# npm staged publishing now supports creating new packages

By Steven Van · 2026-10-02

Automated workflows can create packages with stage-only tokens, while a maintainer must approve the first staged version before installation.

Automated workflows can now create npm packages without a manual first publish. [GitHub](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/github>)’s update lets developers use npm stage publish with a local session or a granular access token, including a stage-only token.

## Stage the first version for review

When a package does not yet exist, npm creates a publicly available placeholder version named 0.0.0-stage. The submitted version and its contents stay in the staged queue until a maintainer reviews and approves them.

Maintainers can inspect staged packages through the CLI or the Staged Packages tab on npmjs.com. Approval requires two-factor authentication through either interface before the submitted version becomes available to install. Submitting a package to staging does not require a 2FA prompt.

## Supported packages and requirements

Package creation works for public scoped and unscoped packages, and private scoped packages. After creation, maintainers can manage package settings and configure trusted publishing.

The [staged publishing documentation](<https://docs.npmjs.com/staged-publishing>) requires npm CLI 11.15.0 or later, Node 22.14.0 or higher, publish access and an npm account with 2FA enabled.

![Screenshot showing the Staged Packages tab on npmjs.com with staged packages ready for review](<https://docs.npmjs.com/packages-and-modules/securing-your-code/staged-package-tab.png>)

The Staged Packages tab on npmjs.com shows packages ready for review.

![Screenshot showing a staged package on npmjs.com with the Approve button](<https://docs.npmjs.com/packages-and-modules/securing-your-code/staged-package-approve.png>)

A staged package on npmjs.com with the Approve button.

![GitHub](<https://github.githubassets.com/assets/GitHub-Mark-ea2971cee799.png>)

GitHub

Where the world builds software — Git hosting, pull requests, issues, Actions CI/CD, and Copilot, free for public and private repos.

[View GitHub →](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/github>)

[Original source](<https://github.blog/changelog/2026-10-02-npm-staged-publishing-now-supports-creating-new-packages>)

[Read npm staged publishing now supports creating new packages on Creators Toolbox](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/github-npm-staged-publishing-now-supports-creating-new-packages>)

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Canonical source: https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/github-npm-staged-publishing-now-supports-creating-new-packages