# Craft CMS: Free Open Source Alternative to Sanity, Storyblok

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/craft-cms
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Craft CMS (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Sanity, Storyblok. Build custom websites with a user-friendly CMS that puts content first. Features flexible architecture, GraphQL API, and powerful ecommerce capabilities.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Craft CMS
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://craftcms.com/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/craftcms/cms
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 3.6k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/craftcms/cms or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Sanity.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Craft CMS saves up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sanity](https://caniforkit.com/sanity) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Sanity vs Craft CMS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/sanity-vs-craft-cms) |
| [Storyblok](https://caniforkit.com/storyblok) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Storyblok vs Craft CMS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/storyblok-vs-craft-cms) |

## Frequently Asked 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 is the trade-off or limitation of using Craft CMS?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Sanity.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)