A content management system (CMS) is a computer software used to manage the creation and modification of digital content (content management).

It is typically used for enterprise content management (ECM) and web content management (WCM). ECM typically supports multiple users in a collaborative environment, by integrating document management, digital asset management, and record retention. Alternatively, WCM is the collaborative authoring for websites and may include text and embed graphics, photos, video, audio, maps, and program code that display content and interact with the user. ECM typically includes a WCM function.

Structure

A CMS typically has two major components: a content management application (CMA), as the front-end user interface that allows a user, even with limited expertise, to add, modify, and remove content from a website without the intervention of a webmaster; and a content delivery application (CDA), which compiles the content and updates the website.

Installation type

There are two types of CMS installation: on-premises and cloud-based. On-premises installation means that the CMS software can be installed on the server. Notable CMSs which can be installed on-premises are Drupal, Grav, Joomla, ModX, Wordpress.org and others. The cloud-based CMS is hosted in the vendor's cloud environment. Examples of notable cloud-based CMSs are CoreMedia, Adobe Experience Manager, Contentful, Ghost, Optimizely, SquareSpace, Webflow, WIX, Framer, Site.pro and Wordpress.com.

Publishing architectures vary significantly between systems. Traditional coupled CMSs tie the content repository to a single presentation layer, suiting organisations publishing to one channel. Headless CMSs separate the repository from presentation entirely, delivering content via APIs to websites, mobile applications, digital signage, or voice interfaces from a single source, an approach that has grown rapidly alongside the proliferation of digital touchpoints. Authoring environments typically enforce structured workflows in which content passes through defined review and approval stages before publication, with role-based permissions controlling what each user can create, edit, or publish.

Common features

The core CMS features are: indexing, search and retrieval, format management, revision control, and management.

Widely used CMSs

According to W3Techs, the most widely used content management system is WordPress, used by 61.7% of websites as of March 2026. Other commonly used content management systems include Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace .

Cross-reference

Structure

In a document, especially those authored in a content management system,

a cross-reference has two major aspects:

  • A visible form that appears when the document is presented to the reader
  • A technical mechanism that resides within the system

The visible form contains text, graphics, and other indications that:

  • Indicate what is being referenced
  • Enable the reader to follow the cross-reference to the referenced content
  • May enable the reader to understand what is being referred to, or what to expect upon following the reference
  • May present to the reader some information from the referenced content

The technical mechanism that resides within the system:

  • Identifies what location is being referred to
  • Permits the system to present appropriate referencing text when the location containing the reference is presented to a reader
  • Permits the system to offer a control (such as a link) that a reader can use when the content is presented in electronic form to access the referenced content

Enhancing usability

If the cross-reference mechanism is well designed, the reader will be able to follow each cross-reference to the referenced content whether the content is presented in print or electronically.

An author working in a content management system is responsible for identifying subjects of interest that cross documents, and creating appropriate systems of cross-references to support readers who seek to understand those subjects. For an individual cross-reference, an author should ensure that location and content of the target of the cross-reference are clearly identified, and the reader can easily determine how to follow the cross-reference in each medium in which publication is supported.

Content strategy practitioners (known as content strategists) specialize in planning content to meet business needs, taking into account the processes for creating and maintaining the content, and the systems that support the content.

See also

  • Content management
  • Content Management Interface
  • Document management system
  • Dynamic web page
  • Enterprise content management
  • Headless content management system
  • HTML
  • Information management
  • Knowledge management
  • LAMP (software bundle)
  • List of content management systems
  • Personalization management system
  • Revision control
  • Web application framework
  • Web content management system

References

Bibliography