Typemill is an open-source, flat-file content management system designed specifically for technical writers and documentation teams who need to create and maintain informational websites such as user manuals, knowledge bases, wikis, and handbooks. Unlike traditional CMS platforms that rely on databases, Typemill stores all content as Markdown files, making it simple to version control, back up, and deploy. Built with Slim PHP, Vue.js, and Tailwind CSS, it offers a modern, lightweight stack that requires no database installation. Its single-source publishing capability allows users to generate PDF and ePUB outputs directly from the same Markdown content, making it ideal for creating both web-based and downloadable documentation.
Typemill is targeted at developers, technical writers, and DevOps teams managing internal or customer-facing documentation. It’s especially valuable for organizations seeking a self-hosted, low-maintenance solution that avoids the overhead of database-driven CMS platforms while still providing a rich visual editor and extensible architecture through plugins and themes.
What You Get
- Flat-file architecture - Stores all content, settings, and media as files on disk instead of requiring a database, simplifying deployment, backups, and version control with Git.
- Visual and raw Markdown editor - Offers both a WYSIWYG block editor and a raw Markdown editor, allowing authors to choose their preferred workflow without losing formatting.
- Single-source publishing - Generates PDF and ePUB files directly from Markdown content via the built-in eBook plugin, enabling consistent output across web and print formats.
- Twig templates and YAML configuration - Developers can customize layouts and site structure using Twig templating and YAML-defined content types for structured documentation.
- Extensible with plugins and themes - Supports third-party plugins and custom themes to extend functionality like search, multilingual support, or analytics without modifying core files.
- Lightweight and fast - Only 2MB when gzipped, with minimal server requirements (PHP 8.1+), making it suitable for low-resource environments or edge deployments.
Common Use Cases
- Building technical documentation for SaaS products - Creating interactive, searchable user guides with embedded code snippets and downloadable PDF manuals for customers.
- Creating internal knowledge bases - Teams using Typemill to centralize onboarding materials, API references, and operational procedures in a version-controlled Markdown format.
- Problem: Managing documentation across multiple formats → Solution: Typemill - Organizations struggling to maintain separate Markdown, PDF, and ePUB versions of their docs use Typemill to publish once and export to all formats automatically.
- DevOps teams managing documentation as code - Teams that treat documentation like source code, using Git workflows to review, test, and deploy changes via CI/CD pipelines with Typemill’s file-based structure.
Under The Hood
Typemill is a modern flat-file CMS built on PHP and Vue.js that combines the simplicity of static site generation with the flexibility of a content management system. It emphasizes modular design, extensibility, and developer-friendly workflows through its integration of PHP backend logic with JavaScript frontend components.
Architecture
Typemill adopts a monolithic architecture with clear separation of concerns, enabling structured development and plugin-based extensibility.
- Core modules are organized to support independent functionality while maintaining system cohesion
- Plugin architecture allows customization without modifying the core codebase
- Content organization is structured through YAML metadata and markdown files for flexible publishing
Tech Stack
Typemill leverages a dual-stack approach with PHP powering the backend and Vue.js driving the frontend experience.
- Built primarily in PHP 8.2 with a frontend powered by Vue.js and Twig templating
- Utilizes Composer for PHP dependency management and npm for frontend tooling and package handling
- Employs Docker for deployment flexibility and NPM scripts to streamline development workflows
- Includes Cypress for end-to-end testing and standard PHP testing practices for backend validation
Code Quality
The codebase reflects a mixed state of quality, with some well-structured components but inconsistent practices and limited test coverage.
- Error handling is present but repetitive across modules, indicating potential technical debt
- Code consistency varies, with some areas showing clear patterns and others lacking standardization
- Type annotations are included, enhancing code clarity and maintainability in key areas
- Testing efforts are present but not comprehensive, with gaps in coverage for critical paths
What Makes It Unique
Typemill stands out by blending CMS capabilities with static site generation, offering a modular and extensible platform.
- Plugin architecture enables deep customization without altering core system files
- Seamless integration of Vue.js components with PHP backend allows for dynamic UI rendering
- Twig templating engine supports rich, structured content presentation alongside JavaScript interactivity
- Content organization through YAML and markdown files enables flexible publishing workflows