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We are the Hygraph to Payload migration experts


Challenges with Hygraph

Seriously, who uses GraphQL anymore? The whole thing feels like homework. Beginners get hit with a learning curve, and simple projects often end up feeling more complex than they need to be. The UI can slow to a crawl once your dataset grows, especially if you’re juggling dozens of fields or multiple locales. While the localization tools work, the experience can get messy with 10+ languages, and suddenly your dashboard looks like a spreadsheet that lost a fight.

Integrations are also tricky. Everything runs through GraphQL, which leads to your entire stack still living in REST-land. In that case, expect extra dev time to bridge the gap. If you’re not sure whether Hygraph is the right fit or you’re stuck halfway up the learning curve, reach out. We can help you figure out the cleanest path forward.

Key pain points

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You have to really love GraphQL

GraphQL is one of its strongest point but it can be your downfall as well, if your team hasn’t touched GraphQL before, expect a ramp-up period. It’s powerful but definitely not “plug in and go.”

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Large dataset performance issues

Once your project grows, the Hygraph UI can start dragging. Big data collections need extra optimization to stay usable.

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Interface sluggishness at scale

Heavy models, long lists, and asset-heavy projects can make the dashboard feel slow, especially for editors.

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Localization workflow complexity

Managing multiple locales works, but it’s not as intuitive as it looks on paper. Some teams find themselves clicking around more than expected.

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Multi-language interface clutter

Multi-language setups work fine, but as soon as you hit double-digit locales, the UI quickly becomes noisy and harder to manage. It’s usable, just not optimised for scale.

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REST API integration challenges

If your systems still rely on REST, be prepared for extra engineering. Hygraph is GraphQL-only, so adapters and rework are part of the deal.

Benefits of Payload

Payload CMS stands out as a robust and flexible content management solution, particularly for developers working with Next.js. Its seamless integration with Next.js allows for a smooth development experience, enabling developers to harness the full power of this popular framework while managing content efficiently. The CMS is open-source, which means it can be customized and extended to meet specific project requirements, offering unparalleled flexibility. With support for custom data models, Payload CMS can handle a wide variety of applications, from simple blogs to complex enterprise systems, making it a versatile choice for developers.

The user-friendly admin interface of Payload CMS enhances the content management process, making it accessible even to non-technical users. This intuitive interface simplifies tasks such as content creation and media management, allowing teams to focus on delivering quality content without technical hurdles. Furthermore, Payload comes equipped with rich features, including authentication, access control, and media management, right out of the box, which accelerates development and reduces the need for additional plugins. Supported by a growing community, developers can benefit from shared knowledge and contributions, ensuring that Payload CMS continues to evolve and improve over time.

Key Advantages

  • Seamless integration with Next.js applications
  • Fully customizable and extendable by developers
  • Supports custom data models for diverse applications
  • Intuitive admin UI for easy content management
  • Custom plugins and APIs for added functionality
  • Growing developer community for contributions and support
  • Built-in authentication, access control, media management

Get in touch

Book a meeting with us to discuss how we can help or fill out a form to get in touch


Hygraph to Payload migration specialists Fast, reliable CMS migration