FlatPress

Overview

FlatPress is an open-source, flat-file Content Management System (CMS) designed for users who prioritize speed, portability, and simplicity. Unlike traditional CMS platforms like WordPress, FlatPress eschews relational databases (MySQL/MariaDB) entirely, storing all content, comments, and configurations in standard text files. This architectural choice eliminates the risk of SQL injection attacks and significantly simplifies the backup and migration process—users can move an entire site by simply copying the directory. Built on PHP and utilizing the Smarty template engine, FlatPress offers a robust plugin system and theme customization capabilities without the overhead of database management. In the 2026 landscape, FlatPress serves as a critical alternative for developers seeking 'Green Web' solutions with low server-side processing requirements and for privacy-conscious users who want full control over their data without third-party cloud database dependencies. Its lightweight footprint makes it ideal for edge computing deployments, personal developer logs, and documentation repositories where high availability and low maintenance are paramount.

Common tasks

Content Authoring Static Site Generation Documentation Management Fast Migration Low-Resource Hosting

FAQ

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Does FlatPress require MySQL?

No, FlatPress stores all its data in text files and does not require any database software.

Can I import WordPress posts into FlatPress?

Yes, there are community scripts available to convert WordPress XML exports into the FlatPress text file structure.

Is FlatPress secure?

Yes, by removing the database, it eliminates one of the most common web attack vectors (SQL injection). However, server-level security and PHP hardening are still required.

Can I use Markdown?

Markdown support is available through specific community plugins, while the core uses BBCode or HTML.

FAQ+