Payload CMS
Description
Payload CMS is a modern, Next.js-native, open-source headless CMS that integrates directly into your application’s /app
folder. Built for developers, it combines powerful frontend and backend capabilities, offering full control, extensibility, and freedom from vendor lock-in. Whether building small websites or complex enterprise solutions, Payload CMS delivers high performance, flexibility, and robust security features. With support for serverless deployment and seamless React Server Component integration, Payload CMS stands out as a versatile and future-ready solution.
Features
- Free and Open-Source: Completely free and open-source, ensuring cost-effective development.
- Next.js Integration: Native integration with Next.js, enabling it to run directly within your
/app
folder. - Direct Database Querying: Query your database directly in React Server Components, eliminating the need for REST or GraphQL.
- TypeScript-Based: Fully TypeScript-based, offering automatic type generation for data models.
- Built-in Authentication: Built-in authentication system with advanced security features.
- Versioning and Drafts: Versioning and draft management for content workflows.
- Localization Support: Localization support to cater to global audiences.
- Block-Based Layout Builder: Block-based layout builder for highly customizable designs.
- Customizable React Admin: Customizable React admin panel tailored to your application needs.
- Rich Text Editor: Lexical-rich text editor with support for conditional field logic.
- Granular Access Control: Granular access control for roles and permissions.
- Hooks for Extensibility: Document and field-level hooks to enhance functionality.
- Fast and Secure API: Lightning-fast API and secure HTTP-only cookies with CSRF protection.
- Plugin Ecosystem: Extensive plugin ecosystem to expand CMS capabilities.
Technology Stack
- Frontend: Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS
- Backend: Node.js, TypeScript
- Database Support: MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and more
- Additional Tools: pnpm or npm package manager for setup and management
Requirements
- Node.js version 14 or higher
- pnpm or npm package manager
- A supported database (e.g., MongoDB or PostgreSQL)
Why Choose Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is the ideal choice for developers who need a flexible, secure, and scalable headless CMS. It eliminates vendor lock-in by being fully open-source and supports modern development workflows with its tight Next.js integration. With a focus on performance and extensibility, Payload empowers teams to build faster and smarter, whether for personal projects or enterprise-grade applications.
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