> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://coldbox.ortusbooks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://coldbox.ortusbooks.com/getting-started/application-templates.md).

# Application Templates

The best way to get started with ColdBox

The best way to get started with ColdBox is with our application templates at [coldbox-templates](https://github.com/coldbox-templates) — a curated collection of starter applications you scaffold with the `coldbox create app` command in the CLI:

{% embed url="<https://github.com/coldbox-templates>" %}
github.com/coldbox-templates
{% endembed %}

## CbGenesis — The Flagship Starter

[**CbGenesis**](https://cbgenesis.coldbox.org) is our production-ready reference application and the star starting point for any serious ColdBox project. It's a fully working app — not an empty skeleton — built on the Modern template layout with BoxLang:

* **Authentication & security** — session + JWT auth, role-based permissions, API tokens (cbsecurity + cbauth)
* **Database stack** — ORM (cborm), qb query builder, cfmigrations migrations, cbvalidation
* **Admin panel** — dark mode, Alpine.js, Bootstrap 5, Vite asset pipeline
* **Testing & CI** — TestBox suites and GitHub Actions ready to go

```bash
coldbox create app myApp skeleton=https://github.com/coldbox-templates/cbGenesis
```

Use CbGenesis to see how the [Ecosystem](/ecosystem/ecosystem.md) modules fit together in a real application.

## Starter Templates

| Template          | Description                                                                                           |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `cbgenesis`       | Production-ready reference application with modern layout and BoxLang                                 |
| `boxlang`         | **Recommended.** Native BoxLang app: secure non-root layout, Vite, `Build.bx`, Docker-ready           |
| `boxlang-desktop` | Cross-platform desktop app via the [BoxLang Desktop runtime](/digging-deeper/desktop-applications.md) |
| `flat`            | Traditional ColdBox layout — everything in the webroot                                                |
| `rest`            | A base REST API using ColdBox                                                                         |
| `rest-hmvc`       | An HMVC REST API using modules                                                                        |
| `supersimple`     | Barebones conventions baby!                                                                           |
| `tiered`          | Tiered layout with separate webroot and app directories                                               |

```bash
coldbox create app myApp                  # Default template
coldbox create app myApp skeleton=boxlang # Native BoxLang
coldbox create app myApp --ai             # Any template + AI integration
```

## CommandBox Integration

The `skeleton` argument accepts more than built-in names:

* A ForgeBox entry: `skeleton=cbtemplate-simple`
* A GitHub shortcut: `skeleton=github-username/repo`
* An HTTP/S URL to a zip: `skeleton=http://myapptemplates.com/template.zip`
* A local folder: `skeleton=/opt/shared/templates/my-template`
* A local zip: `skeleton=/opt/shared/templates/my-template.zip`

## See Also

* [ColdBox CLI](/getting-started/coldbox-cli.md) — full `create app` reference
* [Agentic Development](/getting-started/agentic-development.md) — the `--ai` flag
* [Desktop Applications](/digging-deeper/desktop-applications.md)


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