What is Directus?
Directus connects to an existing SQL database (Postgres, MySQL, SQL Server and others) and generates a REST and GraphQL API plus a no-code admin app on top of it. It is released under the Business Source License, converting to GPLv3 after a set period, with both self-hosted and managed Cloud deployment options.
Read the full overview
Sources checked 27 September 2026: official website (directus.io now redirects here), documentation, pricing page.
Key capabilities
- Instant API: REST and GraphQL endpoints generated from your database schema.
- Admin app: A configurable interface for managing content and data.
- Access control: Role- and permission-based rules enforced at the API layer.
API generation, an admin interface and access control over an existing database are its core areas, distinguishing it from CMS platforms that own their own data store.
Choose Directus when a team already has, or wants, its own SQL database and needs an API and admin UI over it rather than a hosted proprietary backend. It fits data-first projects where owning the schema and data location matters.
Self-hosting is free below the BSL license's revenue/employee thresholds, while Cloud adds a monthly fee; check current thresholds and prices on the pricing page before assuming which tier applies.
Technical details
- Access
- Self-hosted
- Source model
- Other license
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- API
- Available
- Website
- directus.com ↗
Official resources
What to verify for your environment
Start from the users, systems and operating responsibilities the tool needs to support.
- Confirm current features, licensing and support terms with the publisher.
- Validate deployment, data location, access control, backup and recovery requirements.
- Test integrations, export paths and a representative operational workflow before committing.
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