Headless CMS · Open source

Strapi, the custom headless CMS for editorial teams.

Strapi is an open-source Node.js headless CMS that separates editorial back office from front end. REST and GraphQL APIs are generated automatically, so teams publish with autonomy, developers ship faster and the experience stays fully custom.

Strapi partner · Clients CCEI, Green Printz, Vigipool, Tesco, Societe Generale, BCT Fasteners, Blanco · v4 to v5 migrations · 20+ delivered projects
Related stackNext.jsNext.jsGraphQLPostgreSQLPostgreSQLAWSAWS

Architecture and operations

Understanding Strapi from the inside.

How Strapi works

Strapi is a Node.js back end that exposes your content model through REST and GraphQL APIs. You define types such as Article, Product or Author, and Strapi generates CRUD endpoints, OpenAPI documentation and the admin interface.

The admin panel is a React application served by the same Node process. Editors work in a rich interface with media, relations, drafts, versions, scheduling and role-based validation workflows.

Strapi 5, Document Service API and TypeScript first

Strapi 5 replaces Entity Service with the Document Service API. Document handling is clearer, identifiers remain stable across draft and publish states, and multilingual publishing becomes easier to reason about.

On the front end, typed clients reduce manual type work. On the back end, lifecycle hooks, Koa middleware and custom controllers let teams inject business logic without leaving the framework.

Strapi in a modern headless stack

In Smotly stacks, Strapi is often paired with Next.js, PostgreSQL, Redis and cloud hosting on AWS, Scaleway or Kubernetes. Assets can flow through a CDN with direct S3 upload.

Strapi does not impose the build chain. We deliver CI/CD, previews, admin tests, monitoring and an industrialized stack ready for long-term maintenance.

Why choose Strapi

The benefits of Strapi for your project.

Total front-end freedom

Connect any framework to the Strapi API: Next.js, React Native, Vue or another front end. The same content can power websites, mobile apps and private portals.

Fully customizable back office

Adapt fields, workflows and roles to editorial operations. Internal plugins, custom fields and granular permissions shape the tool around the organization.

Open source with no license lock-in

Host on AWS, Scaleway or on-premise infrastructure. The source code stays open and the platform remains under your control.

Native performance patterns

Generated APIs, caching, draft and publish flows, and internationalization make Strapi suitable for high-traffic and multi-product sites.

Security and compliance by design

CSRF and XSS protection, granular security policies, RBAC and audit logs help Strapi pass security reviews in sensitive contexts.

Native internationalization

The official i18n plugin lets teams manage translated content, fallbacks and locale-specific editorial workflows without an extra layer.

Use cases

When Strapi becomes the right answer.

01

Multilingual corporate website

International brands can centralize editorial governance while keeping local validation and publishing workflows.

02

Headless e-commerce content hub

Strapi manages rich product content, buying guides and editorial pages connected to Shopify, Medusa or another commerce engine.

03

Learning and training platform

Courses, modules, quizzes and certifications can be structured once and distributed across web, mobile and LMS channels.

04

Intranet or customer portal

Knowledge bases, product documentation and private areas can be managed in Strapi and delivered through a fast secure interface.

Frequently asked questions

What clients ask us on Strapi.

What is the difference between Strapi and WordPress?

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WordPress couples back office and front end on the same PHP stack. Strapi is headless and does not impose a front end, which gives more technical freedom and performance at the cost of a more structured build.

Is Strapi v5 worth migrating to from v4?

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For most projects, yes. The Document Service API is clearer, plugins are modernized and TypeScript support improves developer experience. We run migrations with tests and controlled cutover plans.

Can Strapi be self-hosted?

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Yes. We deploy Strapi on AWS, Scaleway, Docker or dedicated servers depending on constraints, with automated backups and CI/CD.

Does Strapi handle multilingual content?

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Yes. The official i18n plugin supports multiple locales, fallback strategies and role separation by locale.

Planning a Strapi project?

Technical audit, redesign, v5 migration or headless integration: let us review your concrete case in 30 minutes.

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