Craft CMS
Build custom websites with a user-friendly CMS that puts content first. Features flexible architecture, GraphQL API, and powerful ecommerce capabilities.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/craftcms/cms or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Sanity.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in subscriptions
Craft CMS FAQ
Common questions
Is Craft CMS free and open source?+
Craft CMS is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Build custom websites with a user-friendly CMS that puts content first. Features flexible architecture, GraphQL API, and powerful ecommerce capabilities.
What paid software does Craft CMS replace?+
Craft CMS serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Sanity, Storyblok, saving up to $50/month ($600/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Craft CMS?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/craftcms/cms or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Craft CMS?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Sanity.