How to set up AgencyOS with a self-hosted Directus instance?

Use the provided docker-compose.yaml for Directus, ensure PostgreSQL, then apply the template via CLI, and configure the Nuxt frontend with environment variables. The README details this but warns of limited support without an enterprise license.

AgencyOS vs HubSpot for agency CRM and project management?

AgencyOS offers more customization and ownership as open-source, but HubSpot provides out-of-the-box features and support. Choose AgencyOS if you need hackable control and avoid SaaS costs; opt for HubSpot for ease of use and integrated marketing tools.

Can I use AgencyOS without Stripe for client payments?

Yes, Stripe is optional, but you'll need to modify or disable payment features in the client portal code, as the integration is built-in but not mandatory for core functionality.

How to customize the website template in AgencyOS?

Edit the Nuxt components and Tailwind CSS styles; the README mentions it's themeable via config files and uses Nuxt UI for components, allowing deep customization but requiring Vue.js knowledge.

What are the ongoing costs of running AgencyOS in production?

Costs include hosting for Directus (cloud or self-hosted servers) and Nuxt frontend, plus potential Stripe fees. Self-hosting may save money but adds maintenance overhead and possible enterprise license fees for support.

Does AgencyOS support multi-tenant setups for agencies with sub-brands?

Not explicitly covered in the README; you'd likely need to extend the Directus data model and Nuxt routing manually, as it's designed as a single unified system rather than multi-tenant out of the box.

How scalable is AgencyOS for large agencies with hundreds of clients?

Built on scalable tech like Nuxt and Directus, it can handle growth, but performance depends on your database setup and hosting. Self-hosting requires careful scaling of PostgreSQL and server resources.

Agency OS — Digital Agency Operating System

What is Agency OS?

AgencyOS is an open-source operating system built for digital agencies, providing a unified platform that combines a customizable website, an integrated CRM and project tracker, and a private client portal. It solves the problem of agencies juggling multiple, disconnected tools by offering a single, hackable system built on Nuxt 3 and Directus.

Target Audience

Digital agency owners, developers, and project managers who need an integrated, customizable platform to manage their agency's website, client projects, CRM, and invoicing without relying on multiple off-the-shelf SaaS products.

Value Proposition

Developers choose AgencyOS because it provides a complete, open-source foundation that is fully customizable and self-hostable, allowing agencies to own their tooling, avoid vendor lock-in, and tailor the system precisely to their workflow, all while leveraging modern technologies like Nuxt and Directus.

The open source operating system for digital agencies. Built with Directus and Nuxt.

Use Cases

Best For

Digital agencies looking to consolidate their website, CRM, and project management into one platform
Agency developers who need a customizable, self-hosted alternative to SaaS tools like Monday.com or HubSpot
Building a branded client portal for project updates and invoice payments
Agencies that want to use project templates to standardize client onboarding and delivery
Teams needing a dynamic website builder integrated with a headless CMS for their own marketing site
Startup agencies seeking an open-source, cost-effective foundation to build their operational tools

Not Ideal For

Businesses outside the digital agency space, such as e-commerce or non-profits, where the integrated CRM and project tracking features are overly specific and irrelevant.
Teams seeking a fully managed, no-code SaaS solution without any development, hosting, or maintenance responsibilities.
Projects requiring immediate deployment with minimal configuration, as AgencyOS demands setup of both Directus backend and Nuxt frontend.
Organizations with limited budget for enterprise support, given the README's note on limited community help for self-hosted instances without a paid license.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive Agency Toolkit

Integrates a dynamic website builder, CRM, project tracker, and client portal into one platform, eliminating the need for fragmented tools like separate CMS and project management software.

Highly Customizable Foundation

Built on open-source Nuxt 3 and Directus, allowing developers to hack and extend every component to fit unique agency workflows, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Modern Tech Stack Integration

Leverages Vue.js, Nuxt for server-side rendering, and Directus for headless CMS, ensuring scalability and maintainability with active community support.

Client Portal with Payments

Includes a secure, authenticated portal where clients can view projects and pay invoices via Stripe integration, streamlining communication and cash flow.

Cons

Complex Setup and Deployment

Requires configuring both Directus backend (with Docker or cloud) and Nuxt frontend, and the README notes memory issues with Netlify builds, favoring Vercel, which limits hosting flexibility.

Limited Free Self-Host Support

The README explicitly states that community support for self-hosted Directus instances is restricted without an enterprise license, potentially increasing costs for teams needing assistance.

Technology Lock-in

Heavily dependent on Vue.js and Directus; migrating to another framework or CMS would require a complete rewrite, reducing long-term flexibility.

Steep Learning Curve

Assumes proficiency in Vue.js, Nuxt, and Directus, with no low-code alternatives for core customizations beyond basic Flows, making it inaccessible for non-developers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agency OS?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Digital agencies looking to consolidate their website, CRM, and project management into one platform
Agency developers who need a customizable, self-hosted alternative to SaaS tools like Monday.com or HubSpot
Building a branded client portal for project updates and invoice payments
Agencies that want to use project templates to standardize client onboarding and delivery
Teams needing a dynamic website builder integrated with a headless CMS for their own marketing site
Startup agencies seeking an open-source, cost-effective foundation to build their operational tools

Not Ideal For

Businesses outside the digital agency space, such as e-commerce or non-profits, where the integrated CRM and project tracking features are overly specific and irrelevant.
Teams seeking a fully managed, no-code SaaS solution without any development, hosting, or maintenance responsibilities.
Projects requiring immediate deployment with minimal configuration, as AgencyOS demands setup of both Directus backend and Nuxt frontend.
Organizations with limited budget for enterprise support, given the README's note on limited community help for self-hosted instances without a paid license.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive Agency Toolkit

Integrates a dynamic website builder, CRM, project tracker, and client portal into one platform, eliminating the need for fragmented tools like separate CMS and project management software.

Highly Customizable Foundation

Built on open-source Nuxt 3 and Directus, allowing developers to hack and extend every component to fit unique agency workflows, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Modern Tech Stack Integration

Leverages Vue.js, Nuxt for server-side rendering, and Directus for headless CMS, ensuring scalability and maintainability with active community support.

Client Portal with Payments

Includes a secure, authenticated portal where clients can view projects and pay invoices via Stripe integration, streamlining communication and cash flow.

Cons

Complex Setup and Deployment

Requires configuring both Directus backend (with Docker or cloud) and Nuxt frontend, and the README notes memory issues with Netlify builds, favoring Vercel, which limits hosting flexibility.

Limited Free Self-Host Support

The README explicitly states that community support for self-hosted Directus instances is restricted without an enterprise license, potentially increasing costs for teams needing assistance.

Technology Lock-in

Heavily dependent on Vue.js and Directus; migrating to another framework or CMS would require a complete rewrite, reducing long-term flexibility.

Steep Learning Curve

Assumes proficiency in Vue.js, Nuxt, and Directus, with no low-code alternatives for core customizations beyond basic Flows, making it inaccessible for non-developers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agency OS

What is Agency OS?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Agency OS

What is Agency OS?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?