Flat-file PHP CMS with a built-in MCP server. Build by hand, in a web builder or with an AI agent — clients edit only what you allow.
Edit your website by clicking it
Stage
Established
Not given
Founded
Not given
Not given
Based in
US
US
Pricing model
Not given
Not given
Pricing
Standard: $195 one-time per domain. Pro: $395 one-time per domain. Enterprise: custom pricing available. All licenses include two years of updates; after that the license converts to perpetual at no additional cost. No subscription fees.
Open source: $0. Kiln Cloud: $4.99 a month per site. Kiln Cloud + hosting: $14.99 a month per site. All paid plans include 7 days free with no card required.
Key features
Flat-file JSON storage with no database required
Built-in MCP server for AI agents like Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT
Twig templating engine with CMS-specific filters and functions
REST API with API keys and OAuth 2.1 authentication
Command-line tool (tcms) for content, sync, and deployments
Image processing with watermarking and OKLCH color handling
Passkey (WebAuthn) authentication and member logins
Click-to-edit text on any page
Image swap and description editing
Photo galleries with full-screen viewer
Event calendar and list editor
Team member management
Draft and schedule changes
Full version history and undo
Mobile-responsive editor
Works without PHP or database
API for custom integrations
What makes it different
One-time license per domain with perpetual use after two years of updates
Content stays on your server with no platform dependency or subscription
AI agents and human editors use the same access controls and permissions
Built-in MCP server ships with the CMS, not as a bolt-on plugin
Files stay in your own GitHub repository; nothing is locked in Kiln
Open source and free to run on your own accounts
No PHP, database or plugins means no security vulnerabilities to patch
Simple exit: delete two script tags and the site keeps working
Editors sign in with Google; they don't need GitHub accounts
Total CMS
Kiln