What is Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is an open-source, code-first headless CMS and application framework built natively into Next.js. It generates a full backend from schemas defined in code, serving developers, marketing teams, agencies, and enterprise organizations. The software is available as open source, with an enterprise tier offering additional features accessible via scheduled demo.
What are the features of Payload CMS?
- Code-defined schemaDevelopers define their data schema in code to generate a fully-typed backend without building a custom admin panel or using a separate ORM.
- Next.js native integrationThe framework operates directly within a Next.js application rather than functioning as an external service.
- Visual editingA built-in interface allows users to visualize and edit the look and feel of content.
- Automated vector embeddingThe system prepares content for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) by handling vector embeddings automatically.
- Multi-tenancy and access controlSupports multiple tenants alongside granular access controls, authentication, localization, and white-labeling capabilities.
What are the use cases of Payload CMS?
- Headless e-commercePowers storefronts and commerce applications using the same code-defined backend infrastructure.
- Digital asset managementOrganizes and manages media assets within the content framework.
- Enterprise application buildingServes as the underlying architecture for custom internal or customer-facing applications beyond standard content publishing.
How to use Payload CMS?
- Initialize projectRun
npx create-payload-appin the terminal to scaffold a new Payload CMS application.
Payload CMS Pricing Information:
- Open sourceFree; includes core features such as code-defined schemas, visual editing, multi-tenancy, and automated vector embeddings.
- EnterprisePrice not stated; requires scheduling a demo. Adds single sign-on (SSO), AI auto-embedding, publishing workflows, and static A/B testing.
