Netlify CMS
Claim this toolOpen-source content management for your Git workflow with any static site generator.
Free plan available, paid tiers aboveVisit WebsiteFreemium Visit Website
Tracked since 2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free plan available, paid tiers above. Compare plans
Key facts
- Open-source CMS for Git-based workflows.
- Works with any static site generator.
- Offers an intuitive UI for content editors with real-time preview.
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
What is Netlify CMS?
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
Louis Corneloup Source netlifycms.org ↗
Key Features
- Git-based workflow for content and code management
- Compatibility with any static site generator (e.g., Gatsby, Hugo, Next.js)
- Easy installation and YAML-based configuration
- Customizable with React for UI widgets, previews, and editor plugins
- Supports multiple authentication backends (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, custom)
- Rich-text editing with real-time preview
- Drag-and-drop media library with plugin system (Cloudinary, Uploadcare)
- Localization (i18n) support for multi-language content
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Oct 9, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free |
+6 more Show less
|
| Priority Support | Contact us |
|
| Onboarding | Contact us |
|
| Custom Features Development | Contact us |
|
| Support Our Mission (GitHub Sponsors) | Donate |
|
| Support Our Mission (Open Collective) | Donate |
|
Is Netlify CMS worth the price?
Great value
Netlify CMS (now Decap CMS) is entirely free, making it incredibly generous and accessible for anyone needing a Git-based CMS.
The 'Contact us' tiers are for support, onboarding, or custom development, not core product access. This model is best for developers and small to medium-sized teams comfortable with self-hosting and managing their own infrastructure.
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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.
Source: netlifycms.org