Home / Platforms / Payload CMS
P

Payload CMS

TypeScript headless CMS and application framework

Self-Hosted BackendsFree Tier AvailableTypeScript developers
Visit Website →

Overview

Payload is a modern headless CMS and application framework built entirely with TypeScript and React. Unlike traditional CMSs, Payload is code-first - you define your content model and business logic in TypeScript, and it automatically generates admin UI, APIs, and database operations. The platform provides a beautiful, auto-generated admin panel that's completely customizable with React components. What makes Payload unique is its dual nature: it's both a powerful CMS for content management and a full backend framework for building custom applications. It includes authentication, access control, file uploads, hooks, and email functionality built-in. Payload uses MongoDB or PostgreSQL for storage and generates both REST and GraphQL APIs automatically. The framework is highly extensible with plugins and custom field types. Perfect for developers who want type-safety throughout their stack, need a content backend with custom functionality, or are building SaaS products that need admin panels. Popular among TypeScript shops and teams building complex content-driven applications.

Features

Database: Both
Authentication
File Storage
Cloud Functions
Realtime
GraphQL
REST API
Self-Hosted

Tech Stack

TypeScriptReactMongoDBPostgreSQL

Best For

TypeScript appsContent sitesSaaS productsCustom CMSs

Pricing

Free Tier:Yes
Starting Price:$0
Model:Free (self-hosted) or cloud plans

Details

Deployment:Self-hosted or Managed
Founded:2020
Backed By:Open source

Compliance

GDPR

Ready to get started with Payload CMS?

Visit Payload CMS

Frequently Asked Questions about Payload CMS

What is Payload CMS?

Payload is a modern headless CMS and application framework built entirely with TypeScript and React. Unlike traditional CMSs, Payload is code-first - you define your content model and business logic in TypeScript, and it automatically generates admin UI, APIs, and database operations. The platform provides a beautiful, auto-generated admin panel that's completely customizable with React components. What makes Payload unique is its dual nature: it's both a powerful CMS for content management and a full backend framework for building custom applications. It includes authentication, access control, file uploads, hooks, and email functionality built-in. Payload uses MongoDB or PostgreSQL for storage and generates both REST and GraphQL APIs automatically. The framework is highly extensible with plugins and custom field types. Perfect for developers who want type-safety throughout their stack, need a content backend with custom functionality, or are building SaaS products that need admin panels. Popular among TypeScript shops and teams building complex content-driven applications.

Is Payload CMS free to use?

Yes, Payload CMS offers a free tier. Free (self-hosted) or cloud plans

What features does Payload CMS offer?

Payload CMS offers Both database, authentication, file storage, cloud functions, GraphQL API, REST API, and more.

Can I self-host Payload CMS?

Yes, Payload CMS can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your infrastructure and data.

What is Payload CMS best for?

Payload CMS is particularly well-suited for typescript apps, content sites, saas products, custom cmss.