Bludit
Bludit is a free, self-hosted flat-file CMS for building websites and blogs.
What Bludit is
Bludit is a free, self-hosted flat-file CMS for building websites and blogs. It stores content in JSON files, so no database installation or configuration is needed. Authors can write in Markdown or HTML using Markdown and WYSIWYG editors, while editorial workflows, custom content types, and built-in SEO tools support publishing work. Themes and plugins from Bludit’s official directories provide customization options. The system describes itself as privacy-first and says it does not track visitors. Running it requires a web server with PHP support, PHP 8.0 or higher, and several PHP modules. Installation documentation covers uploading to a server, Docker, and the PHP built-in web server. Plugins include GitHub Comments using Utterances and GitHub Sync for exporting articles to a repository. Nginx guidance covers restricting direct access to specified directories and configuring HTTPS. Bludit is free and open source; PRO plugins are available from the $2 Patreon tier and above.
Good
- Free and open-source CMS
- No database installation required
- Markdown and WYSIWYG editors
- Built-in SEO tools
- Themes and plugins available
Watch out
- Requires PHP web hosting
- Self-hosted setup is required
- PRO plugins require Patreon
Who it suits
Bludit suits agencies, freelancers, developers, and self-hosters who want a free CMS without database setup. It fits users comfortable managing PHP hosting and server configuration.
Verdict
Bludit offers a lightweight publishing system with JSON storage, flexible editing, and extensibility through themes and plugins. Its self-hosted PHP requirements make it most appropriate for users managing their own server environment.
Plans and prices
From Bludit's own pricing page, checked 12 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Bludit | Free | Free and open-source CMS |
| Bludit PRO | Priced on request | Access to all PRO plugins: White Labeling · Time Machine · Backup Manager · Gallery · Available from the $2 tier and above on Patreon |
The facts
Each one read from Bludit's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Content storage
- It stores content in JSON files, so no database installation or configuration is needed.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Custom content types
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Deployment
- The installation guide describes uploading the software to a server and also documents Docker and the PHP built-in web server.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Editorial workflows
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Hosting requirements
- The documentation says Bludit needs a web server with PHP support and lists PHP 8.0 or higher and several PHP modules as requirements.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The official plugin directory lists a GitHub Comments plugin using Utterances and a GitHub Sync plugin that exports articles to a repository.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Bludit describes itself as privacy-first and says it does not track visitors.checked 12 Oct 2026
- PRO audience
- The PRO page names agencies, freelancers, developers, and self-hosters as intended users.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Bludit is a flat-file CMS for creating a website or blog.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Security configuration
- The Nginx guide instructs administrators to block direct access to specified content and kernel directories and documents HTTPS configuration.checked 12 Oct 2026
- SEO
- The product page says Bludit includes built-in SEO tools.checked 12 Oct 2026
- SEO tools
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Support
- The homepage directs users to the support forum and GitHub issues for help.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Themes and plugins
- Users can extend and customize Bludit with themes and plugins listed on its official directories.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Writing
- It supports Markdown and HTML and includes Markdown and WYSIWYG editors.checked 12 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform type
- self_hostedchecked 22 Sep 2026
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