Deploying Next.js to Vercel: The Complete Production Checklist

Vercel is the fastest way to deploy a Next.js application. Zero configuration, preview deployments on every PR, and edge functions built in. Here's how to go from local dev to production in under an hour. Prerequisites Next.js 14 app (App Router) GitHub repository Vercel account (free tier works) Step 1: Connect Your Repository # Install Vercel CLI npm install -g vercel # From your project root vercel # Follow the prompts: # - Link to existing project? No # - Project name: your-project # - Directory: ./ # - Override settings? No Or use the Vercel Dashboard: New Project -> Import Git Repository -> select your repo. Vercel auto-detects Next.js and sets the correct build settings. Step 2: Environment Variables Your .env.local file never gets deployed. You must set environment variables in Vercel. # Via CLI vercel env add NEXTAUTH_SECRET production vercel env add DATABASE_URL production vercel env add ANTHROPIC_API_KEY production vercel env add STRIPE_SECRET_KEY production vercel env