Core Architecture and Performance:

* No database is required. All content is stored in human-readable text files, which makes it easy to put an entire site under version control.

* While file-based, the core implementation still includes fundamental database features like searching and tagging.

* The system features an advanced multi-layer caching engine that ensures the site is rendered super fast, even when running on limited hardware.

* Automad’s template interpreter is written in pure PHP and processes templates on the fly, meaning no extra build process is required.

Content Editing and User Interface:

* The system provides an elegant browser-based dashboard with a clean and responsive user interface. The dashboard is used for tasks such as configuring system settings, uploading images, installing themes, or writing blog posts.

* Content editing is done using the intuitive block editor. Blocks are defined as small pieces of content (e.g., text paragraphs, headers, galleries, or slideshows) that enable editors to freely compose posts.

* The In-Page Edit Mode allows users to edit pages directly while browsing their website, becoming active once they are logged in.

* A built-in updater allows users to easily update their Automad installation with just one click.

Templating and Extensibility:

* Automad utilizes a flexible and secure template engine. The template language allows users to create professional templates without the need for PHP.

* Automad works out of the box and includes two elegant portfolio and blog themes.

* The system is designed to be easily extendable. Users can install more packages using the Package Browser, and any advanced features that might be missing can be implemented as PHP extensions.

Headless Mode:

* Activating the headless mode transforms Automad into a CMS that focuses entirely on content creation by removing the presentation layer.

* In this mode, while the Dashboard can still be used to manage content, all data and files are made accessible via a read-only JSON API.