Decap CMS

Open-source Git-based CMS for editing content in static-site repositories

git-basedstatic-sitesopen-sourceself-hosted

Websitedecapcms.org

CategoryContent & CMS

PricingFreemium

Card requiredNo

Open sourceYes

← ← Back to directory Go to Decap CMS ↗ ↗

ABOUT

What is Decap CMS?

Decap CMS is an open-source React editor that stores content in Git repositories and works with static site generators and modern frontend workflows. It supports GitHub, GitLab and Bitbucket backends, editorial workflows, media uploads and custom widgets without locking the project to Netlify.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

What you should know

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Own the content historyPosts and configuration live in the site's Git repository, so every editorial change can be reviewed, reverted and deployed through the same workflow as code.

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Works beyond NetlifyDecap can use GitHub, GitLab or Bitbucket and can be deployed with any static site host. Its documentation explicitly separates the CMS from Netlify.

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Authentication is your responsibilityThe CMS is free, but a production setup still needs a Git provider backend and authentication arrangement. Netlify Identity is one option, not a requirement.

Not a hosted database CMSGit-based content is excellent for static sites but can become awkward for large media libraries, frequent simultaneous editors, complex relations or runtime content updates.

COMMUNITY

From the forums

Reddit users appreciate Decap's low cost, repository history and fit with static-site workflows, especially for small client sites. The recurring complaints are that authentication and OAuth setup can be fiddly outside Netlify, media handling depends on the chosen backend, and the editor is less suitable than a database CMS for complex relational content.

— Community sentiment · Reddit

⭐GitHub 💬Discuss on Reddit ↗

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ABOUT US

Honest, independent, no fluff.

No paid placements. Just a clear look at what this does, what it costs, and what to know before you commit.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is Decap CMS free?＋

Yes. Decap CMS is MIT licensed, open source and free forever. It is a self-hosted editor, so you provide the site hosting, Git provider and authentication rather than paying for a CMS database.

Does Decap CMS require Netlify?＋

No. Decap can work with GitHub, GitLab or Bitbucket and can be deployed with a static host other than Netlify. Netlify's Identity and Git Gateway are only one authentication option.

What is Decap Turbo?＋

Decap Turbo is an optional paid extension for centralized authentication, roles, a database proxy and support. Its early-access page lists Starter at $37 monthly or $29 monthly billed yearly, with no payment required to join the waitlist.