payload-cms
Assists with building content management systems using Payload CMS with a code-first approach. Use when defining collections in TypeScript, configuring access control, customizing the admin panel, or integrating with Next.js. Trigger words: payload, payload cms, headless cms, collections, admin panel, content management, payload fields.
Best use case
payload-cms is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Assists with building content management systems using Payload CMS with a code-first approach. Use when defining collections in TypeScript, configuring access control, customizing the admin panel, or integrating with Next.js. Trigger words: payload, payload cms, headless cms, collections, admin panel, content management, payload fields.
Teams using payload-cms should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/payload-cms/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How payload-cms Compares
| Feature / Agent | payload-cms | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Assists with building content management systems using Payload CMS with a code-first approach. Use when defining collections in TypeScript, configuring access control, customizing the admin panel, or integrating with Next.js. Trigger words: payload, payload cms, headless cms, collections, admin panel, content management, payload fields.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Payload CMS
## Overview
Payload CMS is a code-first headless CMS where collections and fields are defined in TypeScript, auto-generating an admin panel, REST/GraphQL APIs, and TypeScript types. It supports PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and SQLite, and integrates directly into Next.js applications with the Local API.
## Instructions
- When defining collections, create TypeScript config objects with `slug`, `fields`, `access`, and `hooks`, using field types like text, richText, relationship, upload, array, group, and blocks.
- When setting access control, use function-based permissions at the collection, field, and operation level (create, read, update, delete), and create reusable access functions like `isLoggedIn` and `isAdmin`.
- When building flexible pages, use blocks field type so editors compose pages from predefined block types, and define reusable field groups as functions for DRY configuration across collections.
- When managing content workflows, enable versions with `versions: { drafts: true }` for draft/published states and full revision history.
- When integrating with Next.js, use `@payloadcms/next` to run Payload inside the Next.js app, and use the Local API (`payload.find()`, `payload.create()`) in Server Components for typed, fast access without HTTP.
- When customizing the admin panel, replace specific components with custom React, add custom views for new pages, and configure live preview for real-time frontend content previewing.
- When building reusable content structures, use relationships over manual ID references for auto-resolution and validation, and define singleton globals for site settings, navigation, and footer.
## Examples
### Example 1: Build a blog CMS with Next.js
**User request:** "Set up Payload CMS for a blog with categories, authors, and rich text"
**Actions:**
1. Define `posts`, `authors`, and `categories` collections with relationships
2. Configure rich text editor with custom blocks (code, callout, image)
3. Enable drafts and versions on the posts collection
4. Integrate with Next.js using the Local API for Server Component data fetching
**Output:** A fully featured blog CMS with typed API, auto-generated admin panel, and Next.js integration.
### Example 2: Create a multi-role content workflow
**User request:** "Set up Payload with editor, reviewer, and admin roles with different permissions"
**Actions:**
1. Define user collection with role field (editor, reviewer, admin)
2. Create access control functions for each role and operation
3. Apply field-level access to restrict sensitive fields to admins
4. Add custom publish workflow actions (submit -> review -> publish)
**Output:** A role-based CMS where editors create, reviewers approve, and admins manage all content.
## Guidelines
- Define reusable field groups as functions for DRY configuration across collections.
- Use access control functions, not middleware; Payload enforces them on all entry points (REST, GraphQL, Local API).
- Enable versions on content collections; `versions: { drafts: true }` prevents accidental publishes.
- Use relationships over manual ID references; Payload auto-resolves and validates them.
- Use the Local API (`payload.find()`) in Next.js Server Components; it is faster than HTTP and fully typed.
- Keep admin customizations minimal; the auto-generated panel covers most needs.
- Use blocks for flexible page building so editors compose pages from predefined block types.Related Skills
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