Silex
UnclaimedBuild static websites visually with this free, open-source, and community-owned no-code platform.
Visit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
TL;DR - Silex
- Free, open-source, and community-owned visual website builder for static sites.
- Integrates with CMS/APIs for dynamic data and offers hosting.
- Emphasizes web standards, flexibility, and no vendor lock-in.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source, with no hidden costs or 'enshittification' risk.
- Strong emphasis on web standards, promoting future-proof web development skills.
- Flexible architecture with options for self-hosting and various CMS integrations.
- Community-owned and driven, ensuring development aligns with user needs.
- Creates fast, accessible, SEO-optimized, and eco-friendly static websites.
Cons
- May have a learning curve for users expecting a zero-learning-curve, 10-minute site builder.
- Advanced features like desktop app and premium templates are dependent on community funding.
- Primarily focused on static sites, which might not suit all dynamic web application needs.
Key Features
Visual editor for static sitesCMS integration (WordPress, Strapi, Squidex, Supabase, custom API)Hosting includedSelf-hosting capabilityTemplates for agencies and freelancers (via funding)Desktop application (Windows, macOS, Linux) for offline work (under development)Local-first and offline-first capabilities (desktop app)Open-source AI integration (desktop app)
Pricing Plans
Open Silex Cloud
$0 forever
- Standard website builder features
- No advertising, no tracking
- Accommodation GitLab Pages
- Custom domain name
- CMS Integrations, 11ty plugins
- Collaboration and versioning
- Suitable for small teams
Open Silex Desktop app
Free
- AI integration
- Works offline, no account needed
- You manage hosting, deployment, backups
- Flexibility and full control
- More technical
- All features of Silex
- Host your site anywhere
- Integrations CMS
- Local MCP server for IA integration
- History git local
- You deploy to FTP, neocities, ...
- Suitable for the most teams of all sizes
Silex Desktop app Self-Hosted
$0 + your server
- Full control on your infrastructure, you host Silex+GitLab+11ty+CMS on your servers
- No limits in GitLab
- Sovereign
- All features included
- Custom storage backends
- Your own domain
- GrapesJS plugins
- 11ty plugins
- GitLab pipelines
- Suitable for bigger teams
Managed Hosting
Quote
- Self-hosting without constraints
- Self accommodation of Silex+GitLab+11ty+CMS
- Updates and maintenance
- Dedicated support provided by Internet 2000
- Multi-client configuration, multi-tenant
- Support the development of Silex
- Suitable for web agencies
No-Code Development
From 1,500€/project
- Design implementation
- CMS setup
- Deployment & hosting
- Maintenance
Support & Consulting
From 100€/hour
- Technical support
- Architecture review
- Migration assistance
- Best practices audit
Custom Development
On quote
- Custom Silex plugins
- GrapesJS components
- 11ty integrations
- API connectors
What is Silex?
Silex is a free, libre, and open-source visual website builder specifically designed for static sites. It offers a no-code approach to web design, allowing users to create fast, accessible, SEO-optimized, and eco-friendly websites. The platform emphasizes adherence to web standards, providing users with a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS concepts without vendor lock-in. It's ideal for web professionals building multiple sites, students learning design, teams needing static site performance, and agencies scaling client work.
Silex integrates with various Content Management Systems (CMS) and APIs, enabling users to design with dynamic data that clients can easily edit. This makes it suitable for crafting blogs, small business websites, and e-commerce sites. Maintained by Silex Labs, a French non-profit organization, the project is community-owned and driven by user contributions and feature funding, ensuring its development aligns with user needs and remains free forever.
Reviews
Be the first to review Silex
Your take helps the next buyer. Verified LinkedIn reviewers get a badge.
Write a reviewBest Silex Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Explore More
Silex FAQ
How does Silex ensure it remains free and open-source without investor influence?
Silex is maintained by Silex Labs, a French non-profit organization, and operates without investors or an exit strategy. Its development is funded through community contributions and feature funding, ensuring the AGPL license remains unchanged and the software stays free for everyone without restrictions.
What kind of websites is Silex best suited for, and when might another tool be preferable?
Silex is best for web professionals building multiple static sites, students learning design, teams needing high static site performance, and agencies scaling client work. It's suitable for blogs, small business websites, and e-commerce sites when combined with a CMS. However, if you need a zero-learning-curve tool to get a site live in 10 minutes, Silex might not be the best fit due to its focus on web standards and flexibility.
Can I use Silex to build websites that require dynamic data, and how?
Yes, Silex allows you to design with dynamic data by plugging into various Content Management Systems (CMS) or APIs. It supports integrations with platforms like WordPress, Strapi, Squidex, and Supabase, enabling clients to edit content easily while maintaining a visually stunning user experience.
What is the 'Silex Desktop' app, and what are its benefits?
Silex Desktop is an installable application for Windows, macOS, and Linux, currently under development through community funding. Its main benefits include the ability to work entirely offline or with local files for faster performance, and it will feature local-first, offline-first, and open-source AI integration.
How does Silex's approach to web standards benefit its users?
Silex exposes HTML and CSS concepts directly, ensuring that what users learn is universally applicable. This approach prevents vendor lock-in, makes the user's web development journey more rewarding and future-proof, and provides ultimate flexibility in hosting choices and CMS integrations.
Source: silex.me