MODX Hosting: A UK Guide

MODX is a free, open-source CMS and application framework aimed at developers who want more flexibility over markup and structure than typical out-of-the-box CMS platforms allow. It’s used for custom corporate sites, portfolios, and applications where fine control over templating matters more than a large plugin marketplace.

What MODX offers

• Highly customisable templating: Full control over markup without fighting a theme system, useful for bespoke designs.
• Extras repository: A library of add-ons extending core functionality, smaller than WordPress’s plugin ecosystem but sufficient for most use cases.
• API integration: Built to integrate with third-party services and custom applications.

What MODX needs from hosting

MODX runs on PHP with a MySQL or MariaDB database. Since it’s often chosen specifically for custom development work, check your hosting gives you the PHP version control and server access (SSH, ideally) that a developer would want to use alongside it, rather than just a one-click installer.

Setting up MODX

Most UK hosts offer one-click MODX installation for getting a base install running quickly. From there, template and structure customisation is typically a developer task, given MODX’s appeal is largely about that level of control.

FAQs about hosting MODX

Is MODX a good choice if I’m not a developer?

MODX’s main appeal is the flexibility it gives developers, so if you’re not comfortable with custom templating or don’t have a developer to build the site, a more out-of-the-box CMS like WordPress is usually a better fit.

Does MODX need anything beyond standard PHP hosting?

No, MODX runs on the same PHP and MySQL/MariaDB foundation as most CMS platforms. The main thing to check is PHP version compatibility with your specific MODX release.

Getting started

Switchweb provides UK-based hosting with one-click MODX installation, SSH access, free SSL, and daily backups. View our web hosting plans to get started.