Code-first CMS with full TypeScript control
Payload gives you a headless CMS that feels like writing application code. Built-in auth, flexible access control, and TypeScript everywhere. For teams that want CMS flexibility without leaving their development workflow.
Who Payload makes sense for
Payload fits teams that treat their CMS as part of their application, not as a separate content silo.
Full-stack teams
You're comfortable with TypeScript, Postgres/MongoDB, and want CMS logic close to your application code.
Complex access control
You need field-level permissions, multi-tenant isolation, or custom auth flows that SaaS CMS can't handle.
Self-hosted priority
You want to own your infrastructure, avoid SaaS pricing tiers, or need air-gapped deployments.
Why Payload
Payload is built for developers who want a headless CMS that feels like their own codebase, not a third-party service.
Code-first configuration
Define your content models in TypeScript config files. No GUI-based schema builders. Version control, code review, and type safety from the start.
- Full TypeScript types generated from your config
- Collections, fields, and hooks defined in code
- Admin UI auto-generated from config
Built-in auth & access control
Authentication, user management, and access control are first-class features. Field-level permissions, role-based access, and custom auth strategies built in.
- Field and collection-level permission rules
- JWT or session-based auth out of the box
- Custom auth strategies with full control
Honest trade-offs
Payload gives you control, but requires you to manage infrastructure and upgrades yourself.
When Payload fits
- You have a DevOps team or infrastructure expertise
- Complex access control or multi-tenant requirements
- You want to avoid SaaS vendor lock-in or usage limits
- Team is comfortable with Node.js/TypeScript
When to reconsider
- Small team with limited ops capacity
- Need enterprise SLA guarantees or managed backups
- Content team needs advanced workflow features
- You want a fully managed GraphQL API (consider Hygraph)
How we implement Payload
We treat Payload as part of your application infrastructure, not as a separate service.
Content architecture & access design
We map your content types, relationships, and permission rules. Define collections, fields, and access control in TypeScript before any implementation.
Payload setup & database integration
Configure Payload with your chosen database (Postgres or MongoDB). Set up auth strategies, file storage, and email providers. Full TypeScript config with type safety.
Custom fields & hooks
Build custom field components, validation logic, and lifecycle hooks. Payload lets you extend everything with React components and server-side hooks.
Admin UI customization & deployment
Customize the admin panel, add dashboard widgets, and deploy to your infrastructure. We handle SSL, monitoring, and backup strategies.
Common Payload use cases
Multi-tenant SaaS platforms
Payload's field-level permissions and custom auth make it ideal for multi-tenant apps where each customer needs isolated content and user management.
Developer portals & documentation
Code-first CMS for technical content. Version control your schema, review content changes through Git, and keep docs close to your codebase.
Custom admin dashboards
Payload's admin UI is fully customizable. Build internal tools, data management interfaces, or workflow automation with full React component control.
Enterprise self-hosted CMS
For organizations that require on-premise deployment, air-gapped environments, or strict data residency requirements.
Migrating to Payload
We handle migrations from WordPress, Contentful, or custom CMS implementations. Content migration, schema mapping, and editor training included.
Content migration scripts
Automated transfer of existing content with validation
Schema restructuring
Improve your content model during migration
Zero-downtime transition
Parallel run with gradual cutover
Payload implementations we've delivered
Our Payload stack
How to start
30-minute consultation
We review your content model, access requirements, and infrastructure constraints.
Technical proposal
Architecture plan, timeline, and fixed-price quote delivered within 48 hours.
Implementation & launch
6-8 week build with weekly demos and full deployment support.
Need a code-first CMS with full control?
Let's discuss whether Payload fits your content architecture and access control requirements.