The first public alpha of Nextly is available now. Nextly is an open-source app framework for Next.js that ships with authentication, access control, a media library, email delivery, form handling, and a full admin panel. Everything runs inside your Next.js project as a single codebase with a single deployment. Install it and start building:
npx create-nextly-app@latest
What you can build today
The alpha includes the core framework and everything you need to build content-driven applications. Every feature listed here has been tested and is ready for use.
Schema definition (dual approach)
Define your data schema in TypeScript using `defineCollection()` and defineSingle(), or build it visually using the Schema Builder in the admin panel. Both approaches produce the same result: identical database tables, API endpoints, and admin panel interfaces.
const Posts = defineCollection({
slug: "posts",
fields: [
text({ name: "title", required: true }),
richText({ name: "content" }),
upload({ name: "image", relationTo: "media" }),
select({
name: "status",
options: ["draft", "published"],
defaultValue: "draft",
}),
],
});
`
Read more about how the dual approach works.
18+ field types
Text, textarea, rich text, number, email, password, code, select, radio, checkbox, date, upload, relationship, array, group, JSON, component, and chips. Each field type supports validation rules, default values, conditional display, and admin panel configuration.
Built on Lexical with 25+ features including headings, lists, code blocks, tables, images, videos, links, and collapsible sections. The editor is extensible through a plugin system.
Adapters for PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, all powered by Drizzle ORM. Choose your database at project creation and switch later without changing your schema definitions.
Email and password authentication built in. Custom JWT auth with access/refresh tokens, CSRF protection, and brute-force lockout. API key authentication for programmatic access. Session management and email verification included.
Role-based permissions with row-level security and field-level restrictions. Define access rules as functions on each collection that control who can create, read, update, and delete entries.
Image optimization, automatic resizing, and multiple storage adapters. Upload files through the admin panel or programmatically through the API.
Run custom logic before and after database operations with beforeChange, afterChange, beforeDelete, and afterDelete hooks on any collection.
Define reusable field groups with defineComponent() and nest them across collections. Useful for structured content blocks like hero sections, CTAs, or card layouts.
A plugin for drag-and-drop form creation with multiple field types and built-in spam detection via honeypot fields and reCAPTCHA.
Send transactional and notification emails through Resend, SMTP, or SendLayer providers. Template support included.
Direct API and REST API
Query your content directly in Server Components with zero network overhead using the Direct API, or use the REST API for external consumers:
export default async function Page() { const nextly = await getNextly(); const posts = await nextly.find({ collection: "posts", where: { status: { equals: "published" } }, sort: "-createdAt", depth: 1, });
return posts.docs.map((post) => (
<article key={post.id}>
<h2>{post.title}</h2>
</article>
));
}
`
Auto-generated admin panel
A full admin panel at /admin with collection management, content editing, media uploads, user management, and the Schema Builder. Generated automatically from your schema definitions.
What is coming in beta
<!-- TODO: finalize beta roadmap items when ready -->
The beta release will focus on stability, performance, and expanding the plugin system. We are also working on improvements to the Schema Builder, additional field types, and better documentation. More details will be shared as we get closer to the beta milestone.
Known limitations
<!-- TODO: update with specific known issues at launch -->
This is an alpha release. APIs may change between versions. We recommend using Nextly for new projects and side projects during the alpha phase. If you encounter issues, please report them on GitHub so we can address them before beta.
Get involved
Nextly is open source and we are building it in the open. Here is how you can participate:
- GitHub - Star the repo, report bugs, suggest features, or contribute code
- Discord - Join the community, ask questions, share what you are building
- Documentation - Read the docs, follow tutorials, and learn the framework
If you try Nextly, we would love to hear your feedback. Open an issue, start a discussion, or message us on Discord. Every piece of feedback helps shape the beta.
Start building with Nextly
Free, open source, and yours to own. No sign-up required.
npx create-nextly-app@latest