A favicon of Forestry

Forestry

Forestry is a Git-based CMS for websites built with static site generators. It was founded in 2016 by Scott Gallant and Jordan Patterson. Forestry is known for its clean UI, support for multiple static site generators, and seamless integration with Git workflows. It is used primarily by developers and teams who want a user-friendly interface for managing static sites. Some notable examples of websites using Forestry include Sketch, Smashing Magazine, and Stackbit.

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1. Brief Overview of Forestry

Forestry is a content management system (CMS) that integrates seamlessly with your Git-based static site generator, allowing content creators to manage and update their websites through an easy-to-use visual interface. It bridges the gap between developers and non-technical users, enabling content creators to work more efficiently without needing to access or understand complex coding processes. By syncing directly with Git repositories, Forestry eliminates the pain point of manual content edits and deployment, streamlining the workflow for both developers and content creators.


2. Key Features

  • Git Integration: Syncs directly with your Git repository (GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) to provide real-time updates and version control.
  • Visual Editor: A WYSIWYG editor with live previews, enabling non-technical users to edit and create content without touching code.
  • Customizable Sidebar: Allows developers to define custom fields and templates for structured content editing.
  • Static Site Generator Support: Works with popular static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, and Gatsby.
  • Multi-language Support: Manage multilingual content with ease.
  • Media Library: Upload, organize, and manage images and files directly within the CMS.
  • Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can collaborate on content edits simultaneously.
  • Deploy Previews: View changes in a staging environment before publishing, ensuring content accuracy without risk.
  • Webhooks & API: Automate workflows and customize integrations with external services.

3. Target User / Who It's For

Forestry is ideal for content creators, marketers, and non-technical team members who want to manage content on static sites without depending on developers. It's also a powerful tool for developers looking to offer their clients an intuitive CMS for content management. Beginners will appreciate its simplicity, while professionals and teams managing complex projects will benefit from its advanced features like custom templates and Git integration. It's particularly suited for agencies, startups, and businesses using static site generators.


4. Pricing & Plans

Forestry offers the following pricing options:

  • Free Plan: For hobbyists or small projects, supporting one site and basic features.
  • Pro Plan ($29/month): Includes advanced features like multi-language support, collaboration tools, and unlimited team members for one site.
  • Business Plan (Custom pricing): Tailored for larger teams or agencies, supporting multiple sites with premium support and custom integrations.
  • Free Trial: A free trial is available to test premium features before committing to a paid plan.

5. Onboarding / Ease of Use

Getting started with Forestry is straightforward. Users connect their Git repository and configure the CMS to match their static site generator. Developers can create custom templates and fields for structured data entry, while content creators get a clean, visual interface to start editing immediately. Forestry provides comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and a responsive support team to help users learn the platform.


6. Platforms & Integrations

Forestry integrates with the following platforms and tools:

  • Git Repositories: GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket.
  • Static Site Generators: Hugo, Jekyll, Gatsby, and others.
  • Hosting Providers: Works seamlessly with Netlify, Vercel, and similar static site hosting platforms.
  • Webhooks and APIs: For custom workflows and third-party integration.

7. Final Thoughts on Why Choose Forestry

Forestry is a game changer for content creators and teams managing static sites. It empowers non-technical users to take control of content in a developer-friendly environment, ensuring efficiency and collaboration without sacrificing flexibility or performance. Its standout features, like Git integration, WYSIWYG editing, and deploy previews, make it a top choice for those looking to simplify and streamline their content workflows. Whether you're an individual blogger, a marketing team, or a web development agency, Forestry provides the tools you need to elevate your content creation process.

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