Payload

Payload is an open-source web app and server that functions as both an application framework and a headless content management system, allowing developers to manage data and content through a customizable administrative interface. The system is designed to eliminate the need for separate SaaS subscriptions by providing a fully open source core that developers can host on their own infrastructure.

Deployed as a web server, Payload is native to Next.js and can be installed directly within an existing app folder. This architecture allows for the unification of the frontend and backend within a single project directory. It supports various deployment environments, including serverless options on Vercel and Cloudflare, and integrates with databases such as MongoDB and PostgreSQL to store content and configuration.

Key features

• Next.js native integration for installation within the app folder
• Direct database querying in React Server Components
• Automatic TypeScript type generation for data schemas
• Granular access control for content management
• Document and field level hooks for custom logic
• Support for REST and GraphQL APIs
• Built-in security with CSRF protection and HTTP-only cookies
• Plugin system for adding or removing functionality

The software is built for developers who want to avoid vendor lock-in and the constraints of traditional CMS architectures. By leveraging React Server Components, it removes the requirement for REST or GraphQL calls when fetching data internally. The platform is highly extensible, allowing the admin UI and the backend logic to be modified to suit specific project requirements. It includes a CLI tool for quick installation and provides a variety of production-ready templates for building websites, ecommerce stores, blogs, and portfolios using Tailwind CSS.

Payload is a developer-centric headless CMS that prioritizes extensibility and deployment flexibility.