# Flat-File CMS A flat-file CMS stores canonical content and metadata in files rather than requiring a database-backed editorial system. Directories often express hierarchy and routes. AutoSites and WordChirp extend this pattern with multi-tenant accounts, modules, semantic annotations, derived assets, and programmable feeds. “Flat-file” describes the storage authority, not the sophistication of the application built around it. Related: [[wiki/Filesystem as Source of Truth|Filesystem as Source of Truth]], [[wiki/Headless CMS|Headless CMS]], [[wiki/Folder-Native Architecture|Folder-Native Architecture]].