Code-first Headless CMS that bridges the gap between CMS and application framework

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Payload is a CMS that has been designed for developers from the ground up to deliver them what they need to build great digital products. If you know JavaScript, you know Payload. It's a code-firstCMS, which allows us to do a lot of things right:

Payload gives you everything you need, but then steps back and lets you build what you want in JavaScript or TypeScript - with no unnecessary complexity brought by GUIs. You'll understand how your CMS works because you will have written it exactly how you want it.

Bring your own Express server and do whatever you need on top of Payload. Payload doesn't impose anything on you or your app.

Completely control the Admin panel by using your own React components. Swap out fields or even entire views with ease.

Use your data however and wherever you need thanks to auto-generated, yet fully extensible REST, GraphQL, and Local Node APIs.

Completely free and open-source

GraphQL, REST, and Local APIs

Easily customizable ReactJS Admin

Fully self-hosted

Extensible Authentication

Local file storage & upload

Version History and Drafts

Field-based Localization

Block-based Layout Builder

Extensible SlateJS rich text editor

Array field type

Field conditional logic

Extremely granular Access Control

Document and field-level hooks for every action Payload provides

Built with Typescript & very Typescript-friendly

Intensely fast API

Highly secure thanks to HTTP-only cookies, CSRF protection, and more

Before beginning to work with Payload, make sure you have all of the required software.

From there, the easiest way to get started with Payload is to use the create-payload-app package:

Alternatively, it only takes about five minutes to create an app from scratch.

Check out the Payload website to find in-depth documentation for everything that Payload offers.

If you want to add contributions to this repository, please follow the instructions in contributing.md.

There are lots of good conversations and resources in our Github Discussions board & our Discord Server. If you're struggling with something, chances are, someone's already solved what you're up against. 👇

GitHub Discussions

GitHub Issues

Discord