Payload CMS on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS by cloudimg

## Payload CMS on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS by cloudimg

Payload is a modern, open-source headless CMS and application framework built on Next.js and React. It is code-first: you define your collections, fields and access control in TypeScript, and Payload generates a fully customisable admin panel together with a REST and GraphQL API automatically. The cloudimg image installs Payload CMS 3.85.1 on a production Node.js 22 LTS plus nginx stack, with the Next.js admin panel pre-built, the SQLite database and uploaded media on a dedicated Azure data disk, and a per-VM application secret plus a unique admin user rotated on first boot. Backed by 24/7 expert support.

Code-First Headless CMS

Define collections and fields in TypeScript and Payload auto-generates a customisable admin panel and a REST + GraphQL API, with authentication, access control, versions and media management.

Dedicated Data Disk

The SQLite database and uploaded media live on a dedicated, independently resizable Azure data disk mounted at /var/lib/payload, separate from the OS disk and re-provisioned with every VM.

Secure First Boot

Every VM generates a fresh PAYLOAD_SECRET and a unique admin user (admin@cloudimg.local) on first boot, written to a root-only file; no shared credentials ship in the image.

Why Choose cloudimg?

* 24/7 Expert Support with guaranteed 24 hour response. Contact support@cloudimg.co.uk

* Production Ready from Launch Pre configured, security patched, and validated before publication

* Azure Native Integration Built with Azure Linux Agent, cloud init, and Gen2 Hyper V

What is Included

* Payload CMS 3.85.1 on Node.js 22 LTS with the Next.js admin panel pre-built

* The admin panel and REST + GraphQL API published on port 80 via nginx

* A dedicated Azure data disk mounted at /var/lib/payload for the database and uploads

* A per-VM application secret and admin user generated on first boot

* payload.service and nginx.service as systemd units, enabled and active

Use Cases

Headless CMS for Next.js and React front ends, a content + application backend with a generated API, digital asset management, and a code-first alternative to traditional CMSs.

Visit www.cloudimg.co.uk/guides/payload-cms-on-ubuntu-24-04-azure for the full user guide.

Payload is a trademark of Payload CMS, Inc. cloudimg is not affiliated with or endorsed by Payload CMS, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.