Sylius: A Flexible, Open Source E-Commerce Platform

 

What?

Sylius is a modern, open-source e-commerce platform based on Symfony that allows you to build flexible online stores with full control over their architecture and functionality. In this article, we examine its capabilities and assess whether this solution can compete with more popular platforms.

Why is this important?

Companies seeking maximum flexibility and scalability are increasingly considering alternatives to SaaS solutions. Sylius is gaining popularity among medium- and large-scale e-commerce projects, offering programmatic freedom and freedom from the constraints typical of closed systems. It's an important option for companies looking to build a custom online store model.

Who is this information for?

For IT teams, store owners, system architects and e-commerce companies that plan to create an advanced, personalized sales platform – based on flexible open source solutions and well-adapted to internal processes.

Background to the topic.

Sylius was created as an e-commerce framework for projects requiring full control over code and integration with external systems. Thanks to its modular structure and Symfony compatibility, it allows for the creation of complex, custom-made stores. With the rise of headless commerce and composable commerce, such solutions are gaining in importance among technology-savvy teams.

Sylius is a modern, flexible, and fully customizable open-source e-commerce platform that's gaining increasing recognition among companies seeking unconventional solutions for their online stores. Its open architecture enables the creation of both simple B2C stores and advanced B2B systems—fully tailored to the specific needs of each business.

Sylius's greatest advantage is its nearly limitless customization options . Every element of the store can be tailored to individual needs, making it an ideal platform for businesses with unique requirements.

• Product Management – ​​Flexible data models allow you to create custom product catalogs.

• Integrations with payment and delivery systems – easy integration with popular services and the ability to create your own modules.

• Marketing features – advanced tools for promotions, discounts and loyalty campaigns.

• Personalization of the purchasing process – the ability to implement unique purchasing paths, e.g. for premium brands.

Do you sell luxury products? Sylius enables you to implement a unique purchasing process that will emphasize your brand's prestige and increase customer loyalty. Do you operate in a niche? Even better – Sylius allows you to build tailor-made solutions, perfectly tailored to the specifics of your market.

Flexibility is a must in e-commerce

In the rapidly changing world of e-commerce, flexibility is no longer an asset—it's a necessity . And this is where Sylius shows its true strength.

As an open source project, Sylius:

• It is regularly updated to keep up with the latest technological and market trends.
• It has an active community – which not only supports users, but also develops new functionalities.
• It is open to innovation – which allows companies not only to respond to changes, but also to initiate them.

Will Sylius become the new standard in online store development? All signs point to it—and with great probability.

What is Sylius and how does it work?

Sylius is a flexible, headless e-commerce platform based on the renowned Symfony framework. While it may sound technical, this solution was created for companies that need a scalable and modern online sales tool.

Thanks to its headless architecture, Sylius serves as a backend that can be integrated with any interface – from mobile apps to PWAs to complex SPAs. You decide how your store looks and functions .

The platform is available in two versions:

• Standard – free edition, perfect for starting,
• Plus – commercial version with additional features and technical support.

This structure allows Sylius to be tailored to the needs and budget of any company. Furthermore, the system easily integrates with external tools —from ERP systems to marketing platforms—making it a versatile solution for modern e-commerce.

Main features of the Sylius platform

One of Sylius' greatest strengths is its intuitive administration panel , which allows you to manage your store independently – without having to tamper with the code. Among other things, you can:

• modify the structure of product categories,
• manage promotions and discounts,
• set preferred payment methods.

But that's just the beginning. Sylius also offers an extensive REST API , which underpins its flexibility. With it, you can easily connect the platform to:

• various frontends (e.g. mobile applications, PWA),
• external systems (CRM, ERP, analytical tools),
• marketing and loyalty platforms.

This is a huge advantage , especially if you plan to sell multi-channel or want to implement non-standard functionalities.

It's also worth noting that Sylius is based on the Symfony framework. What does this mean in practice? Stability, high-quality code, and ease of extension . This makes the platform suitable for both small online stores and large e-commerce projects that require advanced customization and integration with other systems.

Headless architecture and API-first approach

What sets Sylius apart from the competition is its headless architecture . In practice, this means the frontend and backend operate independently of each other. What do you gain?

• Complete freedom in user interface design,
• the ability to create unique shopping experiences,
• no limitations imposed by ready-made templates,
• easy adaptation to various sales channels (B2C, B2B, mobile).

Sylius was also designed with an API-first . This means that all platform features are accessible via API, enabling:

• quick integration with new solutions,
• connecting to external systems without the need to rebuild the infrastructure,
• creating personalized applications and services,
• automation of sales and marketing processes.

For example, you can easily connect Sylius to a mobile app, loyalty system, or marketing automation platform.

Symfony's role in the construction of Sylius

Symfony is the technological foundation of Sylius. This popular PHP framework provides the platform with:

• operational stability,
• flexibility in development,
• high code quality,
• ease of maintaining and scaling projects.

Symfony is valued by developers for its clear structure and rich set of components. In practice, this means that Sylius offers a solid foundation for creating custom features – from integration with payment systems to building custom promotional modules.

This is a huge advantage for development teams – they can develop the platform at a pace that meets business needs, without compromising quality or security .

Sylius versions: Standard and Plus

Sylius e-commerce platform is available in two main versions: Sylius Standard and Sylius Plus . Each version addresses different business needs—from startups to large organizations. They differ in terms of functionality, level of technical support, and scalability .

Sylius Standard is a free version based on the MIT open source license. It's ideal for e-commerce startups who need a solid, flexible foundation for building an online store. Thanks to its open source code, you can freely modify the platform—both functionally and visually . You decide how your store should function.

Sylius Plus is a commercial edition designed for larger companies that require advanced tools. It offers enterprise-class features such as multi-store support, extensive loyalty programs, and efficient returns management. Importantly, Sylius Plus provides SLA support —crucial for companies that cannot afford downtime or system errors.

Sylius Standard – free open source version

Sylius Standard is an open-source e-commerce platform, released under the MIT . It includes all the necessary features to launch an online store and sell online. It's an ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to get started without a large investment .

The biggest advantage of this version is full control over the source code . You can tailor the platform to your industry's specific needs, implementing your own solutions. For example, if you offer custom products, you can easily create a configurator that allows customers to personalize their orders— something often missing from off-the-shelf SaaS systems .

Sylius Plus – enterprise-class features

Sylius Plus is an enhanced version of the platform, designed for businesses that need more than just a basic store. It offers a range of advanced features to support business growth and scaling:

• Multi-store management – ​​enables central sales management across channels and markets.
• Loyalty program – allows you to build lasting relationships with customers through a system of points and rewards.
• Returns handling – streamlines post-sales processes, increasing customer satisfaction.
• SLA support – guarantees quick response to technical issues and minimizes the risk of downtime.

Thanks to these features, Sylius Plus enables efficient management of even the most complex e-commerce operations. If you sell in multiple markets, you can centrally manage all your stores —significantly simplifying daily operations. And a loyalty program? It's an effective tool for increasing basket values ​​and purchasing frequency .

Multi-store, loyalty and returns management in Sylius Plus

One of Sylius Plus' is managing multiple stores from a single administration panel. This is a huge advantage for companies operating in different countries or market segments. You can centralize operations while maintaining flexibility and control over each sales channel .

The loyalty system in Sylius Plus allows you to create point-based programs that customers earn for purchases. Such solutions increase engagement and help build long-term loyalty . For example, a cosmetics store could reward customers for every transaction by offering discounts or freebies on subsequent purchases. Simple, yet effective .

Returns management is another feature that truly impacts customer service quality. It allows you to process returns quickly and efficiently, reducing customer frustration and building brand trust . In practice, this translates into fewer operational issues and greater transparency throughout the entire purchasing process.

Key functionalities of the platform

Sylius is a modern e-commerce platform designed for companies that value flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency. It offers a set of key features that support the development of an effective online store—one that keeps pace with dynamic market changes and growing customer expectations.

Sylius's most important features include:

• Advanced order management – ​​full control over the purchasing process.
• Flexible tax settings – adaptation to local and international regulations.
• Integration with payment systems – support for many payment methods, including modern solutions.
• Modular architecture – easy implementation of new features without interfering with the entire platform.

This is just the beginning of the possibilities offered by Sylius – a platform that grows with your business.

Order and sales channel management

One of Sylius' greatest advantages is its extensive order management and support for multiple sales channels —both online and offline. This gives you complete control over the entire purchasing process from a single location, regardless of where the customer makes their purchase—in an online store, marketplace, or physical point of sale.

If you're running a multi-channel business, Sylius lets you synchronize orders in real time . This means:

• less errors and confusion,
• better logistics organization,
• higher quality of customer service,
• saving time and resources.

Tax and payment method support

Sylius supports a wide range of payment methods , which translates into greater shopping convenience and a better customer experience. You can integrate traditional bank transfers, card payments, and modern solutions like PayPal or Stripe. Customers choose what suits them – and you increase conversions and build trust .

Equally important is flexibility in tax matters . Sylius allows you to adjust settings to local regulations, which is invaluable when selling internationally. The system automatically responds to changes in tax law, allowing you to:

• you save time on updates,
• you minimize the risk of errors,
• you meet legal requirements in various countries,
• you maintain full compliance with the regulations.

Administration panel and content management

The Sylius admin panel is an intuitive command center for your store. It allows for complete control over content management and site structure. Thanks to CMS integration, you can easily:

• edit product descriptions,
• add new subpages,
• run a company blog,
• manage marketing content.

This is an ideal solution for industries where offerings change dynamically and customer communication must be fast and up-to-date. The panel's flexibility allows for almost immediate response, without unnecessary delays or complications .

Scalability and flexibility of implementations

Sylius grows with your business . Its scalability and flexible implementation make it suitable for both small stores and large, complex sales systems.

Thanks to its modular architecture, you can implement new features without having to rebuild the entire platform. This means:

• lower development costs,
• faster implementations,
• greater freedom in expanding the store,
• easier adaptation to changing market needs.

Thinking about expansion? Sylius won't limit you . It's a platform that grows with you – flexibly, efficiently, and without compromise.

Sylius Plugins and Extensions

Plugins and extensions are key to Sylius's flexibility. They allow you to tailor your online store to your individual needs without compromise. Whether you run a small online boutique or a large e-commerce platform, Sylius offers tools that grow with your business .

All the magic happens in the Sylius Store – the official add-ons marketplace. There, you'll find dozens of extensions, both free and commercial. These allow you to quickly respond to changing market needs and expand your store's functionality without having to build everything from scratch .

Sylius Store – the official plugin marketplace

The Sylius Store isn't just a catalog of extensions—it's the hub of the entire Sylius ecosystem. There, you'll find over 80 carefully crafted plugins that address real-world merchant needs—from simple integrations to advanced analytical tools.

The Sylius Store offers:

• Free plugins – perfect for starters or smaller stores.
• Paid extensions – offering advanced features for more demanding projects.
• Developer community – a place to exchange ideas and collaborate on new solutions.

It is a space that inspires and supports the development of the entire Sylius community.

Most popular plugins: CMS, invoicing, reporting

Some extensions are particularly popular because they make daily work easier, automate processes, and support company growth . Here are three of the most frequently chosen plugins:

Plug	Description
Invoicing Plugin	Automatically generates invoices after placing an order – saves time and eliminates errors.
Elasticsearch Plugin	Introduces advanced product search and filtering – improves shopping comfort.
SyliusReportPlugin	Enables the creation of detailed sales reports – supporting the making of accurate business decisions.

Thanks to these additions, you will streamline your store operations and improve customer experience – and this is the key to success.

Integrations with analytical and marketing tools

In today's e-commerce, it's not enough to just sell—you also need to understand customer behavior and optimize marketing efforts . Sylius offers plugins that integrate your store with popular analytical and marketing tools, such as:

• Facebook Tracking Plugin – integration with Facebook Pixel allows you to track user behavior and optimize advertising campaigns.
• Analytics Plugin – Connecting to Google Analytics provides complete insight into website traffic and customer behavior.

These integrations allow you to make data-driven decisions, better tailor your communications to your audience, and continuously improve your marketing efforts . After all, everyone wants to sell more—and smarter.

Creating a custom online store

In this age of dynamic e-commerce, a custom online store Sylius comes in —a flexible, open-source platform that offers nearly limitless customization options.

Sylius's modern architecture makes it ideal as a backend for PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) and SPAs (Single Page Applications). What does this mean in practice? Complete freedom in designing the store's interface and functionality—without compromise.

Sylius as a backend for PWA and SPA

Today's customer expects speed, fluidity, and an intuitive user experience. PWAs and SPAs meet these requirements—they are lightning-fast, responsive, and resemble native mobile apps.

Sylius is an excellent backend for such solutions . With it, you can create a store that:

• It even works offline – the user can continue shopping without internet access.
• Loads almost instantly - minimizing wait times.
• It allows you to move smoothly between subpages – without any lag or reloading.

It's not just about user convenience. It's a real opportunity to increase conversion and build loyalty . Because when shopping is a pleasure, customers come back. And they recommend you to others.

Frontend customization options

One of Sylius' greatest advantages is its flexibility in frontend customization . You can create a custom storefront that not only meets your customers' needs but also perfectly reflects your brand's personality.

You have complete control over the look and feel of your store . You can design a shopping experience that engages and builds an emotional connection with the user. Example approaches:

• Premium brand – elegant, subdued design emphasizing exclusivity.
• Toy Store – A colorful, cheerful interface that instantly brings a smile to your face.

You decide what your store looks like. And how it's used.

Examples of Sylius-based marketplace implementations

Sylius isn't just a solution for individual brands. It's also a solid foundation for marketplace platforms that support multiple sellers and more complex business models. And these aren't just theoretical possibilities—they're proven implementations.

Examples of using Sylius as a marketplace platform:

• French marketplace with products from local artisans - supporting local communities and unique products.
• B2B platform for the construction industry – enables comprehensive order and supplier management in a wholesale model.

Sylius enables, among other things:

• Integration with payment systems – fast and secure transactions.
• Supplier management – ​​full control over your offering and logistics.
• Personalization of the offer – matching products to user preferences.

This allows you to create a dynamic, multi-dimensional shopping environment that meets the needs of both sellers and customers.

Community and platform development

In the rapidly changing world of e-commerce, the Sylius community stands out for more than just technical support. It's a vibrant ecosystem brimming with energy, creativity, and engagement . Through channels like Slack and GitHub, users and developers constantly share their experiences, directly fueling the platform's growth.

New features, quick fixes, fresh ideas – all of this is being developed in response to real market needs. It's the community that drives this movement, driving innovation and Sylius' development.

Community support is:

• Lightning fast – responses often appear within minutes,
• Effective – based on the experience of practitioners,
• Available almost immediately – regardless of the time of day,
• Supportive – the user is never left alone with a problem.

It's not just about answering questions – it's the power that keeps the platform running and allows online stores to operate without disruption.

The role of the community and technical support

One of the key pillars of Sylius's success is its actively engaged community . It's an informal but incredibly effective support network that, every day:

• Helps users solve problems,
• Shares knowledge and experience,
• Co-creates the future of the platform,
• Supports the development of new features and improvements.

On Slack, GitHub, and other communication channels, everyone – regardless of experience level – can count on help and understanding.

Moreover, the community goes beyond reacting to issues. It actively participates in Sylius's development by:

• Submitting new ideas,
• Function testing,
• Suggesting improvements,
• Co-creation of documentation and educational materials.

Thanks to this, Sylius not only keeps up with changes in the industry – it often anticipates them . The community is not only a technical resource, but also a compass that guides the development of the entire project .

Business-Driven Development (BDD) in practice

One of the cornerstones of Sylius's approach to software development is the Behavior Driven Development (BDD) methodology . While it may sound complicated, in practice it means creating solutions that truly address business needs .

With BDD, tests are written in a way that's understandable not only to developers but also to business owners and managers. This facilitates:

• Communication between technical teams and stakeholders,
• Better understanding of business requirements,
• More effective functionality planning,
• Reduction of errors resulting from misunderstandings.

In practice, BDD allows for faster implementation of changes and better alignment of new features with user expectations. Instead of testing code alone, Sylius tests specific scenarios—such as the ordering process or inventory management . The result? A stable, intuitive, and future-proof platform .

Paweł Jędrzejewski – creator of Sylius

Paweł Jędrzejewski isn't just the founder of Sylius—he's its heart, mind, and driving force . From the very beginning, he's overseen every detail of the project, constantly pushing it forward. As chief architect and community leader:

• Creates new functions,
• Actively listens to users,
• Responds to market needs,
• Inspires others to action.

Thanks to his determination and passion, Sylius has become one of the most important open source e-commerce solutions in the world . Its flexibility, scalability, and openness to integration make the platform suitable for both small businesses and large corporations.

Paweł Jędrzejewski is not only a creator – he is a leader with a vision who constantly inspires the community and develops the product, giving it a global dimension.

Comparing Sylius to other platforms

Sylius is a flexible, open-source e-commerce platform that's often compared to giants like Magento . If you're struggling to choose the right technology for your online store, this comparison can be incredibly helpful.

Sylius stands out for its enormous customization possibilities, making it an ideal solution for companies looking for individual, tailor-made solutions .

Magento, on the other hand, is a well-established and stable platform supported by a large community. It's particularly well-suited for larger companies that need ready-made features and a solid technical base . It's a classic that never disappoints.

Sylius vs Magento – Features, Costs, SEO

Choosing between Sylius and Magento depends on the specifics of your business. The following comparison will help you understand the key differences:

Characteristic	Sylius	Magento
Architecture	Modular, flexible – perfect for creating custom solutions	Monolithic, with a rich set of features available immediately
Ready-made functions	Requires construction and configuration – full control	Many features available after installation - quick start
Costs	No licensing fees, beneficial for development teams	The Commerce version is associated with high licensing and implementation costs
SEO	High flexibility in adapting the optimization strategy	Good SEO options, but less flexible than Sylius

To sum up: Sylius is a platform for those who want full control and flexibility, while Magento is better suited for those who value quick implementation and ready-made solutions.

When to choose Sylius over Magento?

Choosing the right platform depends on many factors. Sylius will be the best solution when:

• You're just starting out , but you plan to develop your store in a unique direction.
• Your business processes are unique and require individual integration.
• You have access to a team of developers or work with an experienced technology partner.
• You want to have full control over the source code and the freedom to modify it.

On the other hand, Magento will be a better choice if:

• You need a quick implementation and don't want to build everything from scratch.
• You support a large number of products or users.
• What matters to you are ready-made integrations and proven solutions.

The final decision should be based on your business needs, available resources and long-term development strategy.

Security and optimization

In the age of digital transformation, where user data is one of our most valuable assets , security at Sylius isn't just an afterthought—it's the foundation of the entire platform. If you run an online store, you know perfectly well that customer trust is key to success . Sylius addresses this challenge by offering advanced security mechanisms that safeguard not only transactions but also your brand's reputation.

At Sylius, security is standard, not optional . The platform implements proven and up-to-date data protection solutions, allowing e-commerce owners to operate with confidence. And satisfied customers who feel safe? This is the best form of marketing and a solid foundation for loyalty .

Safety standards at Sylius

In the face of increasingly complex cyber threats, Sylius is committed to future-proof security standards . The system is based on modern technologies that protect user data at multiple levels—from application code to server infrastructure.

In practice, this means, among other things:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) – an additional layer of protection for user accounts,
• Regular security updates – quick response to new threats,
• Secure session and data management – ​​protection against CSRF and XSS attacks,
• Support for SSL certificates and data encryption – secure information transmission.

With these solutions, you can focus on growing your business, confident that its technical foundations are solid and resilient . That's the advantage Sylius provides.

Positioning an online store based on Sylius

Google visibility is often the difference between success and failure . The good news? Sylius offers powerful SEO capabilities that, when properly implemented, can significantly increase organic traffic and conversions.

The platform enables comprehensive optimization of both content and site structure. Key SEO features include:

• User-friendly and search engine-friendly URLs – better indexing and readability,
• Advanced metadata optimization – titles, descriptions, tags that influence CTR,
• Easy integration with analytical tools – including Google Analytics and Search Console,
• Possibility to create optimized sitemaps (sitemap.xml) – making it easier for Google robots.

The result? Higher search engine rankings, increased website traffic, and improved sales . Investing in SEO with Sylius isn't a cost—it's a growth strategy that really works .

The greatest advantages of the platform

Sylius is much more than a typical e-commerce platform . It's a tool that provides complete operational freedom and adaptability to individual business needs. Thanks to its flexible architecture and open-source code, you can customize every element of your store—from appearance to functionality—to suit your strategy.

Whether you run a small online boutique or a large B2B platform , Sylius gives you complete control over your design. This means your store can fully reflect your business goals and values.

Sylius also stands out from the competition thanks to its strong and active community . This is a huge advantage, especially when you need:

• technical assistance or inspiration,
• access to ready-made solutions,
• extensive documentation,
• ecosystem of user-created plugins and extensions.

This makes implementing new features easier and faster. Furthermore, Sylius easily integrates with payment systems, ERP, and marketing tools, making it an ideal solution for companies with diverse business profiles.

Potential limitations and challenges

While Sylius offers many benefits, it's worth being aware of its limitations. One of the most frequently cited is the limited SEO functionality in the basic version. If you're looking for high search engine visibility, you may need to:

• investing in additional SEO tools,
• introducing modifications to the code yourself,
• using dedicated extensions.

This means more work upfront, but in return you gain full control over how your website appears on Google – and this can bring tangible benefits.

Another challenge is maintaining stability during large-scale deployments . If you plan to rapidly grow and scale your business, Sylius may require:

• solid technical support,
• an experienced team of programmers,
• thorough analysis of resources and long-term goals.

A well-thought-out approach to implementation will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises and fully utilize the potential of this flexible platform.

How to get started with Sylius?

Planning to create your own online store and wondering how to get started with Sylius? You've come to the right place. Sylius isn't just an e-commerce platform—it's a flexible tool that you can customize to your needs like a tailor-made suit. Its capabilities offer a wide range of possibilities, but before you get started, it's worth understanding how this technology works. Installation, configuration, and functionalities—explore them step by step . Sylius isn't a finished product, but a solid foundation on which you can build your own solution.

Installation and configuration using Composer

If you're already familiar with PHP, you're probably familiar with Composer. And if you're just starting out, don't worry. Composer automatically downloads and installs all the necessary Sylius components . It eliminates the need to manually configure your environment—a few terminal commands is all it takes to get started.

Why use Composer when installing Sylius?

• Automation – Eliminates the need to manually download libraries.
• Save time – get your project off the ground quickly, perfect for testing and MVP.
• Ease of update – simple dependency management in the future.
• Standardization - compliance with PHP best practices.

This is the perfect solution when you want to quickly test your store idea or create the first version of a product. It's simple, fast, and hassle-free .

Documentation and resources for developers

Not sure where to start? Don't worry— the Sylius documentation is a treasure trove of knowledge. Inside, you'll find:

• Detailed step-by-step installation instructions, even for beginners.
• Extension examples – ready-made solutions that you can implement or modify.
• Integrations with external systems – payments, ERP, CRM and more.
• Community support – active forum and GitHub where you can find help and inspiration.

Importantly, the documentation is regularly updated by the community. This means that even if you're just starting out, you're not left alone. Just a little dedication and you'll quickly feel at home .

Demo and testing features before deployment

Before you decide to implement Sylius in your business, it's worth getting to know it thoroughly. The best way is to use the Sylius Demo —a public demo that allows you to test all the platform's features.

What can you check in the demo version?

• Administration panel – management of products, categories, users.
• Order processing – purchasing process, statuses, invoicing.
• Payment and delivery configuration – integrations with payment systems and courier companies.
• Store personalization – themes, languages, currencies.

This is a great opportunity to see if Sylius meets your expectations. It's better to check sooner rather than later . Dry testing? It always pays off .

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