Keystone
The superpowered CMS for developers
Overview
Keystone is an open-source, schema-driven CMS and app framework for Node.js. You define lists and fields in code, and Keystone generates a CRUD GraphQL API plus a management Admin UI. It is built with Prisma, Apollo Server, and a Next.js-based Admin UI. Keystone supports common relational databases via Prisma providers, and includes guides for images and files. It fits teams that want a headless CMS where the source of truth is the codebase and deployment is fully under your control.
MIT
Best for:
Features
Pricing
Compatible Technologies
PostgreSQL
MySQL
SQLite
18.x+
Node.js
Technical Features
Community
9800
GitHub Stars
20k/week
NPM Downloads
Enterprise Features
Multi-tenant Support
Manage multiple sites or projects from a single instance
Scalability
Horizontal scaling and high-availability deployments
Security & Compliance
Find Keystone Experts
Looking for professional help with your Keystone project? Here are top certified agencies and developers.
Top Agencies
Alpina Tech
#1 RecommendedCraft custom, responsive websites using expert code and stunning design. Build your site with a flexible CMS and premium hosting to boost your digital presence.
FocusReactive
#1 RecommendedWeb development agency with deep expertise in the headless CMS market.
NOTUM
#1 RecommendedWe are CMS-centered agency with 7 years of CMS experience. We build scalable corporate websites for scale-ups with headless CMS solutions. From design to deployment, we deliver complete, reliable support.
Tentwenty Digital Agency
Tentwenty Digital Agency specializes in addressing complex client challenges through a combination of cutting-edge UI/UX design and seamless technical integration.
.NFQ | Netzfrequenz GmbH
We are a Germany-based digital agency specializing in innovative and data-driven solutions across the entire customer journey. With a strong foundation in technology, strategy, and creativity, we craft tailored digital experiences that enhance brand presence and business growth.
Keystone is a self-hosted headless CMS for Node.js that generates a GraphQL API and an Admin UI from a code-defined schema. This keeps content modeling and access rules close to application logic, which can simplify change control and long-term maintenance.
Where it fits
It’s a practical option for technical managers supporting teams shipping content-driven products—marketing surfaces, portals, and internal tools—where governance and clear roles and permissions are required, and integrations are implemented in code.
- Schema-defined lists, fields, and relationships for structured content
- Auto-generated GraphQL CRUD operations from the schema
- Configurable Admin UI for content operations and editorial workflows
- Access control at list, field, and operation levels
Choose Keystone when you want code-first control and a consistent developer experience; constraint: your team owns deployment and ongoing operations.