Statamic
Laravel-based flat-file CMS that ships headlessly. Mature, opinionated, file-based content.
VISIT STATAMICKey takeaway: Statamic is a Laravel-based CMS that can run flat-file (Git-friendly) or on a database, with a polished control panel. Pick it when your team is in the Laravel and PHP world and wants a developer-friendly CMS with optional Git-based, database-free content.
Quick facts
- CategoryLegacy / Headless mode
- LanguagePHP
- PricingPaid
- LicenseProprietary (free Solo)
- Created2012
- GitHub stars4.2k
- Statusactive
What it is
Statamic is a Laravel-based CMS with content stored as flat files (or optionally a database). REST and GraphQL APIs for headless deployments. Strong on developer ergonomics, polished admin, and the Laravel ecosystem alignment. Commercial license; Solo tier is free.
Best for
- Laravel teams shipping content sites
- Projects where Git-tracked flat-file content matters
When not to pick it
Skip Statamic outside the Laravel world. Pricing scales with sites and seats.
My take
Right tool for Laravel teams. Outside that audience, the alignment cost outweighs the benefit.
Laravel-native, flat-file or database
Statamic is built on Laravel, so PHP teams get a familiar stack, Antlers (or Blade) templating, and the full Laravel ecosystem. Its signature is flat-file mode: content stored as files you can version in Git, with no database required, though it can use a database when you need it. It can serve traditionally or headless via its REST and GraphQL APIs.
Where it fits
Statamic is a strong fit for Laravel shops and for sites that benefit from Git-based content workflows without a database to run. If your team is not in the PHP and Laravel world, a JavaScript-native tool (Payload, Sanity) will feel more at home. Licensing is commercial per site, with a free tier for solo/basic use.
Frequently asked questions
Is Statamic flat-file or database?
Both. Statamic’s signature mode is flat-file (content as Git-versionable files, no database), but it also supports database-backed content when a project needs it.
Is Statamic built on Laravel?
Yes. Statamic is a Laravel application, so PHP and Laravel teams get a familiar stack, Antlers or Blade templating, and the Laravel ecosystem.
Can Statamic be used headless?
Yes. It exposes REST and GraphQL APIs, so it can serve a decoupled front end while keeping its control panel and flat-file or database content.
Links
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If Statamic is your pick, the next conversation is short
The 30-min call is where your CMS choice becomes a real architecture, an editorial workflow your team can adopt, and a price range you can take to your stakeholders. Describe your content estate, your team\'s muscle memory, your timeline. I tell you whether Statamic is genuinely your fit.