Payload
Next.js-native headless CMS and application framework
Payload is the headless CMS that lives inside your Next.js app. With 40K+ GitHub stars, it installs into your existing /app folder—no separate backend needed. TypeScript-first, fully extensible, and designed for modern full-stack development.
Why Payload?
Traditional headless CMS tools run as separate services. You maintain two deployments, deal with API latency, and context-switch between frontend and backend. For Next.js projects, this friction adds up. You want a CMS that's part of your app, not bolted on.
How It Works
Payload installs directly into your Next.js /app folder. Define your schema in TypeScript, and Payload generates a React admin panel and database tables. Query data with React Server Components—no REST or GraphQL needed. One codebase, one deployment.
What Is Payload?
Payload is a Next.js-native headless CMS and application framework. It provides content management, authentication, access control, file uploads, and localization. TypeScript-first with 100% extensible admin and backend.
Key Benefits
Why teams choose Payload
Next.js Native
Lives in your /app folder. One codebase, one deployment.
TypeScript First
Auto-generated types. End-to-end type safety.
React Admin
100% customizable admin panel built with React.
No API Needed
Query data directly in Server Components.
Built-In Auth
Authentication with HTTP-only cookies and CSRF protection.
One-Click Deploy
Deploy to Vercel or Cloudflare with templates.
Features
Everything you need to build with Payload
Lexical Editor
Rich text editor with blocks and custom elements.
Versions & Drafts
Auto-save drafts with version history.
Localization
Built-in multi-language content management.
Access Control
Field-level permissions with custom logic.
Uploads
File uploads with automatic image resizing.
Hooks
Before/after hooks for custom business logic.
Use Cases
What you can build with Payload
Technology Stack
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