What is Payload?
Payload is a fullstack framework.
Write a Payload Config and instantly get a full Admin Panel, a database with migrations, REST and GraphQL APIs, authentication, access control, file storage, live preview, and more — all in one open-source TypeScript codebase you own and deploy anywhere. Payload works with the Next.js App Router or TanStack Start.
Use Cases
See how teams use Payload for headless CMS, internal tools, commerce, and DAM workloads — and whether it fits yours.
Core Concepts
Get familiar with the high-level concepts Payload is built around before you write any code.
Installation
Add Payload to a new or existing Next.js or TanStack Start app and get the Admin Panel running in minutes.
The Admin Panel
Explore the auto-generated React UI that matches the shape of your data and extends with your own components.
Database & Schema
Direct DB access and ownership with migrations, transactions, and proper indexing across MongoDB and Postgres.
REST & GraphQL APIs
Instant REST, GraphQL, and straight-to-DB Node.js APIs generated from your config.
Authentication
A full auth system you can use in your Payload app and reuse in your own frontends.
Access Control
A deeply customizable access pattern that runs at the document, field, and operation level.
File Uploads
Built-in file storage, image resizing, focal-point cropping, and media access control.
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