MODX
Developer-focused PHP CMS built for custom site architecture. No prescribed templates or content models — you build exactly what the project requires. Strong security track record and a long-standing reputation among agencies
Quick Start
docker run -d -p 80:80 modx/modx:latest Overview
MODX is a PHP content management system aimed at developers and agencies who need to build sites with precise control over structure, templates, and access permissions. Unlike WordPress, which comes with a prescribed content model that plugins extend, MODX gives you a blank slate. Templates, content fields, URL structures, and the manager interface itself are all configured to match the project rather than the other way around.
The access control system is notably granular. You can restrict which resources a user sees in the manager tree, which template variables they can edit, and which manager functions appear in their interface at all. For agencies delivering client sites, this means you can build a manager that shows a content editor exactly what they need and nothing else.
Security has been a consistent differentiator. MODX has historically accumulated far fewer CVEs than WordPress and does not rely on a plugin ecosystem where one poorly maintained extension exposes the whole installation. The codebase is updated by a small dedicated team rather than a sprawling contributor pool.
The trade-off is ecosystem breadth. WordPress has tens of thousands of plugins covering nearly every common requirement. MODX has a smaller set of Extras, and for less common functionality you will often be writing custom snippets or chunks yourself. The template tag system (MODX’s equivalent of shortcodes and template logic) takes some time to learn, and finding developers who already know it is harder than finding WordPress developers.
MODX Cloud provides managed hosting with staging, site cloning, and automatic backups as a paid upgrade for teams that want the flexibility of MODX without self-hosting the infrastructure.
MODX: Pros & Cons
| Pros (The Wins) | Cons (The Friction) |
|---|---|
| Total flexibility: No prescribed content model; build exactly what you need. | Smaller ecosystem: Far fewer Extras than WordPress; custom work fills the gaps. |
| Granular access control: Restrict per-user what they see and edit in the manager. | Learning curve: Template tags and snippets take time to understand well. |
| Strong security record: Historically fewer CVEs than WordPress with a tighter core. | Harder to staff: Finding MODX-experienced developers is a real challenge. |
| Managed hosting option: MODX Cloud adds staging, cloning, and backups. | Developer required: Initial setup needs technical involvement to do well. |
Use Cases
Specific ways to use MODX for your workflow.
Deployment Strategy
Recommended ways to host MODX in your own environment.