# What is Payload?

Source: https://payloadcms.com/docs/getting-started/what-is-payload

[Video: Introduction to Payload — The open-source Next.js backend](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftohATkHBi0)

## Payload is the Next.js 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.

- [Use Cases](/docs/v3/getting-started/use-cases.md): See how teams use Payload for headless CMS, internal tools, commerce, and DAM workloads — and whether it fits yours.
- [Core Concepts](/docs/v3/getting-started/concepts.md): Get familiar with the high-level concepts Payload is built around before you write any code.
- [Installation](/docs/v3/getting-started/installation.md): Add Payload to a new or existing Next.js app and get the Admin Panel running in minutes.
- [The Admin Panel](/docs/v3/admin/overview.md): Explore the auto-generated React UI that matches the shape of your data and extends with your own components.
- [Database & Schema](/docs/v3/database/overview.md): Direct DB access and ownership with migrations, transactions, and proper indexing across MongoDB and Postgres.
- [REST & GraphQL APIs](/docs/v3/rest-api/overview.md): Instant REST, GraphQL, and straight-to-DB Node.js APIs generated from your config.
- [Authentication](/docs/v3/authentication/overview.md): A full auth system you can use in your Payload app and reuse in your own frontends.
- [Access Control](/docs/v3/access-control/overview.md): A deeply customizable access pattern that runs at the document, field, and operation level.
- [File Uploads](/docs/v3/upload/overview.md): Built-in file storage, image resizing, focal-point cropping, and media access control.