared to a traditional client-rendered React app.

5. What is the typical timeline for migrating a React app to Next.js?

   The timeline varies based on the app’s complexity, but migrating from React to Next generally takes a few weeks, allowing for thorough testing and optimizations.

6. How do you handle server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) during a React to Next.js migration?

   We choose between SSR and SSG depending on the app’s requirements. SSR is ideal for dynamic pages, while SSG works best for static content, ensuring optimal performance.

7. What steps are taken to ensure the preservation of client-side routing functionality when migrating from React to Next.js?

   The latter supports both client-side and server-side rendering. We configure the project to preserve the client-side routing you’re familiar with in React by using the same components and ensuring smooth integration.