MODX is a free, open-source content management framework for building and managing bespoke websites. It gives developers fine control over templates, content fields, structured data and front-end code. It is best for agencies, organisations and growing teams that need flexibility and have reliable access to technical support, rather than first-time no-code users.
What is MODX?
MODX is a content management system and development framework for creating websites with a high degree of control. Unlike systems built around fixed themes and standard page layouts, MODX allows developers to create the templates, fields and publishing workflows a project actually needs. You can learn more on the official MODX website.
The platform separates website presentation from content management. This means a developer can work directly with HTML, CSS and JavaScript while editors manage pages and structured information through the administration area. It can support a simple brochure website, a complex organisation site or several websites managed from one installation.
As of 2026, the core MODX software remains free to download and self-host. Your overall cost will depend on hosting, development, maintenance, security work and any paid services you choose. Managed MODX Cloud plans are separate from the open-source CMS, so check current provider pricing carefully before budgeting for a larger project.
5 Best Features of MODX
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Flexible templates
MODX does not force your website into a pre-built visual theme. Developers can create precise layouts and control the underlying markup, which is useful when your brand, accessibility requirements or customer journey do not fit a standard template.
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Custom content fields
Template Variables allow developers to add structured fields for different content types. A service page might have fields for an introduction, technical specifications, downloadable resources and related services, while a team profile could use completely different fields.
This reduces the need to place every piece of information into one large text box. It also makes content more consistent as the website grows.
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Granular user permissions
MODX supports user groups, roles and permissions. You can give an editor access to content without giving them control over system settings, extensions or user accounts.
This is particularly valuable for agencies, membership organisations and businesses where several people contribute to a website. It creates a clearer separation between content work and technical administration.
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Multisite support
A single MODX installation can be used to manage multiple websites or brands, depending on how the project is configured. Shared components can reduce duplicated work, while separate templates and content structures can keep each site distinct.
For an organisation with regional websites or several related services, this can be more efficient than maintaining completely separate systems.
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Developer-focused extensibility
MODX can be extended with snippets, plugins, packages and custom integrations. Developers can connect the CMS to other systems, build bespoke features and create publishing workflows around a business process.
The benefit is freedom. The trade-off is that the quality and maintainability of the finished website depend heavily on the developer’s implementation choices.
MODX in Action: 3 Examples
1. A bespoke professional services website
Example scenario: A consultancy needs a website with separate service pages, industry landing pages, case studies, downloadable guides and regional contact details. Each content type needs different fields and page layouts.
MODX can provide the custom structure without forcing every page into the same design. Editors can update content through repeatable fields, while the development team retains control over page templates and technical performance.
2. A multi-brand organisation
Example scenario: An organisation operates several services under related brands. The websites need a consistent technical foundation but different navigation, colours, content and customer journeys.
A shared MODX installation may allow the technical team to manage common elements centrally while keeping each website’s content separate. This approach needs careful planning, especially around permissions, upgrades, backups and search engine indexing.
3. A content-led website with a custom data model
Example scenario: A membership body publishes articles, events, resources, staff profiles and location information. Visitors need to filter and search this information in ways that a standard blog layout cannot support.
MODX can be configured around those content types rather than treating everything as a conventional page. The project may also need custom development for filtering, integrations and user journeys. A clear specification at the beginning is essential.
For projects that need a strong visual identity as well as custom functionality, Zest City’s website design services can help shape the structure, user experience and presentation before development begins.
3 Things That Could Be Better
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The learning curve is steeper
MODX is not usually the easiest choice for someone who wants to install a theme, add pages and manage everything without technical assistance. Many of its strongest features make more sense when a developer has designed the content model and explained the editing workflow.
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The ecosystem is smaller than WordPress
MODX has extensions and community resources, but its marketplace and pool of ready-made themes are smaller than WordPress’s. You may need custom development for features that are available as an off-the-shelf plugin elsewhere.
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Maintenance requires planning
Open-source software does not remove the need for updates, backups, security checks and compatibility testing. A MODX website should have a documented maintenance process, particularly when it uses custom snippets, third-party packages or external integrations.
These limitations do not make MODX a poor CMS. They mean it is best treated as a flexible development platform, not as a completely hands-off website builder.
Top 2 Alternatives to MODX
- WordPress: WordPress is generally easier for beginners and offers a much larger ecosystem of themes, plugins and tutorials. It may be a better option for a standard business website that needs rapid setup and familiar editing tools.
- Concrete CMS: Concrete CMS provides an intuitive in-context editing experience and is often attractive to teams that want editors to change page content directly on the front end. MODX usually offers more freedom at the development and content-model level.
Both WordPress and Concrete CMS are included in Zest City’s 79-app library in the CMS category. The right choice depends on the amount of customisation required, the skills available to maintain the website and how editors prefer to work.
3 Tips to Get More From MODX
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Design the content model before building templates
List every content type your website needs and decide which fields belong to each one. Separating services, articles, events, resources and profiles early will produce a cleaner editing experience later.
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Create an update and backup routine
Record the MODX version, PHP version, installed packages and custom code. Schedule backups, test restoration and review updates in a staging environment before applying them to the live website.
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Build performance into the project
Use sensible image sizes, caching and clean front-end code. Test important pages on mobile connections and review server performance through your hosting provider. A flexible CMS still needs a disciplined performance plan.
Free with Zest City Web Hosting
MODX is one of 79 apps available free with Zest City Web Hosting : included on every shared hosting programme and platform we offer, with genuine 1-click installation (no server admin, no manual setup, live in minutes). No extra licence fees, no separate app-store account.
You can use the MODX through the Zest City Web Hosting one-click installer. The installer removes much of the manual setup, but you will still need to choose a suitable design, configure your content structure and keep the website maintained.
Zest City Web Hosting gives small businesses a practical starting point for testing MODX without paying a separate CMS licence fee. If you later need help with migration, design, integrations or ongoing management, the hosting decision can sit alongside wider digital support.
FAQs
Is MODX free?
Yes. The open-source MODX CMS can be downloaded and self-hosted without a software licence fee. You still need to budget for hosting, domain registration, development, maintenance, backups and any paid infrastructure or support.
Is MODX good for beginners?
MODX can be used by beginners as a content editor once the website has been configured properly. However, installation, template creation and advanced customisation are more technical than they are with many mainstream website builders.
Is MODX good for bespoke websites?
Yes. Bespoke website development is one of MODX’s main strengths because developers have detailed control over templates, content fields, integrations and front-end code. It is a strong fit when a fixed theme would create unnecessary compromises.
What is MODX used for?
MODX is used for business websites, organisation websites, multi-brand websites, content platforms and projects that need custom content structures. It is particularly useful when the website must follow a specific design or publishing process rather than a standard theme-based model.
Not sure MODX is the right fit : or want to see the other 78 apps you get free? Talk to Zest City about your web hosting and we'll help you pick the right app, the right hosting plan, and show you what else we can do for your site, from design to ongoing support.
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