Freedom251 › Content Management Systems
ClassicPress
by ClassicPress
What ClassicPress is
ClassicPress is a free, self-hosted, open-source content management system forked from WordPress. It keeps the classic TinyMCE editor as its default and does not support the Gutenberg block editor. Built-in tools include editorial workflows, custom user roles, a media library, custom content types, media categories and tags, media usage information, revision management, and object relationships. Sites can be extended with plugins, themes, and code. WordPress plugins and themes requiring WordPress 6.2 or lower generally work, while those requiring blocks do not. A migration plugin can move an existing WordPress site and check for many compatibility issues. Installation is available on a web host, local computer, one-click installers, or Docker images for PHP 7.4 through 8.3. Version 2 requires PHP 7.4, MySQL 5.0 or higher, and Apache 2.4; MySQL 5.7 or MariaDB 10.3 or higher is recommended. ClassicPress is licensed under GPL version 2 or later. The project provides volunteer support through forums and Zulip chat.
Who it suits
ClassicPress suits hobbyists, freelance developers, organizations, groups, and individuals who want a free, self-hosted website system. It is also aimed at users who prefer the classic editor over Gutenberg blocks.
What it does well
- Free, open-source, self-hosted CMS
- Keeps the classic TinyMCE editor
- Supports roles, media, and custom content types
- Extensible with plugins, themes, and code
- Available through web, local, installers, or Docker
What to know first
- Does not support the Gutenberg block editor
- Block-dependent WordPress extensions do not work
- Requires self-hosting and specified server software
- Support is volunteer community support
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ClassicPress | Free open-source CMS · self-hosted installation | Free |
As classicpress.net lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ClassicPress offers WordPress-derived content management with the classic editor and extensive self-hosted customization. It fits sites that can meet its server requirements and do not need Gutenberg blocks.
Facts from ClassicPress's own pages
- Compatibility
- WordPress plugins and themes requiring WordPress 6.2 or lower generally work, while those requiring blocks do not. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Customization
- ClassicPress supports extending sites with plugins, themes, and code. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Custom content types
- Yes · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Custom user roles
- Yes · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Editor
- ClassicPress keeps the classic TinyMCE editor as the default and does not support the Gutenberg block editor. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Editorial workflows
- Yes · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Features
- Built-in features include media categories and tags, media usage information, revision management, and one-to-one and one-to-many object relationships. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2018 · classicpress.net, 19 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Installation
- ClassicPress can be installed on a web host or local computer, through one-click installers, and via Docker images for PHP 7.4 to 8.3. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- ClassicPress says it serves hobbyists, freelance developers, organizations, groups, and individuals who create websites. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- ClassicPress is released under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Media library
- Yes · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Migration
- A migration plugin can switch existing WordPress sites to ClassicPress, and its compatibility checks identify many potential issues. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Organization
- The ClassicPress Initiative is a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes and supports the project. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform type
- self_hosted · classicpress.net, 23 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The ClassicPress privacy policy states that website information is handled in accordance with GDPR legislation and that personal information is not sold or leased without permission or legal requirement. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Product
- ClassicPress is a community-led open-source content management system forked from WordPress. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Version 2 minimum requirements include PHP 7.4, MySQL 5.0 or higher, and Apache 2.4; recommended options include MySQL 5.7 or MariaDB 10.3 or higher. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The requirements page recommends an SSL certificate to support HTTPS. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project provides volunteer community support through its forums and Zulip chat. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The project describes ClassicPress as suitable for business and professional-quality websites, blogs, intranets, headless sites, and apps. · classicpress.net, 12 Oct 2026
Where ClassicPress stands on Freedom251
- Content Management Systems#62 of 165