Open Source Headless CMS Software
Headless CMS software decouples the backend content repository from the frontend presentation layer. These tools store text, images, and structured data in a central database and deliver it via APIs to any device or platform. This type of software allows developers to build custom user interfaces without being locked into a specific page template. These apps are ideal for teams that need to distribute the same content across websites, mobile apps, and newsletters. Self-hosting these tools ensures that API keys and content schemas remain private.
This page lists 21 open source tools in the Headless CMS category. The most popular are Ghost, Payload and Directus. Most use the MIT or AGPL-3.0 license, and 17 offer an official Docker image.
Ghost
A professional publishing platform for managing content, sending email newsletters, and handling paid subscriptions for independent creators.
Payload
A Next.js native headless content management system for managing data with TypeScript and automatic type generation.
Directus
A headless CMS and API engine that wraps SQL databases with REST and GraphQL API layers.
Wagtail
A Django based content management system providing precise control for designers and developers with a focus on user experience.
TinaCMS
A Git based headless content management system providing a GraphQL API and visual editing for Markdown files.
Builder
A visual development platform for creating digital experiences using a drag and drop interface across various stacks.
Plasmic
A visual builder for web applications and websites that integrates directly with existing React codebases.
Umbraco CMS
A free and open source .NET content management system designed for delivering diverse digital experiences.
Statamic
A flat-first content management system built on Laravel that manages website data using files and Git.
ApostropheCMS
A full stack content management system using Node.js and MongoDB with in context visual editing.
Drupal
A flexible content management platform for building dynamic websites ranging from personal weblogs to large community sites.
Pimcore
A product experience management platform combining PIM, MDM, DAM, CDP, and CMS capabilities in one framework.
Craft CMS
A flexible content management system for building custom websites with a clean slate approach to content modeling.
Squidex
A headless content management system and hub providing a rich API for custom frontend applications.
Vrite
A collaborative developer content platform for creating and deploying product documentation, technical blogs, and internal knowledge bases.
Atomic Server
A lightweight headless CMS and graph database for creating, sharing, and modeling linked atomic data.
Superdesk
An end-to-end news creation, production, curation, distribution, and publishing platform designed for professional journalism organizations.
Cockpit CMS
A headless content management system providing flexible content infrastructure via REST and GraphQL APIs.
Bolt CMS
An adaptable content management platform for building modern websites with traditional or headless delivery options.
Marble CMS
A headless content management system for publishing articles, product updates, and changelogs via a REST API.
Zenblog
A headless content management system for blogging that provides an API and SDK for custom website integration.
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