# Is typedoc ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> typedoc@0.28.20 is ESM-only. ESM-only since 0.27.0 — last CommonJS version is 0.26.11.

Create api documentation for TypeScript projects.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against typedoc@0.28.20.

typedoc dropped its CommonJS build in 0.27.0 (November 2024). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 0.26.11, published Nov 1, 2024; it declares support for Node.js >= 18.

On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("typedoc") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26. On Node.js 18, which has no require(esm), require("typedoc") fails with ERR_REQUIRE_ESM.

## What to do

1. On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("typedoc") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26.
2. From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const typedoc = await import("typedoc"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>= 18).
3. If you need a synchronous require() or run Node.js 18: npm install typedoc@0.26.11, the last CommonJS release (published Nov 1, 2024); it declares Node.js >= 18.
4. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 0.28.20 (Jul 5, 2026)
- Module format: ESM-only
- Last CommonJS version: 0.26.11
- ESM-only since: 0.27.0 (Nov 27, 2024)
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: >= 18
- Weekly downloads: 4.5M
- License: Apache-2.0

## Runtime test results for typedoc@0.28.20

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("typedoc") from a CommonJS file and import "typedoc" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("typedoc") | import "typedoc" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | fails (ERR_REQUIRE_ESM) | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import typedoc

ES modules:

```js
import * as typedoc from "typedoc";
```

Namespace import shown because the ESM entry may have no default export; use named imports for what it exports.

CommonJS:

```js
// Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer (verified):
const typedoc = require("typedoc");

// Any Node.js version the package supports (>= 18), from an async function:
async function main() {
  const typedoc = await import("typedoc");
}

// Or pin the last CommonJS release (declares Node.js >= 18):
// npm install typedoc@0.26.11
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (256 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.27.0 – 0.28.20 | ESM-only | Nov 27, 2024 |
| 0.24.6 – 0.26.11 | CommonJS | Apr 24, 2023 |

## Frequently asked

**Is typedoc ESM-only?**

typedoc@0.28.20 is ESM-only. typedoc dropped its CommonJS build in 0.27.0 (November 2024). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 0.26.11, published Nov 1, 2024; it declares support for Node.js >= 18.

**Which version of typedoc still supports CommonJS / require()?**

0.26.11 is the last version of typedoc with a CommonJS build; it declares Node.js >= 18. Install it with "npm install typedoc@0.26.11". Every version from 0.27.0 on is ESM-only.

**How do I use typedoc from a CommonJS file?**

From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const typedoc = await import("typedoc"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>= 18). On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("typedoc") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26. Alternatively pin typedoc@0.26.11 (declares Node.js >= 18).

**Does typedoc work in Bun?**

Yes. import "typedoc" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does typedoc ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. typedoc bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [typedoc on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/typedoc)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/TypeStrong/TypeDoc)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/typedoc/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/typedoc.json)

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