> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.builderbox.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# CMS Setup & Usage

> How to set up, configure, and use the Content Management System (CMS) in your project.

# Get Started with Your CMS

This guide will walk you through setting up the Content Management System (CMS). Out of the box, your CMS comes pre-configured with **Posts** and a **Privacy Policy**—so you can start managing content immediately. For instructions on running the rest of the project, please refer to the main documentation. Let's get your CMS up and running quickly.

***

## ⚡️ Setting Up the CMS

1. **Install Dependencies**

   ```bash theme={null}
   cd apps/cms
   bun install
   cp .env.example .env
   ```

2. **Set Up Your Database**

   > **Tip:** The CMS requires a PostgreSQL database. We recommend [Supabase](https://app.supabase.com/) (free), but you can use any Postgres instance.

   * [Database setup instructions →](/database/cms-setup)

3. **Configure Database Connection**

   Open `.env` and set the `DATABASE_URL` to your Supabase or Postgres connection string.

4. **Start the CMS**

   ```bash theme={null}
   bun turbo run dev --filter cms
   ```

5. **Access the CMS**

   Open [http://localhost:3003](http://localhost:3003) in your browser.

   Your CMS will be live on port 3003! 🎉

***

## ⚙️ CMS Configuration

* Open `.env` in your code editor.
* Set your `DATABASE_URL` to your database connection string.
* For enhanced security, set `PAYLOAD_SECRET` to a random string. You can run the following command and paste the result in `PAYLOAD_SECRET`:

  ```bash theme={null}
  openssl rand -hex 32
  ```

***

## 🏁 Starting the CMS

```bash theme={null}
bun turbo run dev --filter cms
```

Then, open [http://localhost:3003](http://localhost:3003) in your browser to access the CMS.

***

## 🧭 Next Steps

* Log in or create an account to explore your CMS.
* **Posts** and a **Privacy Policy** are already set up for you—just click into the relevant sections to view, edit, or add new content.
* Want to add more pages, posts, or users?\
  See the [Payload CMS Documentation](https://payloadcms.com/) for more features and customization options.

***

## 🆘 Troubleshooting

* **Database errors:**\
  Double-check your `DATABASE_URL` in `.env` and ensure your database is running.

* **Installation issues:**\
  Confirm you have Node.js 18+ and either Bun or pnpm installed.

***