Payload
A self-hosted Documents, Office & CMS app you can run on your own server.
Payload is a self-hosted document and content platform that you run on your own server instead of renting it as a cloud service. Self-hosting it means no per-user subscription and no third-party cloud holding your information.
The project is developed in the open via GitHub, where it has earned 44.7K stars from the community. Repository activity was last recorded on Sep 10, 2026, and the project is classed as actively maintained in our snapshot.
Before you switch
Document tools are about compatibility: test importing a real file and exporting it in the formats you share. For content management, check the editor experience and plugin ecosystem before migrating a whole site; a trial with one section usually reveals everything.
Like every project listed on SelfHosted, Payload is developed in the open — you can read the code, follow development, and even contribute. Check the system requirements and the project’s own documentation linked on this page before installing.