Ratals CMS
ratals.com
What it is
Ratals CMS is an open-source content management system for building and managing websites, with web and self-hosted options. Its CMS core uses the Apache 2.0 license, so it can be modified and deployed commercially without licensing fees. Teams can create page sections in the admin area with the Sub-Item builder, and the Forms Builder supports reusable fields, product and quote requests, and short-code embedding. One installation can manage multiple sites with separate settings for domains, caching, HTTPS, hreflang and SMTP. Each URL has controls for titles, descriptions, canonical URLs, robots directives, headings, breadcrumbs, sitemaps, search visibility, authorship and dates. Built-in protections cover restricted application-file access, SQL injection, XSS, content security policy, sessions and CSRF. Updates are available from the admin area, with permissions assignable to individual administrators. Requirements list PHP 8.1+, MySQL 8.0+ and a web server tested on Nginx, Apache and LiteSpeed. The CMS plan has no listed price; Ratals Commerce, which includes CMS, costs $79 a month.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Ratals CMS is a free, open-source website content management system for building and managing websites.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ratals.com
- Paid from
- 79Read 20 Sep 2026 · ratals.com
- Integrations
- Core CMS features are built in without plugins, third-party services, or additional licenses; email uses SMTP with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC support.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Security
- Built-in protections include restricted application-file access, SQL injection protection, XSS protection, Content Security Policy enforcement, session validation, CSRF protection, and traffic monitoring.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Support
- Ratals offers technical support through its contact form and lists support hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- License
- The CMS core is licensed under Apache 2.0 and can be modified and deployed commercially without licensing fees.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Headquarters
- Salt Lake City, Utah, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · ratals.com
- Maker
- Rob Cuppett is identified as Ratals' founder and lead engineer, and the Ratals idea is described as beginning in 2005.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Content building
- The Sub-Item builder lets teams assemble customizable page sections from the admin without developer work.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Forms
- The built-in Forms Builder supports unlimited forms, reusable fields, product and quote requests, and embedding through short codes.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Multi-site
- Ratals can run multiple websites from one installation with separate site settings, domains, caching, HTTPS preferences, hreflang, and SMTP configuration.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Self-hosting
- Users can customize and self-host Ratals CMS on their own infrastructure.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- SEO
- Every URL includes controls for meta titles, descriptions, canonical URLs, robots directives, hreflang, H1 content, breadcrumbs, sitemaps, search visibility, authorship, and dates.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- System requirements
- The download page lists PHP 8.1+, MySQL 8.0+, and a web server tested on Nginx, Apache, and LiteSpeed.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
- Updates
- Ratals provides one-click software updates from the admin area, with update permissions assignable to individual admin users.Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
Plans and prices
Ratals Commerce $79 a month monthly 1 domain connection · additional domains $10/month · includes CMS Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
Ratals ERP $199 a month monthly 1 domain connection · additional domains $10/month · includes Commerce Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
Ratals AI $299 a month monthly 1 domain connection · additional domains $10/month · includes ERP Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
Ratals CMS Free unlimited domain connections · Apache 2.0 license · full source code access Read 1 Oct 2026 · ratals.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Apache 2.0 core permits commercial modification and deployment.
- One installation can manage multiple websites.
- Built-in forms support reusable fields and quote requests.
- Admin-area updates have assignable permissions.
Limits
- CMS plan has no listed price.
- Self-hosting requires PHP 8.1+ and MySQL 8.0+.
- Commerce costs $79 a month.
Who it suits
It suits organizations that want to build or manage websites using an open-source CMS, including teams that prefer self-hosting. Its multi-site controls and admin-based page builder may suit teams managing several sites or assembling pages without developer work.
Verdict
Ratals CMS offers a self-hostable, open-source core with page-building, forms and multi-site controls. Check the listed server requirements and note that the CMS plan’s price is unspecified, while Commerce is priced monthly.
Where Specifiction places it
- Agency Website Builders#18 of 308.1
- Website builders#48 of 708.1
