Freedom251 › Content Management Systems
CMSimple_XH
What CMSimple_XH is
CMSimple_XH is free, open-source content management software for creating and maintaining websites. It stores content in the file system instead of requiring a database. Through a browser, users can log in, edit content, create pages, and switch templates to change appearance. Features include multilingual content, custom user roles, SEO tools, and a media library. Plugins and add-ons extend the system, and users with PHP knowledge can write their own extensions using the documentation and wiki. Version 1.8.0 lists TinyMCE 7 as the default editor. CMSimple_XH is self-hosted and requires webspace, an FTP program, a browser, and a server running PHP 7.4 to 8.3. It is licensed under GPL3 and allows commercial use. The project targets small to medium-sized websites and points to other systems for larger or multi-author sites. A forum and wiki provide support; the default password “test” should be changed promptly.
Who it suits
It suits owners of small to medium-sized websites who can provide PHP hosting and manage self-hosted software. Users wanting database-free storage, templates, multilingual content, and plugin extensions may find it appropriate.
What it does well
- Free GPL3 open-source software
- Requires no database
- Supports multilingual content and custom roles
- Plugins extend available features
- Includes SEO tools and media library
What to know first
- Self-hosting requires PHP, webspace, FTP, and browser
- Project targets small to medium-sized sites
- Default password “test” needs prompt change
- Demo changes are not stored
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CMSimple_XH | Free of charge; GPL3 open-source software · Self-hosted · requires webspace, PHP server, FTP program, and browser · no database | Free |
As cmsimple-xh.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
CMSimple_XH offers a database-free, extensible CMS for self-hosted small and medium websites. Its hosting requirements and intended scale should guide whether it fits a particular project.
Facts from CMSimple_XH's own pages
- Customization
- The project says users with PHP knowledge can write their own extensions using its program documentation and wiki. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Custom user roles
- Yes · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Demo
- The online demo is available in different languages, but changes made there are not stored. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Users can log in to edit content and create pages, and can change the site's appearance by switching templates. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Editor
- TinyMCE 7 is listed as the default editor in the release notes for version 1.8.0. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Plugins can be installed to add advanced features, and the project describes the system as modular and expandable through plugins or add-ons. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Intended scale
- The project says CMSimple_XH was developed for small to medium-sized websites and suggests other systems may suit larger sites or sites maintained by many authors. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- CMSimple_XH is free open-source software under the GPL3 license and can also be used commercially. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Media library
- Yes · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Multilingual content
- Yes · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Platform type
- self_hosted · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- CMSimple_XH is a content management system for creating and maintaining websites online. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Release
- The homepage lists version 1.8.0, released December 11, 2024, with compatibility up to PHP 8.3. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The quick-start page specifies a server running PHP 7.4 to 8.3, webspace, an FTP program, and a browser. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The quick-start instructions say the delivered default password is “test” and advise changing it promptly. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- SEO tools
- Yes · cmsimple-xh.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Storage
- It stores site content in the file system and does not require a database. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The official site links to a forum and a wiki for users. · cmsimple-xh.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where CMSimple_XH stands on Freedom251
- Content Management Systems#112 of 165