Payload CMS
A TypeScript headless CMS built with Express, MongoDB, and React. Completely free and open-source with a GraphQL and REST API, admin dashboard, and serverless deployment.
About Payload CMS
Payload CMS is an open-source, code-first headless content management system and application backend built natively into Next.js. It lets developers define schemas in code rather than building a custom admin panel or ORM from scratch, and includes features such as multi-tenancy, white-labeling, localization, access control, authentication, visual editing, and automatic RAG/vector embedding of content.
The product is positioned for multiple use cases beyond a standard CMS, including enterprise application building, headless e-commerce, and digital asset management. It targets developers who want to build on top of a code-based system, as well as marketing teams managing content through the admin UI.
Payload is used in production by companies including Microsoft, ASICS, Blue Origin, Hello Bello, and Tekton, and is aimed at organizations ranging from indie developers to Fortune 500 enterprises. Enterprise-tier features include SSO, AI auto-embedding, publishing workflows, a visual editor, and static A/B testing. The company offers demos for prospective users and has partner/agency and consultancy programs.
Key features
- Native Next.js integration for a full backend built into your Next.js app
- Code-based schema definition without needing a separate admin panel or ORM
- Visual editing to build and preview content appearance
- Automatic RAG-readiness with vector embedding of content
- Multi-tenancy, localization, and access control support
- Open-source and self-hostable so teams own their infrastructure
Frequently asked questions
Is Payload open source?
Yes, Payload is open-source software that developers can build on and fully own.
What platform does Payload integrate with?
Payload is built natively for Next.js, providing a full backend seamlessly built into a Next.js app.
Who is Payload for?
Payload is designed for developers, marketing teams, enterprise companies, and agencies/consultancies.
How do I get started with Payload?
You can start a new project by running npx create-payload-app or schedule a demo for enterprise use cases.
What enterprise features does Payload offer?
Enterprise features include SSO, AI auto-embedding, publishing workflows, a visual editor, and static A/B testing.
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