Wix Headless enables you to build custom frontends using any technology stack, while leveraging Wix's business management platform. There are 2 headless development paths you can take to connect your custom frontend to Wix's backend services. Each path determines how much of the setup, configuration, and hosting you manage yourself, and how much Wix automates for you. The right path for you depends on your technical preferences, project requirements, and desired level of control. Understanding these development paths helps you choose the best approach for your project's needs.
Wix Headless supports 2 main development paths:
Take advantage of a fully Wix-managed solution for developing and hosting your headless project.
Development in this path is facilitated by the Wix CLI for Headless. The CLI automatically scaffolds a headless project with an Astro-based frontend and configures authentication and environment variables. It then provides commands to build, preview, and deploy your frontend to Wix's hosting, as well as to add custom backend logic and dashboard extensions through app extensions.
Use this path when you want the fastest, most automated experience and are happy using Wix's recommended stack and hosting. It's perfect for new projects where you want Wix to handle as much as possible, including hosting, integration, and private app features for enhanced customization.
Build your own frontend from scratch with any framework or platform, and connect it directly to Wix's backend using the Wix JavaScript SDK or the REST API. You're responsible for all configuration, authentication, and hosting.
Use this path when you need maximum flexibility and control. This approach supports integrating Wix business logic into existing sites, using any development framework, and building highly customized solutions.
| Feature | Self-Managed Headless | Wix-managed Headless |
|---|---|---|
| Supports any frontend framework | ✓ | |
| Supports any deployment solution | ✓ | |
| Wix JavaScript SDK integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| No manual Wix Client setup required | ✓ | |
| Starter template provided | ✓ | |
| Project structure automatically generated | ✓ | |
| OAuth app automatically created | ✓ | |
| Automatic setup of required environment variables | ✓ | |
| Wix-managed hosting for frontend | ✓ | |
| Private app automatically created for custom extensions | ✓ |