---
description: Learn how Total CMS can help your business. GetApp provides users in South Africa with the most detailed information on software tools, prices and features.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/getapp/og_logo-94fd2a03a6c7a0e54fc0c9e21a1c0ce9.png
title: Total CMS Reviews, Prices & Ratings | GetApp South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Web Content Management Software](/directory/3826/web-content-management/software) > [Total CMS](/software/2369257/total-cms)

# Total CMS

Canonical: https://www.getapp.za.com/software/2369257/total-cms

> Self-hosted, flat-file PHP CMS for freelance developers and agencies, with per-domain licensing, granular permissions, and a visual.
> 
> Verdict: Rated \*\*\*\* by 0 users. Top-rated for **Overall Quality**.

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## Overview

### Key benefits of Total CMS

\* Stores all content as flat-file JSON on the operator's own server, eliminating database setup and removing platform dependency.
\* Licensed per domain with a one-time purchase and two years of updates included, removing recurring subscription costs.
\* Access Groups and per-field permissions restrict client editing to explicitly granted content areas, keeping layout and templates outside client reach.
\* Runs on virtually any PHP 8.2+ shared, VPS, or dedicated host under Apache, Nginx, Caddy, or LiteSpeed with no Composer requirement on the server.
\* Ships with 30+ field types — including blog with categories and tags, galleries, image watermarking, styled text, file downloads, and video embeds — covering a wide range of publishing use cases.
\* Custom schemas with repeatable Deck fields (Pro) allow developers to define structured, flexible content models without third-party plugins.
\* Twig templating with 130+ custom filters and functions gives developers full control over markup and front-end tooling.
\* Built-in MCP server exposes schemas, content, and Twig documentation to AI coding agents in real time, with read-only access on Standard and full read/write access on Pro.
\* CLI (tcms) provides real command-line management of collections, schemas, objects, and deploys without relying on a GUI.
\* REST API with API key and OAuth 2.1 authentication (external access on Pro) supports headless and third-party integrations.
\* Webhooks and Automations with schedule, webhook, and event triggers (Pro) enable automated content workflows without external orchestration tools.
\* All bundled extensions — access control, scheduling, A/B testing, push notifications, and Algolia search — ship with the download, requiring no third-party marketplace.
\* WordPress XML-RPC endpoint allows publishing directly from desktop and iOS writing apps.
\* Passkey (WebAuthn) authentication and white-label admin support agency handoff and branded client deployments.
\* Site Builder with dynamic page routing supports structured site architecture without manual routing configuration.
\* Localization support for 25+ languages accommodates multilingual publishing requirements.
\* 45-day free trial with full Pro features requires no credit card, allowing complete evaluation before purchase.

## About the vendor

- **Company**: Aspect Services,

## Commercial Context

- **Pricing model**:  (Free Trial)
- **Pricing Details**: Total CMS is sold as a one-time license per domain, not a subscription. Standard is $195 and Pro is $395. Each license includes two years of updates; after that, renewing for further updates is optional, and the site keeps working whether or not you renew. Pro adds custom content schemas, external API access, OAuth, MCP write access for AI agents, and automations. A free 45-day trial includes every Pro feature, no credit card required. Volume and multi-site pricing for agencies is available on request.
- **Target Audience**: Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 1 001–5 000, 5 001–10 000, 10 000+
- **Deployment & Platforms**: Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise)
- **Supported Languages**: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish
- **Available Countries**: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

## Features

- A/B Testing
- AI Framework Integration
- API
- Access Controls/Permissions
- Activity Dashboard
- Alerts/Notifications
- Approval Process Control
- Content Library
- Content Management
- Content Proofing
- Content Publishing Options
- Content Scheduling
- Context Window Optimization
- De-Coupled Front & Back Ends
- Document Management
- Drag & Drop
- For Developers
- For Marketers
- Full Text Search
- Generative AI

## Support Options

- Email/Help Desk
- FAQs/Forum
- Knowledge Base

## Category

- [Web Content Management Software](https://www.getapp.za.com/directory/3826/web-content-management/software)

## Links

- [View on GetApp](https://www.getapp.za.com/software/2369257/total-cms)

## This page is available in the following languages

| Locale | URL |
| en | <https://www.getapp.com/all-software/a/total-cms/> |
| en-AE | <https://www.getapp.ae/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-AU | <https://www.getapp.com.au/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-CA | <https://www.getapp.ca/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-GB | <https://www.getapp.co.uk/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-IE | <https://www.getapp.ie/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-NZ | <https://www.getapp.co.nz/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-SG | <https://www.getapp.sg/software/2369257/total-cms> |
| en-ZA | <https://www.getapp.za.com/software/2369257/total-cms> |

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