Why Contao?
Versatile
Regardless of whether you want to run multiple websites in one Contao installation, maintain a website in multiple languages or need detailed user permissions to work on a website collaboratively – Contao has everything on board by default. Furthermore, you can enhance its functionality with extensions to fit your needs.
GDPR compliant
Contao is compatible with current laws and especially the GDPR. All data protection measures are implemented by default, for instance, Contao uses the double opt-in method for all subscriptions and registrations and it keeps a log for the legally required storage period.
SEO ready
You can adjust the title, the description and the robots meta tag of each page. Redirects and error pages always send the correct HTTP status code. In addition, Contao uses schema.org to tag content for search engines and it automatically generates an XML sitemap that can be submitted to Google, Bing and other search engines.
Useable
In Contao, you can sort elements via drag and drop, copy and paste them via clipboard and even edit multiple records at once. Every change is automatically stored as a new version, so you can go back in history at any time.
Performant
Contao is compatible with Varnish and other HTTP caches and it supports modern technologies such as HTTP2, deferred image resizing and ESI. Even with big installations with hundreds of thousands of pages, Contao remain performant and delivers your website in a flash.
Secure
Contao uses modern password hashing algorithms and supports securing user accounts with 2-factor authentication. Moreover, user accounts are locked automatically if there are too many failed login attempts.
Satisfied users
Over 175,000 websites have already been built with Contao, from landing pages to portals to e-commerce and enterprise sites. Users especially appreciate that despite of its many possibilities, Contao is still easy to learn and intuitive to use for editors.
Case studies
Take a look at which projects the Contao partners have already created with Contao and which components they have used.
Contao Manager
The Contao Manager, a graphical interface for Composer, allows you to install and manage Contao as well as additional extensions directly in your browser. Even if your installation should become unavailable, you can recover it with the Contao Manager.
The right choice for your project
Long term support
Contao has a reliable and predictable development cycle, which provides regular versions as well as LTS versions with a long term support of 4 years.
German-speaking
Contao is a German-speaking project with a big community and regular events in the DACH countries. You will therefore find many resources in German such as presentations, videos and extensions.
Highly customizable
Thanks to hooks and events, you can manipulate the program flow in various places. Insert tags allow you to embed dynamic content anywhere. And even if you update Contao, your customized templates will be preserved.
Powered by Symfony
Contao is based on the Symfony Full Stack Framework. You will find your way around quickly if you have worked with Symfony before and you can use the over 11,000 available Symfony bundles to customize Contao.
Open Source CMS
Contao is open source software licensed under the LGPL-3.0. The license permits the free use of the software even for commercial projects.
You can track the development of Contao on GitHub and you are welcome to join in if you want. If you think you have found a security problem in Contao, please report it responsibly according to our security policy.