Decap CMS is a tool that integrates like no other with Git projects and thanks to this, it becomes a leading content manager for workflows with version control. It is a tool designed for developers or content creators, deserving an in-depth analysis.
Next, we will explain what it is, as well as take a look at its pros and cons, strengths, and also alternatives. This way, it will be easier for you to see if it is the tool your company is looking for.
What is Decap CMS
Decap CMS (formerly Netlify CMS) is an open source solution focused on content management for static sites that integrates naturally with the Git repositories we already use. With a score of 8.5 out of 10 in our analysis, we are looking at software designed for developers, content marketing teams, and teams that use Git-based workflows.
The best of Decap CMS
Its main advantage lies in this integration that facilitates version control and content change management on our website. Decap CMS integrates with several static site generators like Astro, Hugo, or Next.js, allowing us to enjoy the versatility these tools already offer. Therefore, it is a CMS especially designed for blogs.
The worst of Decap CMS
On the other hand, its main drawback is that certain customizations can be somewhat complex to carry out without the appropriate technical knowledge. In this sense, the best alternative to Decap CMS is found in Contentful, which offers better integrations, although without the benefits of an open source project.
Is it worth using Decap CMS?
All in all, Decap CMS is a reference tool for teams that need reliable version control of content. Its open nature is a guarantee and can greatly simplify the management of our content within a Git workflow.
Key Features of Decap CMS
There are numerous content managers with an approach focused on change control. Decap CMS stands out in several ways that make it one of the top options to consider when we need to implement a CMS in our Git project.
- Decap CMS and GitHub: Decap CMS stores content in Git repositories, such as GitHub. Not just the code, but the content itself, files, and change control.
- No need for an intermediate database API: For this reason, it is much faster to work from this platform.
- The flexibility of a Headless CMS: It works optimally with various static site generators and frameworks. Internet searches like Decap CMS Astro, Decap CMS Hugo, or Decap CMS Nextjs show us the interest in a solution that, without being the protagonist, integrates Git systems with these tools.
- A comfortable and easy-to-use interface: The interface is truly clean and straightforward. We can quickly access content editing without needing technical knowledge.
- Excellent content organization and management: Thanks to Decap CMS we can curate our content and manage it through the same platform.
- Multi-channel distribution: Which allows us to publish content on the platforms we need.
Pros and Cons of Decap CMS
Beyond what makes this service special, we can evaluate the tool from the perspective of its pros and cons. To have a complete review of Decap CMS, let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of implementing this system.
Advantages of using Decap CMS
- High-quality integration with Git: The degree and quality of integration with Git projects are clearly its greatest advantage. With it, we can manage the change history and collaborate very comfortably on projects that require intervention from multiple people.
- Open-source and free: The open-source nature of the project is, in itself, a guarantee of continuity and transparency. At the same time, this means the tool is completely free.
- Excellent content organization and tagging: This helps us organize all material through simple tags to know both its status and content.
- Preview support and editorial workflows: Unlike some similar tools, Decap CMS takes the editorial process very seriously. It includes, among many features, the possibility to see a preview of the content before publishing it.
- High user satisfaction: According to the data we have collected, more than 85% of companies that have implemented Decap CMS are very satisfied with the value it brings to their operations.
Disadvantages of using Decap CMS
- Some customizations require development knowledge: When we want to customize the tool very specifically, development knowledge will be necessary.
- Few included integrations: The built-in marketing integrations are fewer compared to other CMS in the market. We can build the ones we need ourselves, but again, this goes back to the previous point.
- The interface has a slight learning curve: The interface is undoubtedly clean and simple, but for newcomers to the platform, there is a slight learning curve to overcome.
Who Decap CMS is for
Having seen everything we have just outlined about Decap CMS, a target audience for this tool begins to take shape. Its open-source nature makes it a very valid option for practically any project, however, there are certain audiences where it will fit more naturally.
- Developers and engineering teams who manage content and code workflows in Git.
- Content marketers who want to use well-structured storage and rigorous version control throughout the projects' lifecycle.
- Teams working with static site generators or similar frameworks who rely on Git for maintenance and direct integration with GitHub.
- Projects requiring an open source solution that allows customizing and adapting the system to exact needs without depending on vendors and with complete freedom.
Why should my company use Decap CMS?
By interviewing several companies that have implemented Decap CMS in their workflow, we have been able to gather the main reasons that led them to this decision. Although these vary substantially depending on the nature of the project and the team responsible for it, the following stand out:
- Customization and flexibility: Decap CMS allows us complete customization, as long as we have the necessary knowledge of the tool and its operation.
- Git-based workflow: Teams accustomed to working in Git environments find in Decap CMS a natural extension of their usual processes.
- A completely free tool: Being an open source solution, it removes both licensing costs and those related to SaaS.
- Integration with site generators: Decap CMS adapts perfectly to tools like Vercel, CloudFlare, and other options.
- Excellent version control: for highly complex projects or with very large teams involved, the version control offered by Git stands out above other alternatives.
Why do some companies not use Decap CMS?
Meanwhile, we have also discovered the reasons why some companies have decided not to implement or seek alternatives for their publishing workflows. The following stand out:
- Complex configuration: The initial setup may require some technical expertise or the involvement of the company's IT team.
- Lack of third-party integrations: Although we can develop the ones we need ourselves, the lack of third-party integrations included with the original version of the software is something to consider.
Decap CMS Prices and Discounts
Decap CMS is a free and open source content management system. There are no direct fees related to the software itself, but we do need to consider some costs involved in implementing the tool. These are mainly costs related to hosting, as well as developing any integrations we may require.
Costs Related to Hosting Platforms
Regarding hosting, it is possible to deploy Decap CMS on multiple platforms. The cost for own servers is minimal or none, as resource usage does not require us to upgrade our existing hosting solution. But for cloud solutions like Vercel or Cloudflare Pages, consider that prices may vary depending on traffic volume and specific company needs.
Costs Related to Customization and Integration
On the other hand, customization and integration with other tools can imply costs in some cases. Some companies choose to hire developers specialized in the platform or use third-party services to adapt Decap CMS to the specific needs of the project.
While the in-house IT team can handle part of the adjustments, the initial adaptation of the tool can involve some expenses.
Implementation: Is it easy to adopt Decap CMS for my website?
As we have already introduced a few paragraphs earlier, the implementation of Decap CMS requires a certain level of technical knowledge. While the tool is simple to use once configured, the onboarding process does require cooperation from the company's IT department.
Training and documentation
On the Internet, we can find quite comprehensive documentation on the use of this software.
With a simple search like "Decap CMS tutorial", we will see that the basic functions are clearly explained and we can even find help for certain custom solutions.
More advanced modifications, however, require programming and development knowledge.
Customer Support: How to Contact Decap CMS Support?
Given the open-source nature of the tool, there is no support team behind it. Thus, when we talk about a Decap CMS demo, or the possibility of receiving external help, we must turn to the community. This, through GitHub and other forums, is always ready to assist us. Response times, however, may vary significantly.
Best alternatives to Decap CMS: Contentful, Tina CMS, Craft CMS
There are several alternatives to Decap CMS on the market. Among all of them, the following stand out:
Contentful vs Decap CMS
Contentful is the main alternative to Decap CMS if we need a SaaS (Software as a Service) solution with better integrations and something more ready to use from the first implementation. Contentful, that is, does not have an open-source license.
In short, Contentful offers a slightly cleaner interface and a more structured experience, although without the flexibility and trust that open-source software guarantees.
Tina CMS vs Decap CMS
On the other hand, Tina CMS is an alternative to consider due to the amount of customization it allows, as well as its direct integration with Git-based systems.
This tool focuses on a different approach to customization and widgets, which may better suit some projects.
.jpg){kind=icon}
Craft CMS vs Decap CMS
We finish our list with Craft CMS, an open-source content management platform characterized by advanced customization and security features. For many developers, it is the most versatile open-source CMS on the market thanks to its editor, although its adoption is not easy and requires high technical knowledge.
Despite being open source, Craft CMS requires the purchase of a user license if we are going to use our content for commercial purposes.
Conclusion: Decap is, for better or worse, an open-source CMS
Decap CMS is a tool ideal for teams that already work with Git and are looking for a solution to manage their website content. Its seamless integration with Git repositories, along with the flexibility to work with different static site generators like Astro, Hugo, or Next.js, makes it a very powerful option for our projects.
Much of this power comes from its open-source nature, which allows us to have both the guarantee of transparency and the absolute flexibility to develop and integrate this tool as best suits us.
However, this flexibility can also be a downside. It requires a certain technical knowledge. Despite this, if implemented correctly, it is one of the aspects that most make Decap CMS stand out among other content managers.
Do we recommend Decap CMS?
Yes, without a doubt. We are looking at a key tool to get even more out of Git projects. It goes far beyond just collecting code. Decap offers a thorough content versioning and control system, something key in enterprise environments.
