Self-host PluXml
v5.8.23Flat-file CMS for lightweight websites without a database
- Stars
- 233
- Requires
- PHP, PHP GD library, PHP XML library, Web server (Apache, Nginx, or Lighttpd)
What is PluXml?
PluXml is a flat-file content management system that stores all data in XML files instead of a database, making it portable and easy to back up. It provides a user-friendly back-office for managing articles, pages, categories, tags, comments, and media. The system supports multiple users with different permission levels, customizable themes including mobile-responsive designs, and a plugin architecture for extending functionality. Installation is as simple as downloading a ZIP archive, extracting it to a web server with PHP 7.2+ and a web server like Apache or Nginx, then running the web-based setup. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0 and has been actively maintained since 2012.
Should you self-host PluXml?
PluXml scores 48/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #34 of 42 in Content Management. It has 233 GitHub stars.
It shipped 3 stable releases in the past year. The latest, v5.8.23, came out on 23 July 2026. New versions land roughly every 4 months.
Setup is easy: most people get it running in one sitting. It is GPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in PHP.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Ghost (83/100, 55 629 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See PluXml vs Ghost side by side.
Features
- Articles and static pages
- Comments management
- Customizable Themes
- Flat-file storage (XML)
- Media Manager
- Multi-language Support
- Multi-user with permission levels
- Plugin System
- Portable installation
- RSS Feeds
- URL Rewriting
PluXml README
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