In today’s digital economy, having a website is a necessity—but not everyone can code one from scratch. That’s where PHP-based website builder scripts come into play. These platforms allow users to build professional-looking websites without deep technical skills, using intuitive drag-and-drop tools, responsive templates, and pre-built widgets.
Whether you’re launching a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform or providing white-label tools to clients, a robust PHP website builder script gives you a head start. The following list covers the top 5 PHP website builder scripts that strike a balance between functionality, user-friendliness, and scalability.
1. SitePad Website Builder
Website: sitepad.com
Why It’s Popular:
SitePad is a professional drag-and-drop website builder developed by the creators of Softaculous. It seamlessly integrates into cPanel and other popular hosting platforms, allowing hosting providers to offer easy website building to customers.
Key Features:
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800+ professionally designed themes
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Drag-and-drop editor with 80+ widgets
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Integrates with cPanel, DirectAdmin, Plesk
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One-click publish via FTP or hosting panel
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Multi-language support
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Blogging, contact forms, image sliders, and more
Best For: Web hosting companies, agencies managing multiple client sites, and DIY users looking for a cPanel-integrated solution.
2. Zyro Builder (PHP License Forks)
Website: Forked/modified versions on [GitHub, Codecanyon]
Why It’s Noteworthy:
Zyro’s open PHP-based versions (non-commercial forks) mimic the minimalistic drag-and-drop experience found in Wix and Squarespace. Many developers have built simplified Zyro-like builders for commercial or internal use.
Key Features:
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Real-time WYSIWYG editor
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Template-based design with section stacking
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Minimal dependencies, lightweight core
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Open to third-party plugin integrations
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Export to static HTML
Best For: Developers who want a clean slate to customise a lightweight website builder.
3. phpDash (Complete SaaS Website Builder)
Website: Codecanyon
Why It’s Unique:
phpDash turns a basic builder into a full SaaS platform with subscription tiers, user accounts, project limits, and Stripe integration. It’s ideal if you’re building your own “Wix” for a niche audience.
Key Features:
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Frontend website builder with sections and widgets
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Multi-project system with user dashboards
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Admin panel with user management
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Payment gateway ready (Stripe, PayPal)
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Blog system, contact forms, testimonial modules
Best For: Entrepreneurs launching a SaaS website builder platform or agencies offering self-service web design to clients.
4. Microweber – Laravel CMS with Drag & Drop Builder
Website: microweber.org
Why It’s Developer-Friendly:
Microweber is an open-source Laravel-based CMS with an integrated drag-and-drop website builder. It combines the flexibility of Laravel with user-friendly frontend editing.
Key Features:
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Live drag-and-drop editor
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Laravel MVC structure
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Blogging & e-commerce support
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WYSIWYG text editing and module insertion
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Theme marketplace with ready-to-go layouts
Best For: Developers familiar with Laravel looking to offer clients a CMS with true visual editing capabilities.
5. QuickSite – White-Label Website Builder
Website: Codecanyon
Why It’s Versatile:
QuickSite is a full white-label website builder system you can rebrand, resell, and deploy as your own platform. It supports multiple page blocks, logo uploads, and responsive control.
Key Features:
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Logo upload, navbar, hero section, CTA blocks
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Export to static HTML or PDF
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Admin dashboard for page management
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Drag-and-drop page structure
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SEO-ready URLs and metadata editing
Best For: Agencies wanting to offer website building tools under their own brand, or freelancers managing multiple client landing pages.
Comparison Table
| Script Name | Drag & Drop | CMS Features | E-Commerce | SaaS-Ready | Developer Access | Hosting Panel Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SitePad | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (cPanel, Plesk) |
| Zyro Forks | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| phpDash | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Microweber | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (Laravel) | ❌ |
| QuickSite | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Must-Have Features in Modern Website Builders
When selecting a PHP website builder script, look for the following core capabilities to future-proof your platform:
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Drag-and-Drop Interface
A visual editor with real-time updates helps non-technical users manage their own sites easily. -
Template System
Ready-made templates allow rapid deployment of portfolios, blogs, product pages, and landing pages. -
SEO Tools
Meta tags, alt tags, sitemap generation, and friendly URLs are essential for organic visibility. -
Mobile Responsiveness
All templates and modules should be fully responsive by default. -
Export Options
Users may want to export to ZIP, FTP, or static HTML, especially in GDPR-sensitive markets. -
User Account System
If you’re running a SaaS builder, multi-user support, plans, and limits are critical. -
Payment Integration
Stripe, PayPal, or regional gateways let you monetise subscriptions for users who want more features or sites.
How to Use a PHP Website Builder in Your Business
Here are four business models where a PHP-based website builder can drive revenue and scalability:
1. White-Label for Agencies
Offer clients a drag-and-drop editor under your brand. Host it on a subdomain or as part of a bigger CMS.
2. SaaS Website Builder
Launch your own builder like Wix, but niche-focused—e.g., wedding sites, restaurant sites, or CV builders.
3. Freelancer Tool
Use it internally to rapidly create landing pages, portfolio sites, or MVP demos for clients.
4. Web Hosting Add-On
Add it as a free site builder with paid hosting plans, like SitePad or QuickInstall does in cPanel.
Bonus: How to Extend These Builders
Want to add more capabilities? Here are ideas:
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AI Content Assistant: Integrate with GPT or similar for auto-writing content blocks.
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Unsplash/Pexels API: Offer free image search inside the builder.
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Form Builder: Add form creation tools with email or webhook integration.
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Analytics Widget: Add Google Analytics/Matomo setup inside the dashboard.
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Multi-language Pages: Let users switch content by language.
Final Thoughts
The demand for simple, fast, and visually appealing websites isn’t slowing down anytime soon. PHP website builders provide a scalable solution for users who want powerful websites without learning to code. From hosting providers to SaaS entrepreneurs, these scripts can accelerate project timelines, improve client satisfaction, and generate passive income.
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play drag-and-drop builder, SitePad is an excellent choice. Want something Laravel-based? Microweber gives you the perfect blend of CMS and flexibility. To build your own SaaS website platform from scratch, phpDash or QuickSite are solid, customisable foundations.
