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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.

The dashboard

License model

  • FreeOpen Source

Country of Origin

  • US flagUnited States

Platforms

  • Self-Hosted
3.6 / 5 Avg rating (17)
134likes
19comments
0news articles

Features

Suggest and vote on features
  1.  Flat File CMS
  2.  No database needed
  3.  Support for MarkDown
  4.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
  5.  Twig Templating
  6.  Two-factor Authentication
  7.  Content Management
  8.  Static Site Generator

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Grav information

  • Developed by

    US flagRocketTheme
  • Licensing

    Open Source and Free product.
  • Rating

    Average rating of 3.6 (17 ratings)
  • Alternatives

    190 alternatives listed
  • Supported Languages

    • English

AlternativeTo Categories

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Our users have written 19 comments and reviews about Grav, and it has gotten 134 likes

Grav was added to AlternativeTo by metaphil on Aug 22, 2014 and this page was last updated Jun 21, 2024.

Comments and Reviews

   
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Comment summary: Grav is favored for its speed, Markdown support, powerful features like Twig and a friendly community. Many users appreciate its flat-file structure and lack of a database requirement. However, it poses a steep learning curve for non-developers, with documentation often deemed inadequate, and is considered too complex for simple blogging needs. While it shows potential as a CMS, its usability still heavily leans towards those with technical skills.
Top Positive Comment
Spout
Oct 13, 2019
4

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The documentation is out of date or confusing or incorrect and instead of having a user forum, github site or something like most open source projects do where you can search and ask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.

Top Negative Comment
L
Dec 3, 2018
4

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]

Cyber Nautilus
Jun 21, 2024
1

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.

xu3e
Feb 20, 2022
1

Great potential on the horizon!

But it is too techy to install. But seems like a good alternative to the slow Wordpress.

RemovedUser
Dec 19, 2020
1

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.

dba
Dec 29, 2019
-1

Just works, many plugins and no database requirement. Brilliant for small sites.

Shoji
Nov 19, 2019
0

Fast, user friendly, no database, but may require some technical knowledge to use

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7 of 19 comments

What is Grav?

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. Content is just simple markdown files in folders, with no complicated databases to deal with. A powerful API and extensive hooks allow for plugins to extend Grav. Flexible Twig templating allows easy realization of your designs.

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