Grav
134 likes
Grav is an easy to use, yet powerful, opensource CMS that requires no database. In a nutshell, installing Grav is a matter of unzipping the file. It is fast, has sophisticated caching, and a light footprint for optimal performance.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Self-Hosted
Features
Grav News & Activities
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Recent News
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POX added Grav as alternative to Markdown Ninja- thinks Two-factor Authentication is a important feature of Grav
- PredatorQ liked Grav
- thejfex liked Grav
nick2025 added Grav as alternative to PureBlazor CMS
Grav information
Developed by
RocketTheme Licensing
Open Source and Free product.Rating
Average rating of 3.6Alternatives
190 alternatives listedSupported Languages
Comments and Reviews
As a non-developer looking to run my own site, I think Grav is the best of the flat file systems available. It's the only one that has a web UI which allows in depth administration (the others I tried which had web UIs only let you post content... something that makes sense if you have a pro running the back for you). HOWEVER it does not quite work. After spending a full day trying to make a navigation menu, I gave up.
The documentation is out of date or confusing or incorrect and instead of having a user forum, github site or something like most open source projects do where you can search and ask questions, they have a CHAT you are supposed to join. I didn't feel like making yet another account, trying to guess what time of day is best for these people, then going and asking extremely remedial questions.
However, installation via Softwaculous in cPanel on my host made it extra easy to get going. Unlike every other CMS I've tried, flat or otherwise, it didn't need a database to work. I have no idea why but it's a benefit if you only get a limited amount of DBs.
I'll check back on this project in another year or two. If they could just tie up the loose ends and make it a bit friendlier to non devs it would be really spectacular. I can see why people who have the requisite skills like it a lot.
I want a less-bloated, faster version of WordPress, so I had high hopes for this CMS. However, Grav is really maddening to use for average non-developer person.
It's easy if you just want a simple webpage, but if you want a functioning blog, than good luck to you. I could not figure out how to get it to do what I wanted.
I guess I'm stuck with WordPress.
[Edited by ghostscout, December 03]
Misleadingly classified as a 'blogging' tool here on AlternativeTo.net -- I have filed a correction report but I'm making this review in case that report is rejected.
Grav is a full-fledge content management system comparable to Joomla or Drupal. Both of these can be used to craft a 'blog' but the skills necessary are beyond the capability of blog-contributors.
Similarly Grav can be used to construct a 'blog' but only by a skilled software developer. As a lot of comments left below by other dissatisfied bloggers testify, calling Grav a "blogging" tool is a gross misrepresentation of it's complexity so far as the average blogger is concerned.
Great potential on the horizon!
But it is too techy to install. But seems like a good alternative to the slow Wordpress.
I installed Grav with high hopes, but it didn't work or look like the examples. The docs weren't helpful either. So promising, but needs improvements to make a viable alternative.
Just works, many plugins and no database requirement. Brilliant for small sites.
Fast, user friendly, no database, but may require some technical knowledge to use