GrindSite CMS: The AI-Native CMS.
Built for the Generative AI workflow. Paste from ChatGPT, drop
images from Midjourney, and publish instantly.
No database configuration needed.
1. Download
Download the latest ZIP file from GitHub and extract it.
2. Upload
Upload the contents of the 'src' folder to your server via FTP.
3. Done
Access your site in the browser. Setup is done automatically.
# 1. Download the zip file
wget https://github.com/grindworks/grind-site/archive/refs/heads/main.zip -O grindsite.zip
# 2. Extract and upload the 'src' folder to your server
unzip grindsite.zip && scp -r grind-site-main/src/* user@server:/var/www/html/
# 3. Access your site. Done.
✔ Setup completed in 60 seconds. No complex configuration needed.
The true value of an exceptional car
is felt the moment you sit in the driver's seat.
The worth of beautiful architecture
is measured by the time you spend inside it.
What I prioritized most in this CMS is
that "inner" experience.
Why GrindSite?
Typical Dynamic CMS
- ✖︎ Requires database server setup
- ✖︎ Adding fields requires DB/API modification
- ✖︎ Complex server migration process
- ✖︎ Troubleshooting requires expertise
- ✖︎ Needs caching & performance tuning
- ✖︎ Managing multiple plugins can be tedious
- ✖︎ Basic features often require paid plugins
- ✖︎ Regular maintenance is essential
- ✖︎ Manual AI/LLM optimization needed
- ✖︎ Requires heavy SEO plugins
- ✖︎ Image optimization requires plugins
- ✖︎ Relies on external tools for health checks
GrindSite
- ✅ No database server needed
- ✅ Anti-Spam Contact Forms
- ✅ Password Protect Block
- ✅ Affiliate Blocks
- ✅ Plugin Management UI NEW
- ✅ Zero-Config Custom Fields
- ✅ 100% Offline Capable
- ✅ Built-in Developer CLI Tool
- ✅ Blazing fast static output (SSG)
- ✅ Enterprise-grade Security (Pen-test ready)
- ✅ AI-Ready (llms.txt & Smart Paste)
- ✅ Native SEO & Schema.org
- ✅ Advanced Media Management & WebP
A streamlined architecture, designed for simplicity.
For developers and creators looking for a simpler alternative.
Our
optimized codebase delivers fast performance and reliable
stability.
Zero Configuration
No complicated database setup required. It works instantly just by placing files on the server. Server migration is as simple as "copying the folder". This is true portability.
Block Editor
40+ BlocksIntuitive block editor built with Tailwind CSS. Create rich content by combining blocks like headings, images, galleries, pricing tables, FAQs, sliders, and automatic Table of Contents like building bricks.
Hybrid Architecture (SSG)
Run dynamically for ease of use, or easily export static HTML.
Now with CLI support (php bin/grind.php ssg:build)
for CI/CD automation.
Built-in Pro Tools
Essential real-world features like PC/Mobile specific HERO image settings and flexible banner placements are built-in. Also includes an automatic Table of Contents, social previews, broken link checker, and SEO optimization.
Advanced Media Management
Automatic WebP conversion, thumbnail generation, drag & drop uploads, unused file detection, and a built-in broken link checker.
Robust Security by Design
Built-in protection against CSRF & XSS. Strict input sanitization and automatic generation of secure server configuration rules.
Built-in CLI Tool
Instantly clear caches, reset admin passwords, and create database backups directly from your terminal. Integrates perfectly with CI/CD deployment pipelines.
100% Offline Capable
No MySQL required (SQLite). All essential admin assets are bundled locally. Install, develop, and build an entire website completely offline—perfect for flights or highly secure, air-gapped intranets.
Headless CMS Flexibility
Instantly add "Custom Post Types" and "Custom Fields" just by
editing theme.json, with absolutely no database
changes. Achieve full data modeling while remaining completely
portable.
Design Themes
& Admin Skins
Don't start from zero. Use our starter themes as a clean foundation to easily create your own custom design.
8+ Starter Kits
Simple boilerplates like Corporate and Portfolio. Designed for Web Designers to be easily customized. The perfect clean slate for your creativity.
50+ Admin Skins
Make everyday updates fun. Choose from over 50 admin skins including Miami Nights, 8-bit Arcade, Neo Tokyo, Art Deco, and Cyberpunk.
Bring the power of AI
to your site.
Directly 'Smart Paste' content from ChatGPT, Claude, Canva, or Figma. It's instantly converted into beautiful block elements.
-
Optimized for AI Search
Standard support for the AI crawling standard (llms.txt). Ensures AI engines can perfectly read and understand your site content.
-
AI Metadata Detection
Reads metadata from images generated by DALL-E or Midjourney and automatically applies credits.
-
Universal AI Support (Smart Paste)
Paste Markdown or rich text generated by ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Notion AI straight into the editor. It automatically styles everything perfectly into blocks.
<?php
// Action Hook: Output after content
add_action('grind_after_content', function($post) {
echo '<div class="author-box">Written by ' . $post->author . '</div>';
});
// Filter Hook: Modify content
add_filter('grind_the_title', function($title) {
return '🔥 ' . $title;
});Simple to Extend.
No complex plugin boilerplate. Just drop a PHP file in the plugins folder and hook into the core. It's designed to be highly intuitive and straightforward.
Built with Security in Mind.
Engineered with a Defense in Depth approach, integrating multiple layers of protection to help keep your site secure against modern web threats.
Bulletproof Uploads
Strict MIME-type validation, automatic SVG sanitization (preventing Billion Laughs & XSS), and ImageMagick memory exhaustion protection.
Path & SSRF Defense
Complete protection against Zip Slip and Path Traversal. Private IP blocking prevents SSRF and DNS rebinding attacks.
SQLite Optimization
Configured with WAL mode and busy_timeout. Passive random checkpoints prevent WAL file bloat and ensure safe FTP backups.
Asynchronous Updater & Atomic Rollback
Robust async updates bypass server timeouts. If an update fails, it automatically rolls back to keep your site running safely.
Built for the long run.
A simple CMS designed to stay stable
for years.
Running a dynamic website often involves hidden efforts like constant system and database updates. GrindSite is designed to keep the core system as simple as possible, reducing the risk of unexpected issues caused by external factors.
1. Minimal External Dependencies
When a system relies heavily on multiple external programs, an unmaintained component can affect the whole site. GrindSite is built primarily on PHP core features, aiming for long-term stability by minimizing third-party dependencies.
2. File-Based Portability
Reduce the burden of database server upgrades. By using SQLite, everything is neatly contained within files, making the system highly resilient to server environment changes and easy to migrate.
3. Prevents Bloat with Auto-Cleanup
Over years of operation, accumulated cache and logs can consume server space and take your site offline. GrindSite features a self-healing mechanism that automatically cleans up unnecessary files and old logs, ensuring long-term stability.
4. Ultimate Archiving: Static Site Generation
Even if you can no longer maintain a PHP server environment, you can export your entire site as pure HTML files with a single click. This allows you to migrate to free hosting services (like GitHub Pages) and keep your site online as a semi-permanent archive.
License
We offer licenses tailored to your needs, from personal development to enterprise.
Early Bird Limited
- Commercial / Public Server
- 1 Domain
- No Banners
- One-click Updates
- No Tech Support
Pro
- Commercial / Public Server
- 1 Domain
- No Banners
- One-click Updates
- Standard Bug Fixes
Agency
- All Pro Features
- Unlimited Domains
- White Label Admin
- Client Delivery & Transfer
- Official Partner Listing
The Journey Ahead
We are continuously evolving. Here is what we are working on next.
v1.8 ()
v1.8 ()
Incremental SSG build improvements, Native Search API integration.
v1.9 ()
Multi-user roles & permissions, and advanced API endpoints.
v1.9 ()
v2.0 ()
v2.0 ()
Headless CMS mode overhaul, Lightweight Revision Control, and continuous core enhancements.