Textpattern
Self-HostedOpen-source content management system for flexible web publishing
Overview
Textpattern is a lightweight, open-source CMS designed for developers and content creators who value simplicity and control. It uses clean, semantic markup to build fast, accessible websites without unnecessary bloat. Deployment is straightforward on PHP/MySQL environments, with support for Docker and traditional hosting. Key features include flexible content types, built-in SEO tools, multi-user access control, and a plugin ecosystem to extend functionality. It prioritizes privacy and data ownership, letting users host content on their own servers with no vendor lock-in.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
textpattern:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: textpattern
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Lightweight semantic markup support
- Built-in SEO optimization tools
- Flexible content type management
- Multi-user access control
- Extensible via community plugins
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Textpattern hard to install?
Textpattern is easy to install on PHP/MySQL-compatible hosting. It supports manual FTP setup or Docker containers for modern deployment. Official documentation provides clear step-by-step guides for most environments.
? Is it a good alternative to WordPress?
Yes, for users who prefer simplicity over WordPress’s complexity. It excels at static-like sites, content-focused projects, and cases where semantic markup and minimal bloat are priorities.
? Is it completely free?
Yes! Textpattern is open-source under the GPLv2 license. All core features are free, and there are no paid tiers or hidden costs—you only pay for your hosting if self-hosting.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Textpattern
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ No vendor lock-in (self-hostable)
- ⊕ Privacy-focused data ownership
- ⊕ Minimal resource usage for fast sites
- ⊕ Active open-source community
Cons
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- ⊖ Limited pre-built templates compared to mainstream CMSes
- ⊖ Smaller plugin ecosystem than WordPress