Optimizely CMS 13, released on 31 March 2026, is the latest major version of Optimizely’s content management system: a cloud-first, headless-capable CMS built on .NET 10, with Visual Builder for marketers, Optimizely Graph as its content and search backbone, and AI built into everyday workflows. It also brings the PaaS version, hosted on Optimizely’s DXP cloud, broadly level with Optimizely’s SaaS CMS. It is one of the biggest updates to the platform in years, and moving to it from CMS 12 or earlier is a real project rather than a routine update.
As an Optimizely Platinum Solution Partner, and the UK’s first Optimizely (Episerver) partner, we have been through every major version of the platform. Here are the five things every marketer needs to understand about CMS 13, followed by what upgrading involves.
In CMS 13, Optimizely’s AI, the Optimizely Agent Platform (formerly Opal), sits inside the editing experience rather than alongside it. Two changes make that possible. Opti ID, Optimizely’s single sign-on, connects CMS 13 to the Agent Platform. It’s needed for the AI and DAM features and is only available on Optimizely’s DXP cloud, not on self-hosted installs. Optimizely Graph indexes your content, so the AI can draw on what you have already published rather than writing in a vacuum.
For editors and marketers, that means AI can:
The Agent Platform is charged in usage credits. Each instance gets 200 free credits a month until 31 December 2026, and heavier use is paid, so budget for it alongside the CMS licence. Our Optimizely pricing guide explains how it is charged. To get the most from it, content needs to be structured as reusable components rather than whole pages, so the AI and Graph can understand and reuse it.
Until now, Optimizely’s SaaS CMS has had the newest features first, while organisations running CMS 12 on Optimizely’s DXP cloud (PaaS) or on their own servers waited. CMS 13 largely closes that gap. Visual Builder is now the default editor on both, Graph is the delivery and search layer on both, with its schema aligned to SaaS, and REST APIs are consistent between the two. Opti ID gives DXP (PaaS) customers the same access to the Agent Platform, the DAM and the rest of Optimizely One.
In practice, DXP customers get a SaaS-grade editing and AI experience while keeping control of their own code. Opti ID isn’t available for self-hosted or on-premise installs, so those sites don’t get the Agent Platform, the Embedded DAM or Optimizely Connect Platform. Visual Builder supports ASP.NET MVC, so you can upgrade without going fully headless. And if you do move to headless delivery through Graph, your front end works the same way whichever version you run, which keeps a later move to SaaS open without rebuilding the site. Most of these features were already available to SaaS customers, so for them the focus is on getting more from Graph, Visual Builder and the Agent Platform in day-to-day work.
Moving to CMS 13 is more than a version bump. The main things to plan for are:
If you are on CMS 11 or earlier, the jump is larger, and moving to CMS 12 first or going straight to CMS 13 depends on your code and add-ons. Our Optimizely upgrades team can review your platform and scope the move. You can also read why upgrading from older versions matters.
Work with an Optimizely Platinum Solution Partner. Remarkable became the UK’s first Optimizely (Episerver) partner in 1995, and our team has won more than 10 OMVP awards over the years. Find out how we help on our Optimizely partner page, or get an Optimizely quote.
Optimizely CMS 13 was released on 31 March 2026, as the next major version after CMS 12.
CMS 13 is cloud-first and headless-capable, built on .NET 10, with Visual Builder for drag-and-drop page building, Optimizely Graph as the content and search backbone, and AI built into content workflows.
Broadly, yes, if you host on Optimizely’s DXP cloud. CMS 13 brings PaaS level with SaaS, with Visual Builder as the default editor, Optimizely Graph for delivery and search, consistent REST APIs and access to the Agent Platform through Opti ID. Self-hosted and on-premise installs can’t use Opti ID, so they don’t get the Agent Platform or the Embedded DAM.
Only a small allowance. The Agent Platform works with CMS 13 on Optimizely’s DXP cloud and with SaaS CMS. It is charged in usage credits, with 200 free credits per instance per month until 31 December 2026. Graph and Opti ID, which it relies on, are included in the CMS 13 licence.
Yes. Graph replaces the older Search & Navigation (Find) index, so sites moving to CMS 13 need to migrate search and content delivery to Graph.
It depends on your current version, the amount of custom code and add-ons, and whether you redesign editing around Visual Builder. A review of your platform is the best way to get an estimate.
For most organisations, yes, eventually, because new features and AI capabilities are arriving on CMS 13. The right timing depends on your support position, roadmap and budget.
