Total CMS
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.
About this launch
Total CMS is a flat-file PHP content management system that requires no database server. Content is stored as JSON files on the server, giving site owners complete control over their data. The CMS ships with a built-in MCP server that allows AI agents like Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor to build and manage sites while respecting the same access controls as human editors.
Builders can create sites by hand-coding, using a web builder, or working with an AI agent. Once built, clients can edit only the content types and fields the builder allows, while design and structure remain protected. The platform supports 20+ built-in content types, 36+ admin field types, custom schemas on the Pro plan, a Twig templating engine, a REST API, and a command-line tool.
Total CMS is licensed per domain as a one-time purchase with two years of updates included. After the update period ends, the license converts to a perpetual license at no cost. Content stays on the server under the site owner's control, with no platform dependency or subscription fees.
What it does
- 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
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.
Shopper questions
What is Total CMS licensed for?
Total CMS is licensed per domain as a one-time purchase. A license covers a single production website tied to the domain it runs on. Local development is free on localhost, .localhost, 127.0.0.1, and .test domains with no license key needed. Each additional live site requires its own license.
Can I transfer my Total CMS license to a client?
Yes. When you hand a finished site to its owner, the license can be transferred to them at no charge as long as the site stays on the same domain. You can also move a license to a different domain once within 12 months of purchase for free; after that a rehoming fee applies.
What happens after the two-year update period ends?
Nothing breaks. The license converts to a perpetual license for the latest version you received, and the site keeps running indefinitely. You can renew updates any time, including after a lapse, with no back-payment for the gap. This is not a subscription.
How can an AI agent access and edit my Total CMS site?
Total CMS ships with a built-in MCP server that lets AI agents like Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT query schemas, search content, and look up Twig signatures in real time. The agent sees only what you allow based on access groups, and makes changes through the same rules as a human editor.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The free 45-day trial includes every Pro feature, requires no credit card, and can be installed on the domain where the site will live. Local development on .test or .localhost domains is free indefinitely with no trial period needed.
Total CMS has a free listing. The owner can unlock the full profile with a paid launch for $5:
- Founder story (locked)
- Milestones (locked)
- Demo video (locked)
- Dofollow website link (locked)
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