Decap CMS is a Git-based headless CMS that provides a clean editorial interface for static site generators, allowing teams to manage content stored directly in a Git repository without requiring a traditional database backend.
The tool solves the problem of giving non-technical content editors a user-friendly way to create and modify content on statically generated sites. It works by deploying as a single-page application mounted at the `/admin` path of your site. Users configure the content model through YAML, describing the structure of editable content. When editors navigate to the admin interface, they authenticate and gain access to a visual editor for creating new content or modifying existing entries, with changes committed back to the Git repository.
Decap CMS suits teams building sites with static site generators who want to avoid managing a separate database or backend infrastructure. The tool offers two installation paths: a quick setup using only HTML and a CDN-hosted bundle, or a more flexible npm-based integration for sites with build systems. For teams needing centralized user management, advanced role-based access control, or a database proxy, the project maintains a separate commercial offering called Decap Turbo. The tool is particularly well-suited to JAMstack workflows where content lives in version control alongside code.
The project maintains a substantial base of real-world adopters, as evidenced by the fact that nearly all open issues originate from external users rather than the core team. Maintainers typically respond to new issues and pull requests within a few days. Work in the issue tracker centers on bug fixes, feature requests, and pinned items, reflecting an active engagement with both stability and feature development.
