Open Source Traditional & Flat-File CMS Software
Traditional & Flat-File CMS software provides a structured way to create, edit, and publish website content such as blog posts, knowledge base articles, and online store listings. These tools eliminate the need for manual HTML coding by providing interfaces for managing text and media. This type of software serves developers and site owners who need to organize web pages without relying on external hosting services. Self-hosting these apps ensures that markdown files and database entries remain on private servers instead of rented cloud storage.
This page lists 25 open source tools in the Traditional & Flat-File CMS category. The most popular are Halo, WordPress and Wagtail. Most use the MIT or GPL-2.0 license, and 15 offer an official Docker image.
Halo
An open-source website builder for creating personal blogs, knowledge bases, corporate sites, and online stores.
WordPress
Create and manage websites, blogs, and online stores with a self‑hosted open‑source publishing platform.
Wagtail
A Django based content management system providing precise control for designers and developers with a focus on user experience.
Publii
A desktop based content management system for creating and deploying secure, static websites with a graphical interface.
Umbraco CMS
A free and open source .NET content management system designed for delivering diverse digital experiences.
Joomla!
A content management system for building websites and online applications using PHP and SQL databases.
Statamic
A flat-first content management system built on Laravel that manages website data using files and Git.
ApostropheCMS
A full stack content management system using Node.js and MongoDB with in context visual editing.
Drupal
A flexible content management platform for building dynamic websites ranging from personal weblogs to large community sites.
Craft CMS
A flexible content management system for building custom websites with a clean slate approach to content modeling.
Tasks.md
A self-hosted task management board that stores cards and lanes as Markdown files on the filesystem.
WinterCMS
A self-hosted content management system built on the Laravel PHP framework for rapid prototyping and development.
Bludit
A flat-file content management system for building websites and blogs without requiring a database installation.
MODX Revolution
A flexible PHP content management system and application framework for building custom websites and mobile APIs.
HTMLy
A databaseless PHP blogging platform and flat-file content management system designed for simplicity and speed.
TYPO3
An enterprise content management framework for building and managing complex websites using a PHP based architecture.
Idno
A social publishing platform for creating blogs and connecting with others via decentralized web protocols.
Backdrop
A full featured content management system for non technical users to manage diverse website content types.
Automad
A flat-file content management system and template engine for building websites without a database.
Textpattern
A flexible and fast content management system written in PHP for managing website content.
Concrete CMS
A community driven content management system for building and managing professional websites using a PHP framework.
Typemill
A flat-file content management system for creating documentation, manuals, and websites using markdown files and ebook conversion.
LeoMoon Wiki-Go
A databaseless flat-file wiki platform for creating knowledge bases and documentation using Markdown files.
Bolt CMS
An adaptable content management platform for building modern websites with traditional or headless delivery options.
Omeka
A web publishing platform for the display of library, museum, and scholarly collections and archives.
Join our newsletter to get shiny new open source software delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.