ProcessWire is a free, open-source CMS and PHP framework built by Ryan Cramer for developers who want a flexible, API-first content management system.
Category
CMS
Pricing
Free and open source (MPL 2.0 license); optional paid Pro modules and hosting-related add-ons, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2010
Headquarters
United States (Ryan Cramer Design, LLC)
APIOpen SourceFreemiumSelf-Hosted
Overview
ProcessWire is a free, open-source content management system and PHP framework created by developer Ryan Cramer. It began as an internal tool at his web development company in 2003 and was publicly released as open-source software under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 in 2010.
Unlike consumer-facing CMS platforms, ProcessWire is built for developers: it exposes a clean PHP API, a flexible fields-and-templates content model, and a modular architecture, making it well suited to custom-built, non-templated websites.
Key Features
ProcessWire's core strengths include a flexible fields-and-templates data model rather than fixed content types, a well-documented PHP API for querying and manipulating content programmatically, and role-based access control for managing editor and administrator permissions.
The platform also includes native multi-language content support out of the box, a modular plugin architecture backed by an extensive community module directory, and a lightweight core that keeps sites fast without requiring heavy frameworks on top.
Pricing
The ProcessWire core CMS and framework are entirely free to download and self-host, with no subscription fee, under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
Ryan Cramer offers a small set of optional paid Pro modules that extend functionality, such as enhanced fields, forms, or repeaters, but these are optional purchases rather than a requirement for running the platform.
Key Features
Flexible fields-and-templates model — Content structure is defined through customizable fields and templates rather than fixed content types, giving developers full control over data structure.
PHP API-first design — A well-documented PHP API lets developers query, manipulate, and render content programmatically without being locked into a rigid theming system.
Role-based access control — Granular permissions let administrators control what different user roles can view or edit within the admin interface.
Native multi-language support — Multi-language content and admin interface support is built into the core rather than requiring a third-party plugin.
Modular plugin architecture — An extensive community-maintained module directory allows functionality to be extended without modifying core code.
Lightweight, self-hosted core — The core system is lightweight and runs on standard PHP and MySQL/MariaDB hosting, keeping sites fast and portable.
Optional Pro modules — Paid Pro modules from the creator add advanced functionality like enhanced fields, forms, and repeaters for developers who need them.
Active developer community — An established forum and module directory support developers building and maintaining ProcessWire sites.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no recurring platform fee
Highly flexible, developer-friendly API well suited to custom-built websites
Native multi-language support built into the core
Lightweight core keeps sites fast and reduces bloat
Established, active developer community and module ecosystem
Cons
Requires PHP development knowledge; not designed for non-technical end users
Smaller ecosystem and talent pool compared to mainstream CMS platforms like WordPress
No official company, support contracts, or SLAs behind the project
Self-hosting means users are responsible for their own hosting, backups, and security updates
Fewer pre-built themes or templates compared to more mainstream CMS platforms
Pricing
Core CMS/Framework Free N/A
Pro Modules (optional) Paid, per module One-time or per-module purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProcessWire free to use?
Yes, the core ProcessWire CMS and framework are free and open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0. Optional paid Pro modules are available separately.
Who created ProcessWire?
ProcessWire was created by developer Ryan Cramer, originally as an internal tool for his web development company starting in 2003, before being publicly released as open source in 2010.
Is ProcessWire suitable for non-developers?
ProcessWire is primarily designed for developers who want full control over site structure and code; it is less suited to non-technical users looking for a drag-and-drop website builder.
What license does ProcessWire use?
ProcessWire is distributed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL 2.0).
Does ProcessWire support multiple languages?
Yes, native multi-language content and admin interface support is built into the ProcessWire core.
What hosting does ProcessWire require?
ProcessWire runs on standard PHP hosting with a MySQL or MariaDB database, similar to most self-hosted CMS platforms.
How many sites use ProcessWire?
Estimates cited around 2021 put ProcessWire usage at more than 5,000 developers worldwide with over 100,000 installations.
Are there paid add-ons for ProcessWire?
Yes, the creator offers optional paid Pro modules that add advanced functionality, though the core CMS remains free.