Help wanted with this page, add missing subjects:
- Security
- Use case: integration in a software to let users create websites
- Obsolete update to Silex v3
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you along your way. Feel free to add to the FAQ here, or on social media.
You might also be interested in Silex vocabulary.
What can Silex be used for?
Silex can be used for various types of websites, including landing pages, inbound marketing, and e-commerce.
Explore examples in the Silex showcase.
How hard is it to create an e-commerce site with Silex?
Silex integrates well with Snipcart (not open source) and PayPal, or any e-commerce platform with a GraphQL API.
For PayPal, you can simply add an HTML box and paste the "add to cart" button code. With BigCommerce or Shopify, you can use the Silex CMS feature to display products.
The Silex CMS feature also supports headless e-commerce solutions like WooCommerce and PrestaShop, both of which are open-source.
Does Silex offer templates?
Not yet, but templates are a requested feature.
What's included with Silex?
Silex provides a drag-and-drop editor ready for professional website production. See the full list of Silex features.
Silex also offers free, ad-free hosting with custom domains via GitLab Pages. You can publish to any web host at no cost.
Silex allows integration with any CMS or GraphQL API.
Not included: Domain names.
Does Silex offer custom domains?
Silex itself does not provide custom domains, but it integrates with Netlify and GitLab Pages, both of which offer free custom domains and ad-free hosting.
I am a small business owner. I need a simple website with minimal cost and no coding.
Silex is cost-effective—you only pay for a domain name, while everything else is free. It supports customization and client-friendly editing.
However, Silex has a learning curve. It is designed for no-code developers with basic HTML/CSS knowledge or those willing to learn.
If you just need a quick, simple page without customization, other solutions might be more suitable.
Also, beware of non-free/libre software that may introduce price changes, version restrictions, or vendor lock-in.
Can I integrate only the client part of the Silex editor into my own software (e.g., a Symfony/PHP project)?
Yes, Silex is designed to interact with other applications through:
I need a white-label drag-and-drop builder for my product. Users should create websites with custom components inside my app.
Silex supports integration and customization. The AGPL license permits it.
However, Silex is closer to Webflow than Wix—it’s for makers willing to learn. If you need an easy, beginner-friendly tool, consider alternatives like:
Check out the Silex Resource Center for tutorials and guides.
I’m ready to publish my website! What now?
Congratulations! Follow the guide to publishing and the GitLab Pages publication tutorial.
Silex is 100% free/libre software. There are no hidden costs and no monetization of users or visitors.
Does Silex collect or sell user data?
No. Silex does not collect user or website visitor data. Your files are stored in your account (GitLab, FTP, Nextcloud, etc.).
How does Silex handle login credentials?
For full control, you can self-host Silex. See hosting instructions.
Under what license are the sites created and is the copyright of the site I create mine?
The sites you create with Silex belong to you, that means you can attribute them the licence you want and the copyright is yours
The website data is not stored by Silex but it is stored in your own GitLab account, so the answer is here: https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/security/security-operations/trustandsafety/intellectual-property-on-gitlab-com/
There is a new program called "5min for Silex" and a page on the website about community and support