Directus

An Instant App & API for your SQL Database. Directus wraps your new or existing SQL database with a realtime GraphQL+REST API for developers, and an intuitive admin app for non-technical users.

The license is not an approved open-source license. Read it before you rely on the app.

GitHub stars
38,438
License
BUSL-1.1
Latest release
v12.5.0
7 October 2026
Last commit
9 October 2026
Runs on
Node.js, Docker

Commits per month, last 12 months

753 commits

Replaces

Paid products Directus can stand in for.

How to self-host Directus

Directus runs on Node.js and Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.

  1. Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
  2. Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
  3. Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
  4. Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.

New to self-hosting? Start with the beginner's guide.

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Questions

Is Directus free?

Directus's source code is available under BUSL-1.1, which is not an approved open-source license. It may restrict commercial use or redistribution, so read the license before you depend on it.

Can I self-host Directus?

Yes. Directus runs on Node.js and Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.

What does Directus replace?

People use Directus instead of Contentful or Sanity.

Is Directus still maintained?

The last change to Directus's code was on 9 October 2026, with 753 commits in the last 12 months.

Topics

Database Management

App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.