builder
Frappe Builder is an open-source, low-code visual website builder with a Figma-like editor, one-click publishing, and AI-powered page generation. It integrates tightly with the Frappe Framework ecosystem and emphasizes performance and ease of use for both designers and developers.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | frappe/builder |
| Owner | frappe |
| Primary language | Vue |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 2.1k |
| Forks | 467 |
| Open issues | 66 |
| Latest release | v1.28.2 (2026-07-07) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-07 |
| Source | https://github.com/frappe/builder |
What builder is
Built on Vue and Frappe Framework, Frappe Builder provides a visual drag-and-drop editor, advanced scripting (global, client, per-block, typed props), responsive design views, dark mode, built-in CMS, page analytics, and generates lightweight pages without bloat. Licensed under AGPL-3.0 and actively maintained.
Get the builder source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/frappe/builder.gitcd builder# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- AGPL-3.0 copyleft obligation: any modifications or network deployment must be released under AGPL-3.0 unless you procure a separate commercial license. Review licensing before production use.
- Deployment via Frappe Bench and Docker; requires operational knowledge of both. Self-hosting demands DevOps familiarity; managed hosting available via Frappe Cloud as an alternative.
- Performance gains depend on proper page structure and script optimization. Lighthouse benefits assume disciplined use of the builder; no automated perf guardrails stated.
- AI-powered page generation feature present but implementation details (model, API, cost, uptime) not specified; requires review for feasibility in your environment.
- One-click publishing assumes domain, DNS, and TLS are pre-configured; actual deployment complexity may vary by hosting choice (self-hosted vs. managed).
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Proprietary or Commercial-Sensitive Codebase — AGPL-3.0 requires that derivative works and network modifications be released under the same license. If you need proprietary modifications without source disclosure, AGPL is incompatible with your licensing model.
- No Frappe Framework Expertise In-House — Deployment, customization, and troubleshooting require familiarity with Frappe Framework, Bench, Python, and Vue. Teams without this expertise face steep learning curves and maintenance friction.
- Multi-Tenant SaaS Platform Needs — AGPL-3.0 mandates source disclosure for network-distributed modifications. If you're building a multi-tenant SaaS product using Builder, you must open-source your modifications—consider a commercial license or alternative.
- Enterprise Compliance & Support SLAs — No official commercial support, SLA, or indemnification stated in the repository. Enterprise customers requiring guaranteed support, security patch SLAs, or audit trails should verify support options separately.
License & commercial use
Licensed under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0). This is a copyleft license requiring that derivative works and network-deployed modifications be released under AGPL-3.0. Commercial, proprietary use of unmodified Builder is permitted; any modifications or hosting as a service require source disclosure unless a commercial license is obtained separately.
AGPL-3.0 permits running unmodified Builder for commercial purposes (e.g., hosting client websites). However, if you modify the code or run it as a network service for third parties, AGPL mandates source release. Verify with Frappe Technologies whether a commercial license exists for closed-source derivatives or multi-tenant SaaS use.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
No security audit details, CVE history, or explicit threat model stated. Key considerations: AGPL source is public (no security-by-obscurity); self-hosting requires securing Bench, database, TLS, and access controls. Built-in CMS and scripting allow arbitrary code execution if not validated; script review processes not documented. No stated vulnerability disclosure policy. Assess data protection, SQL injection prevention, XSS mitigation, CSRF tokens (one mentioned in dev setup) before production deployment.
Alternatives to consider
Webflow
SaaS visual builder with comprehensive hosting, no deployment overhead, strong design tools, and commercial support. Trade-off: vendor lock-in, licensing costs, less customization control.
Framer
React-based visual builder with code access, modern design, and export capabilities. Better for teams wanting code flexibility; requires frontend expertise; not as tightly integrated with backend CMS.
WordPress with page builders (Elementor, Divi)
Mature, widely hosted, large plugin ecosystem, lower hosting costs. Trade-off: heavier pages, less modern UX, different tech stack than Frappe ecosystem.
Build on builder with DEV.co software developers
Start with managed hosting on Frappe Cloud for simplicity, or self-host for full control. Review AGPL-3.0 licensing and Frappe Framework requirements before committing.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.
builder FAQ
Can I use Frappe Builder for a commercial website without open-sourcing my changes?
What hosting options exist?
Is there enterprise support or SLA?
How does the AI page generation feature work?
Work with a software development agency
DEV.co is a software development agency delivering custom software development services to companies building on open source. Our software developers and web developers design, integrate, and ship production systems — spanning web development, APIs, AI, data, and cloud. If builder is part of your open-source cms roadmap, our team can implement, customize, migrate, and maintain it.
Ready to Build with Frappe Builder?
Start with managed hosting on Frappe Cloud for simplicity, or self-host for full control. Review AGPL-3.0 licensing and Frappe Framework requirements before committing.