---
title: "Payload CMS Next.js-Native Headless CMS and Application Framework"
description: "Payload is an open-source, TypeScript-first headless CMS that installs directly into a Next.js application. It provides a full admin panel, REST and GraphQL APIs, access control, file uploads, and rich text editing with zero separate backend required."
verification: "security_reviewed"
source: "https://github.com/payloadcms/payload"
category:
  - "WordPress & CMS"
framework:
  - "Custom Agents"
tool_ecosystem:
  github_repo: "payloadcms/payload"
  github_stars: 41552
  npm_package: "payload"
  npm_weekly_downloads: 306473
---

# Payload CMS Next.js-Native Headless CMS and Application Framework

Payload is an open-source, TypeScript-first headless CMS that installs directly into a Next.js application. It provides a full admin panel, REST and GraphQL APIs, access control, file uploads, and rich text editing with zero separate backend required.

## Installation

Choose whichever fits your setup:

1. Copy this skill folder into your local skills directory.
2. Clone the repo and symlink or copy the skill into your agent workspace.
3. Add the repo as a git submodule if you manage shared skills centrally.
4. Install it through your internal provisioning or packaging workflow.
5. Download the folder directly from GitHub and place it in your skills collection.

## Source

- [Agent Skill Exchange](https://agentskillexchange.com/skills/payload-cms-nextjs-headless-framework/)