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Netlify CMS

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Open-source content management for your Git workflow with any static site generator.

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Reviews onCapterra
88 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Leverages Git for versioning, history, and collaboration

Biggest con

Requires Git knowledge for developers setting it up

TL;DR - Netlify CMS

  • Open-source CMS for Git-based workflows.
  • Works with any static site generator.
  • Offers an intuitive UI for content editors with real-time preview.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.6/5 across review platforms

What is Netlify CMS?

Editorial review
Decap CMS (formerly Netlify CMS) is an open-source content management system designed for developers and content editors working with static site generators. It integrates directly with Git repositories, allowing content to be stored alongside code, leveraging Git's versioning capabilities. This approach provides the speed, security, and scalability benefits of a static site, while offering a user-friendly editing interface. For developers, it offers easy installation, extensive customization options with React, and compatibility with various static site generators and Git platforms. For editors, it provides an intuitive web-based app with rich-text editing, real-time previews, drag-and-drop media uploads, and an editorial workflow. It's ideal for projects built on the Jamstack that require a convenient content editing experience without the overhead of a traditional server-side CMS.

Available on: Web

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Leverages Git for versioning, history, and collaboration
  • Enhances static site performance, security, and scalability
  • Free and open-source with a strong community
  • Provides a convenient editing interface for non-technical users
  • Highly customizable and extensible for developers

Cons

  • Requires Git knowledge for developers setting it up
  • May have a learning curve for complex customizations
  • Relies on external Git providers for content storage

Ratings Across the Web

4.6(88 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Git-based workflow for content and code managementCompatibility with any static site generator (e.g., Gatsby, Hugo, Next.js)Easy installation and YAML-based configurationCustomizable with React for UI widgets, previews, and editor pluginsSupports multiple authentication backends (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, custom)Rich-text editing with real-time previewDrag-and-drop media library with plugin system (Cloudinary, Uploadcare)Localization (i18n) support for multi-language content

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 9, 2026

Free

Free

  • Simple and free to get started
  • Choose a template pre-configured with a static site generator
  • Deploys to a global CDN in one click
  • Web-based app with rich-text editing
  • Real-time preview
  • Drag-and-drop media uploads
  • Manage content from draft to review to publish
  • Supports custom content types

Priority Support

Contact us

  • Dedicated support line
  • Priority ticket handling

Onboarding

Contact us

  • Customized onboarding program tailored to your team and project

Custom Features Development

Contact us

  • Sponsor the development of custom features or integrations

Support Our Mission (GitHub Sponsors)

Donate

  • Help maintain and improve Decap CMS
  • Support new features, bug fixes, and documentation

Support Our Mission (Open Collective)

Donate

  • Support the project through Open Collective with transparent funding and expense tracking

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 88 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Netlify CMS FAQ

How does Netlify CMS integrate with existing development workflows?

Netlify CMS integrates directly with Git repositories, allowing content to be stored alongside code and leveraging Git's versioning capabilities. This approach supports developers working with any static site generator and various Git platforms.

Which teams benefit most from using Netlify CMS?

Netlify CMS is ideal for teams building projects on the Jamstack that require a convenient content editing experience without the overhead of a traditional server-side CMS. It caters to both developers needing customization and content editors seeking an intuitive interface.

How does Netlify CMS compare to Contentful?

Netlify CMS differs from Contentful by integrating directly with Git repositories for content storage, providing an open-source solution that leverages Git's versioning. It is designed for static site generators, offering a user-friendly editing interface while maintaining the benefits of a static site.

What kind of content editing features does Netlify CMS offer?

Netlify CMS provides content editors with an intuitive web-based app that includes rich-text editing, real-time previews, and drag-and-drop media uploads. It also supports an editorial workflow to manage content changes effectively.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Netlify CMS?

A primary trade-off for Netlify CMS is that developers setting it up need to have Git knowledge. Additionally, complex customizations may present a learning curve, and the system relies on external Git providers for content storage.

How is Netlify CMS priced?

Netlify CMS is available on a free tier, with additional paid plans offered for increased usage and more advanced features. It is also free and open-source, supported by a strong community.

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