Developer ToolingQuick Start ↓

Get Started with Payload

Code-first. You define your schema in TypeScript config files, not a GUI. It feels like a framework, not just a CMS.

Getting Started

1

Read the official documentation

The Payload team maintains comprehensive docs that cover installation, configuration, and common patterns.

Open Payload Docs
2

Create an account

Payload offers a free tier — sign up to get started without any payment.

Visit Payload
3

Review strengths, tradeoffs, and alternatives

Our full tool profile covers Payload's strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and how it compares to alternatives.

View full profile

Best For

Next.js developers (native integration is incredible)

Recommended use case

Code-first content modeling (no clicking around UIs)

Recommended use case

Building full-stack apps, not just content sites

Recommended use case

Resources

Payload Guide | AI Navigator | AI Navigator