Craft CMS vs. Prismic
By SW Habitation
Craft CMS
Prismic
You know, when you wanna make a website or a blog but don’t wanna mess with too much code? That’s where a CMS (Content Management System) comes in. It’s like a super easy tool that helps you add text, pictures, and videos to your site without needing to be a tech genius. You just log in, click a few buttons, and your content is live. It's quite simple, right?
What is Craft CMS?
Craft CMS is a content-first CMS that gives developers complete control over their content structure and front-end design.
Unlike traditional CMS platforms that come with pre-built templates, Craft takes a more hands-on approach, you can build everything from scratch, making it super customisable.
Key Features of Craft CMS
- Content Modeling: Structure your content however you like with fields and relationships.
- Localization: Native support for multi-language content.
- Plugins and Extensions: Expand functionality with a rich plugin ecosystem.
- Custom Templating: Use Twig, a simple templating language, for front-end.
- Live Preview: See changes in real time before publishing.
- User Management: Manage user roles and permissions easily.
- Headless Option: Use Craft as a headless CMS with GraphQL or REST APIs.
Advantages of Craft CMS
- Highly Customizable: Total control over your content structure and front-end.
- Active Community: Plenty of plugins and community support.
- Scalable: Handles both small projects and large, complex sites.
- Great Developer Experience: Clean code, easy templating, and robust documentation.
- Built-in Localization: Native support for multilingual sites.
Disadvantages of Craft CMS
- Setup Time: It takes longer to set up compared to plug-&-play CMS options.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: It requires some coding knowledge.
- Paid License: No free tier, you’ll need a license to use it.
What is Prismic?
Prismic is a cloud-based headless CMS that helps teams manage and deliver content through APIs.
Unlike traditional CMS platforms, Prismic separates content management from presentation, letting developers use front-end frameworks like React, Vue, and Next.js while editors manage content in a simple, user-friendly dashboard.
Its focus is on ease of use, collaboration, and fast setup, which makes it a popular choice for marketing teams, agencies, and businesses that want to build modern websites without heavy infrastructure management.
Key Features of Prismic
- Slice Machine: Component-based content blocks for flexible page building.
- Multi-language Support: Built-in localization features.
- Content Versioning: Track, preview, and roll back content changes.
- Visual Editor: User-friendly interface for non-technical editors.
- API-first: Delivers content via REST or GraphQL APIs.
- Previews: Real-time content previews before publishing.
- Integrations: Works seamlessly with Next.js, Gatsby, Nuxt, and more.
Advantages of Prismic
- Great for Teams: Smooth collaboration between devs and content creators.
- Very User-Friendly: Easy for marketers and editors.
- Built-in Previews: Editors can see changes instantly.
- Flexible Content Modeling: Create reusable content slices.
- Fast Setup: Cloud-first, no hosting worries.
Disadvantages of Prismic
- Less Control: Self-hosting not possible, entirely cloud-based.
- Pricing: Advanced features (multi-language, roles) require paid plans.
- Customization Limits: More rigid compared to open-source CMS like Strapi.
- Vendor Lock-In: Tied to Prismic’s infrastructure.
Comparison Between Craft CMS vs Prismic
Use Cases of Craft CMS
- Custom Websites: When you need total control over your front-end design.
- Headless Implementations: Use Craft’s APIs to serve content anywhere.
- Complex Content Structures: Projects that require complex content relationships.
- Agencies and Freelancers: Ideal for building unique, high-performance websites.
Use Cases of Prismic
- Blogs & Portfolios: Simple setup, flexible design.
- Product Teams: Easy publishing without dev involvement.
- Marketing Websites: Build fast, scalable landing pages and sites.
- Multi-language Content: Perfect for global websites.
- Agencies: Quick project delivery with reusable content slices.
Other Resources
Conclusion
Headless CMS platforms make managing your website very simple and easy. Whether you’re running a blog, online store, or business, they handle the tough stuff so you can focus on your content.
With a user-friendly interface and the ability to work with any technology, you can create a site that really fits your needs.
These platforms are flexible, secure, and can grow with you. They offer features like custom content, easy editing, and integrations with other tools. Choose the one that fits your requirements and start building your dream website today 🚀
Frequently asked questions
What is Craft CMS used for?
It’s used for creating custom websites where you need full control over the design and content.
Is craft cms beginner-friendly?
It’s a bit more technical than some other CMSs, so it’s ideal if you’re comfortable with web development.
Can I use Craft CMS with React or Next.js?
Yes, but you’ll need to set up an API to make it work smoothly with frontend frameworks.
Is Craft CMS free?
No, but it offers a one-time license fee, which can be more affordable for long-term projects.
Does craft-cms offer built-in SEO tools?
Not out of the box, but you can add plugins for SEO features.
Is Prismic free to use?
Yes, there’s a free tier. Paid plans unlock more features like roles, localization, and higher API limits.
What is Slice Machine in Prismic?
It’s a tool for building reusable, component-based content sections (slices) that editors can use to design pages.
Does Prismic support multi-language content?
Yes, multi-language/localization is supported natively.
Can I self-host Prismic?
No, Prismic is a fully managed cloud service.
Is Prismic good for enterprise projects?
Yes, but enterprises may prefer platforms with more customization and control (like Strapi or Contentful).