File-based CMS with a fully customisable editing panel.
Why we recommend it
You define exactly what editors see, so clients get a tailored interface instead of a generic dashboard full of irrelevant options.
Strengths
- Editing panel is fully customisable
- One-time per-site licence
- Free for local development
Drawbacks
- Requires PHP and developer setup
- Per-site cost adds up across many clients
Kirby alternatives and related tools
Payload CMS
Open-source, TypeScript-native headless CMS that self-hosts cleanly.
FreemiumBubble
No-code platform for building genuinely complex web applications with databases and workflows.
FreemiumCargo
Design-forward site builder favoured by artists, photographers and studios.
PaidSanity
Headless CMS with a customisable editing environment and real-time collaboration.
FreemiumAll product names, logos and brands referenced on this site are the property of their respective owners. They are used here for identification purposes only, to describe the tools being reviewed. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship of The Design Tools by those owners.