Payload CMS
Code-first headless CMS built with TypeScript and React.
About Payload CMS
Payload CMS is an open-source, code-first headless CMS and application framework built with TypeScript, React, and Next.js. Unlike GUI-first CMS tools, Payload is configured entirely in code, offering type-safe APIs, custom fields, access control, and full-stack capabilities — ideal for developers who want a CMS that feels like part of their codebase.
Key Features
- Code-first TypeScript configuration
- Auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs
- Customizable React admin panel
- Built-in access control and auth
- Live Preview and Draft system
- Database-agnostic (MongoDB, Postgres)
- Upload and media management
- Lexical rich text editor
Pros
- Best CMS for TypeScript developers — fully type-safe
- Open-source and self-hostable
- Deeply integrates with Next.js
- No vendor lock-in — you own everything
Cons
- Requires developer setup — not for non-technical users
- Smaller community than Strapi
- Self-hosting requires infrastructure management
Integrations
CloudinaryBest Use Cases
- Code-first content management
- Full-stack TypeScript applications
- Custom admin panels and dashboards
- Self-hosted CMS for developers
Payload CMS Alternatives
Looking for alternatives to Payload CMS? See all Payload CMS alternatives →
vs imgixQuick Info
- Website
- payloadcms.com
- Founded
- 2021
- Company
- 20-50
- Pricing
- freemium
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