PayloadCMS + Next.js: The Optimal Stack for Building Modern Full-Stack Applications

Building Next.js full-stack applications often involves writing extensive boilerplate code, especially for backend operations like authentication or creating endpoints. This can be time-consuming and repetitive. In this article, we’ll explore PayloadCMS, a powerful tool built on Next.js, that simplifies the process by offering these features out of the box. As a headless CMS, Payload is versatile and performs exceptionally well as a backend for blogs, websites, as well as for more complex applications like e-commerce platforms or business tools.

So, what is Payload?

It's an open-source headless CMS that provides a robust set of features commonly needed in modern applications. These include built-in authentication, intuitive localization for multi-language apps, and even multi-tenant support introduced this month. The main advantage, and what sets Payload apart from other CMS solutions, is the complete freedom to build and redesign the default admin panel. We can replace each component with our own with custom logic, and tailor the panel to our needs.

Key features:

• Open source - Payload is a completely open-source solution - you only need to cover hosting costs. The vibrant community continuously enhances the platform, making it better for developers worldwide. If you have ideas for improving Payload, you can create your own solution and contribute it to make it available for everyone.

• Developer-first - Prioritizes developer experience with its TypeScript integration, robust documentation, flexible API generation and configuration-as-code approach to structuring data. It provides three API options: Local API for fastest server-side operations, REST API for client-side usage, and GraphQL API as an alternative to REST. The platform focuses on making development efficient and type-safe while giving developers full control over their implementation.

• Suitable for different use-cases - Perfect for building various web applications - from simple blogs and portfolios to complex e-commerce platforms and enterprise solutions. The flexible data structure, customizable admin panel, and powerful APIs allow adapting to diverse project requirements. Whether you're creating a small business website or a large-scale application, the platform scales to match your needs while maintaining performance and security.

• Great community on Discord - An active Discord community provides quick help, shares best practices, and discusses implementation challenges. The server connects developers worldwide, from beginners to experts, creating a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

TypeScipt-first approach

If you are proficient in the JavaScript ecosystem, work with TypeScript and develop applications in React or Next.js, there really is no better CMS option than Payload. And why? Payload is based on Next.js, and it's fully-typed in TypeScript, making the workflow much faster and more enjoyable and above all type-safe. The types in Payload are generated automatically based on the collections you create in the configuration file, and are updated on the fly with every change you make.

Consider a simple blog post collection:

// collections/Posts.ts
import { CollectionConfig } from 'payload/types';

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

PayloadCMS automatically generates and updates TypeScript types based on this configuration, enabling robust type checking and excellent IDE support throughout your application. This means you get instant IntelliSense suggestions, compile-time error detection, and reliable type safety from your CMS all the way to your frontend components - making development faster, safer, and more enjoyable.

Next.js integrated

While Payload works with any framework through its REST API, Next.js integration unlocks its full potential. Server-side access to the Payload instance enables faster data fetching and user authorization, significantly improving application performance. Whether building a blog, e-commerce site, or complex web app, the Next.js + Payload combination ensures efficient data handling and optimal user experience.

Here's a simple example of a basic blog component:

const Page = () => {
 const payload = await getPayload({ config });

 const posts = await payload.find({
   collection: 'posts',
   where: {
     status: {
       equals: 'published'
     }
   }
 });

 return (
   <div className="container">
     <h1>Blog Posts</h1>
     {posts.docs.map(post => (
       <article key={post.id}>
         <h2>{post.title}</h2>
       </article>
     ))}
   </div>
 );
}

export default Page;

Multilingual

Payload also provides native field-level localization, enabling dynamic text and data across languages. The admin panel supports 30+ language translations, with an open invitation for community contributions to expand language support.

Tips and Tricks

Getting started with Payload might feel overwhelming at first, but these tips will help smooth your journey:

• Explore Existing Solutions - Before building custom features, check available plugins and functionalities. Payload often includes capabilities you might not expect from a CMS, especially community ones.
• Master the Docs - Use the search feature in docs effectively. If you can't find an answer, the Discord community likely has faced similar challenges.
• Structure Collections Thoughtfully - Choose clear field names and plan your data structure carefully. Utilize "row", "group", and "tabs" fields to create an organized admin interface.
• Follow my blog :) - As I will regularly post here about Payload, including best practices and other tips and tricks.

Conclusion

Payload CMS emerges as a powerful, developer-friendly solution for modern web applications. Its TypeScript-first approach, flexible architecture, and robust features make it an excellent choice for developers seeking a customizable, performant content management system. With seamless Next.js integration and a vibrant community, Payload stands out as a versatile tool for projects ranging from simple blogs to complex enterprise platforms. What truly sets Payload apart is its ability to maintain high performance while offering deep customization options. Its focus on developer experience, combined with flexible authentication and granular access control, positions it as a compelling alternative to traditional CMS solutions.