Drupal CMS vs. Drupal Core: Key Differences and Use Cases

A new platform, Drupal CMS, has been introduced in early 2025, offering a user-friendly alternative to Drupal Core. Developed as part of the Drupal Starshot initiative, Drupal CMS is designed for marketers and content creators, enabling website management without coding. Unlike Drupal Core, which serves as the foundational framework for developers with extensive customization options through modules, Drupal CMS provides pre-configured tools and functionalities, simplifying the content management process. Key features include Drupal Recipes, which streamlines module installation and configuration, and Experience Builder, a visual content editor set for release in the third quarter of 2025. 

Built upon Drupal Core, the new system is tailored for organizations that prioritise ease of use and rapid deployment. Drupal Core remains preferred for teams that require extensive customization and technical expertise. Drupal CMS version 1.0 was officially released on January 15, 2025; updates are planned every three months. Drupal Core will continue to be supported, with the latest versions, Drupal 10.4 and Drupal 11.1, released in December 2024. 

The distinction between the two platforms allows businesses to choose based on their technical requirements and budget, with Drupal CMS catering to marketing teams and agencies, and Drupal Core suited for enterprises with dedicated development resources. The article, authored by Grzegorz Bartman and published on Droptica, provides an in-depth comparison of the two systems, highlighting their functionalities and target audiences.