Payload CMS Has a Free TypeScript Headless CMS With Code-First Config

Payload is a modern headless CMS built with TypeScript. Unlike Strapi, it uses a code-first approach — your schema IS your TypeScript code.

What You Get for Free

• Code-first config — TypeScript schemas, not GUI clicks
• REST + GraphQL APIs — auto-generated
• Admin panel — React-based, fully customizable
• Authentication — built-in auth with JWT
• Access control — field-level permissions
• Versions and drafts — content versioning
• Self-hosted — deploy anywhere

Define a Collection

import { CollectionConfig } from 'payload/types';

export const Posts: CollectionConfig = {
  slug: 'posts',
  fields: [
    { name: 'title', type: 'text', required: true },
    { name: 'content', type: 'richText' },
    { name: 'status', type: 'select', options: ['draft', 'published'] },
  ],
};

Quick Start

npx create-payload-app

Payload vs Strapi

Feature	Payload	Strapi
Config	Code-first	GUI-first
TypeScript	Native	Added later
Custom admin	React components	Limited

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Need a CMS setup? Check my work on GitHub or email [e-mail] for consulting.