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Last Updated: 08-21-2026 12:27 PM (UTC)

Payload CMS

Backed by 44,000 GitHub stars and now part of Figma, Payload is the first headless CMS that installs natively into your Next.js application's /app directory rather than running as a separate service. The code-first architecture uses TypeScript config files to define collections, globals, and field schemas — from which Payload auto-generates database tables with migrations, a fully customizable React admin panel, REST and GraphQL endpoints, and type-safe Node.js local APIs you can call directly in React Server Components. The Lexical-based rich text editor supports block-based layout building, inline media embeds, and nested field structures, while the built-in localization engine handles unlimited locales with field-level translations. Authentication ships out of the box with HTTP-only cookie sessions, CSRF protection, role-based access control definable at the document, field, and operation level, and support for OAuth providers. Version history tracks every document change with full draft and publish workflows, and Live Preview renders content edits in real-time using server components. The job queue system manages background tasks and multi-step workflows deployable via Vercel Cron or standalone workers. Database flexibility spans PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and SQLite through swappable adapters, and the plugin ecosystem includes official modules for SEO, form builders, redirects, nested documents, and search alongside hundreds of community extensions. Running on a dedicated VPS on RepoCloud with guaranteed CPU, RAM, and SSD, full root SSH access, and a browser serial console. MIT licensed.

Payload CMS
Payload CMS
Payload CMS
Payload CMS
Payload CMS

Benefits

  • Next.js Native Architecture
  • Installs directly into your existing Next.js /app directory, combining frontend, backend, and admin panel in one codebase without separate API services to manage.
  • Code-First TypeScript Config
  • Define collections, fields, and access control in TypeScript files that auto-generate database schemas, REST and GraphQL APIs, and fully typed client interfaces.
  • Triple Database Support
  • Swap freely between PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and SQLite through swappable database adapters with automatic migrations, transactions, proper indexing, and zero schema lock-in.
  • Enterprise-Grade Access Control
  • Configure permissions at the document, field, and operation level with role-based policies, HTTP-only cookie authentication, CSRF protection, and OAuth provider support.

Features

  • Lexical Rich Text
  • Block-based content editing with the Lexical editor supporting inline media, nested fields, custom blocks, and extensible toolbar configurations.
  • Live Preview
  • Real-time content preview using React Server Components renders edits instantly in your frontend without page reloads or client-side rendering.
  • Versions and Drafts
  • Full document version history with draft and publish workflows, rollback capability, and autosave for content editing safety.
  • Job Queue System
  • Background task processing with multi-step workflows, configurable queues, and integration with Vercel Cron or standalone worker processes.
  • Plugin Ecosystem
  • Official plugins for SEO, form builders, redirects, nested documents, and search alongside hundreds of community-maintained extensions.