About Grav
Grav is a fast flat-file content management system that stores pages as Markdown and settings as YAML. It needs no database, which keeps sites simple to back up, move and version.
What it does
Authors write pages in Markdown, and the site builds those files into web pages. The admin interface is a single-page app with a customizable dashboard and live collaborative editing. A first-party REST API lets developers use Grav as a headless backend for other front ends, mobile apps or automated workflows. An MCP server also allows AI tools to work with the same content under the same permissions.
Key features
- Pages written in Markdown with YAML settings
- No database needed for content storage
- REST API for headless front ends and apps
- Modern admin with a customizable dashboard
- MCP server for AI tools to work with content
Who it's for
Developers, designers and small sites that want fast pages without a database are the core audience. Teams that prefer files and Git-based workflows often choose a flat-file system like this one.
Pricing and good to know
Grav is MIT licensed and free to download. Premium plugins and themes are offered as optional extras. Because the software runs on your own server, you handle hosting, updates and backups. Very large sites with complex data may suit a database-backed system better.
Highlights
- Write pages in Markdown with settings stored in YAML
- Run sites without a database for content storage
- Use a REST API to power headless front ends and apps
- Manage content in a modern admin with a custom dashboard
- Let AI tools work with content through an MCP server
