Payload

Payload transforms Next.js development by eliminating the tedious backend setup that typically consumes days or weeks of development time. It delivers a production-ready admin interface, authentication system, and flexible content management layer that integrates seamlessly with your existing Next.js codebase.

Unlike traditional headless CMS platforms that lock you into rigid schemas and proprietary APIs, Payload gives you complete control over your data models and business logic. Define your content structure using TypeScript, and Payload automatically generates RESTful and GraphQL APIs, database schemas, and admin UI components that match your exact specifications.

The framework supports both MongoDB and PostgreSQL databases, allowing you to choose the persistence layer that fits your infrastructure. Whether you're building a marketing website, SaaS application, or complex enterprise system, Payload scales from simple content management to sophisticated multi-tenant architectures with custom workflows and permissions.

With over 40,000 GitHub stars and an MIT license, Payload has become the go-to solution for developers who want the convenience of a CMS without sacrificing the flexibility needed for custom application development. The active community and extensive plugin ecosystem mean you can extend functionality while maintaining full ownership of your codebase.