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Kirby is a self-hosted, file-based CMS built with PHP. It stores page content and media in files rather than a database, provides a browser-based Panel for editing, and uses PHP templates to render the site. You can start with a ready-made Starterkit or a minimal Plainkit; for a public production site, plan for a paid license.
What is Kirby CMS?
Kirby is a content management system you install on a web server you control. Its main parts are a filesystem-based content store, a browser-based editing interface called the Panel, and PHP templates that turn content into web pages.
In Kirby’s official tour, each page is represented by a folder beneath /content. A text file in that folder stores structured fields, and the folder can also contain related images, videos, or documents. The tour is part of the Kirby 4 documentation archive; it explains the core content model, not current version support.
How does Kirby work without a database?
Kirby reads content from files on the server. Templates can access the page data through Kirby’s PHP API and combine it with HTML to render the site. The Panel lets editors create and update pages and upload files; blueprints define which fields and settings are presented in the Panel.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Because there is no required database, there is no database service to install for a basic Kirby site. You are still responsible for the web server, PHP environment, project files, and backups. Kirby is self-hosted, not a managed website service.
Starterkit or Plainkit: which should you choose?
| Kit | What it includes | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Starterkit | Example content, blueprints, and templates | Exploring how a complete Kirby site is put together |
| Plainkit | A minimal base | Building a site from scratch without example-site structure |
Both are installation starting points, not separate editions of Kirby. The official quickstart also documents manual setup, Herd, the Kirby CLI, Composer, and Git.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do you install Kirby?
Choose one of the methods in the quickstart and install either kit on a compatible local or hosted environment. For a local test using PHP’s built-in server, Kirby gives this command from the project directory:
php -S localhost:8000 kirby/router.php
Open the site locally, then visit /panel to access the editing interface. The Panel does not include a pre-created account: its installer is used to create the first one. On a publicly accessible server, the installer is disabled by default for security. Do not enable panel.install casually on a public server; follow Kirby’s deployment and security guidance if you need to change that setting.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What are Kirby’s server requirements?
The version-sensitive snapshot below reflects Kirby’s official quickstart and requirements information checked on October 4, 2026. Requirements can change, so check the current requirements page before selecting or updating a host.
PHP, operating system, and web server
- PHP: The quickstart lists PHP 8.5, 8.4, 8.3, and 8.2, and recommends PHP 8.4.
- Operating system: The server must use a POSIX-compatible operating system.
- URL rewriting: Required for Kirby’s routing. Apache is described as working out of the box; nginx and Caddy need the appropriate routing and security configuration.
PHP extensions
Kirby requires either GD or ImageMagick, plus the following PHP extensions:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- ctype
- curl
- dom
- filter
- hash
- iconv
- json
- libxml
- mbstring
- openssl
- SimpleXML
Kirby recommends exif, fileinfo, and intl. Optional support includes ImageMagick’s convert binary (with PHP exec() enabled), apcu, memcached, PDO, zip, and zlib.
Panel browser support
The quickstart’s browser snapshot lists desktop Firefox 110+, Chrome 106+, Safari 16+, Edge 106+, and Opera 94+, plus mobile Safari 16+, Android Browser 126+, and Chrome for Android 126+. These minimum versions are subject to change; consult the quickstart for the current list.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Do you need a license for Kirby?
Yes, for a public production website. Kirby’s source code is publicly available, but the current license agreement says that Kirby is not free software. The agreement published September 8, 2026 applies to licenses purchased on or after November 28, 2023. Development and private installations can qualify for free use under the agreement’s definitions; public production use requires a paid license.
The license is project-specific: each project or site URL needs its own license. For headless or static setups, account for the frontend domain or domains covered by the project. A license includes releases made within three years after its first activation. When that period ends, you can continue using the versions already covered; later releases require a paid upgrade. Kirby’s purchase page describes payment as a one-time purchase, not a recurring subscription, but that does not extend the included-release period.
What does a Kirby license cost?
The official purchase page’s figures checked October 4, 2026 are shown below. Prices are in euros, plus VAT where applicable; checkout calculates final VAT. The reduced Basic price is limited to eligible individuals or teams below the revenue or funding threshold stated on the purchase page. Check that page for the current threshold, eligibility details, and prices before buying.
| License | Standard price | Eligible reduced price | Eligibility note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirby Basic | €99 | €79 per site | For qualifying individuals or teams below the listed annual revenue/funding threshold |
| Kirby Enterprise | €349 | €279 per site | No revenue limit |
See the official Buy page for current terms. The license is for Kirby software; hosting and a domain are separate because you provide the server for a self-hosted site.
Where can you learn and get help?
- Guide — concepts and tutorials for getting started.
- Reference — APIs and configuration options.
- Cookbook — practical recipes, including headless setups.
- Plugin repository — extensions for Kirby projects.
- Troubleshooting — help diagnosing common issues.
- Kirby Forum — a place to ask questions and discuss implementation.
Is Kirby a fit for your project?
When assessing Kirby against another CMS, compare how each stores content, who maintains the hosting, how editors work with fields and schemas, what PHP or server upkeep is required, how public-site licensing and updates are handled, and what implementation resources and extensions are available. Those practical differences are more useful than assuming a database-free design or a particular editor workflow is automatically better for every site.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
