Freedom251 › Content Management Systems
phpwcms
What phpwcms is
phpwcms is a free, self-hosted content management system and CMS framework built on PHP and MySQL. It separates layout from content and uses templates to render websites for professional, public, and private users. Publishing tools include articles, scheduled start and end dates, search, sitemaps, newsletters, and forms. SEO tools and a media library are included. Image handling can resize files and create thumbnails through GD or ImageMagick/GhostScript. The system works on standard hosting that supports PHP and MySQL, with platforms listed for Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosting. Documentation describes third-party modules and replacement tags, while a legacy feature list names multimedia formats including MP3, QuickTime, RealMedia, and Flash. Release notes describe password-hashing updates, email-validation and XSS fixes, and cache-control changes. Support comes through a forum, wiki, and documentation.
Who it suits
phpwcms suits people who want a free, self-hosted PHP/MySQL CMS. It can serve professional, public, or private websites on compatible standard hosting.
What it does well
- Free under the GNU General Public License
- Separates layout from content
- Built-in SEO tools and media library
- Scheduled publishing and forms
- Works with standard PHP/MySQL hosting
What to know first
- Requires self-hosted PHP and MySQL hosting
- Some listed multimedia support is legacy
- No free trial is offered
- Setup and maintenance are self-managed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| phpwcms | GPL software · runs on PHP and MySQL · standard web host | Free |
As phpwcms.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
phpwcms provides broad publishing tools without a license charge, provided you manage compatible hosting yourself. Its template-based structure and media features support varied website projects.
Facts from phpwcms's own pages
- Content and layout
- phpwcms separates layout from content and supports templates for rendering websites. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Development
- The project says its 1.10-dev branch is compatible with PHP 8.2+ and directs bug reports to GitHub Issues. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · phpwcms.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Hosting
- The project says phpwcms works on standard web hosting that supports PHP and MySQL. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project documentation describes support for third party modules and replacement tags, and the legacy feature list names multimedia formats including MP3, QuickTime, RealMedia, and Flash. · wiki.phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- phpwcms is released under the GNU General Public License and can be used for free. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Media handling
- It includes image resizing and thumbnail creation using GD or ImageMagick/GhostScript. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Media library
- Yes · phpwcms.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Operating systems
- The project says phpwcms was tested successfully on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux/Unix. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform type
- self_hosted · phpwcms.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Product
- phpwcms is a web based content management system and CMS framework that runs under PHP and MySQL. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Publishing features
- Its feature list includes articles, scheduled start and end dates, search, sitemap, newsletter, and forms. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The v1.12.3 release notes describe modern password hashing, an email validation ReDoS fix, XSS mitigations, and updated cache control policies. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- SEO tools
- Yes · phpwcms.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its support forum, community wiki, and documentation for help. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The project describes phpwcms as suitable for professional, public, and private users. · phpwcms.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where phpwcms stands on Freedom251
- Content Management Systems#83 of 165