diff --git a/packages/sampler/README.md b/packages/sampler/README.md
index c495c2ad..1142176b 100644
--- a/packages/sampler/README.md
+++ b/packages/sampler/README.md
@@ -20,3 +20,13 @@ samples('http://localhost:5432')
 LOG=1 npx @strudel/sampler # adds logging
 PORT=5555 npx @strudel/sampler # changes port
 ```
+
+## static json
+
+when running with `--json`, you will simply get the json logged back:
+
+```sh
+npx --yes @strudel/sampler --json > strudel.json
+```
+
+this is useful if you want to create a sample pack from the current folder.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/packages/sampler/package.json b/packages/sampler/package.json
index b0f27f86..dd701bcf 100644
--- a/packages/sampler/package.json
+++ b/packages/sampler/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@strudel/sampler",
-  "version": "0.2.0",
+  "version": "0.2.2",
   "description": "",
   "keywords": [
     "tidalcycles",
diff --git a/packages/sampler/sample-server.mjs b/packages/sampler/sample-server.mjs
index d1e56108..08456add 100644
--- a/packages/sampler/sample-server.mjs
+++ b/packages/sampler/sample-server.mjs
@@ -10,14 +10,6 @@ import os from 'os';
 // eslint-disable-next-line
 const LOG = !!process.env.LOG || false;
 
-console.log(
-  cowsay.say({
-    text: 'welcome to @strudel/sampler',
-    e: 'oO',
-    T: 'U ',
-  }),
-);
-
 async function getFilesInDirectory(directory) {
   let files = [];
   const dirents = await readdir(directory, { withFileTypes: true });
@@ -60,8 +52,26 @@ async function getBanks(directory) {
   return { banks, files };
 }
 
+const args = process.argv.slice(2);
+
 // eslint-disable-next-line
 const directory = process.cwd();
+
+if (args.includes('--json')) {
+  const { banks, files } = await getBanks(directory);
+  const json = JSON.stringify(banks);
+  console.log(json);
+  process.exit(0);
+}
+
+console.log(
+  cowsay.say({
+    text: 'welcome to @strudel/sampler',
+    e: 'oO',
+    T: 'U ',
+  }),
+);
+
 const server = http.createServer(async (req, res) => {
   res.setHeader('Access-Control-Allow-Origin', '*');
   const { banks, files } = await getBanks(directory);
diff --git a/website/src/pages/learn/samples.mdx b/website/src/pages/learn/samples.mdx
index 0deb6070..a87b8f7d 100644
--- a/website/src/pages/learn/samples.mdx
+++ b/website/src/pages/learn/samples.mdx
@@ -178,6 +178,16 @@ the version number).
 It is also possible, of course, to just remove it from cache (deleting cache in browser Privacy settings,
 or from the dev console if you're technically minded, or by using a cache deleting extension).
 
+## Generating strudel.json
+
+You can use [@strudel/sampler](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@strudel/sampler) to generate a strudel.json file for you, by running:
+
+```sh
+npx --yes @strudel/sampler --json > strudel.json
+```
+
+See other uses of strudel/sampler further below, under "From Disk via @strudel/sampler".
+
 ## Github Shortcut
 
 Because loading samples from github is common, there is a shortcut: