Prerendering: an old trick that’s new again

Netlify has introduced a new Prerender extension to replace its legacy prerendering feature, which is set to be retired starting January 2026. This change comes in response to evolving web demands and limitations in the old system, particularly as AI tools like ChatGPT and coding agents increasingly require prerendered content due to their inability to execute client-side JavaScript. The new extension addresses previous shortcomings by providing enhanced visibility, configurability, and integration with Netlify’s platform primitives, such as Edge Functions and headless Chromium browsers, to deliver prerendered HTML efficiently. It is available for free across all account plans, though any metered services it uses are billed according to the user's plan, with additional community support provided through forums. The transition to the new Prerender extension emphasizes the necessity for websites to ensure discoverability by offering prerendered content, especially as AI-driven platforms shape how content is consumed and delivered.