> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qirtaas.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Self-host vs Cloud

> Same editor, two ways to run the backend that powers it.

Qirtaas follows an open-core model: the **editor SDK is open source (MIT)**,
and the **content backend** is available either self-hosted or as a managed
service. The frontend code you write is the same in both cases — only the
`apiUrl` and who operates the backend differ.

## Comparison

|                                | Self-host                  | Managed Cloud                  |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Editor SDK + Arabic RTL        | ✓ Included                 | ✓ Included                     |
| Content backend                | Yours, or our image        | Hosted for you                 |
| Auth                           | Self-managed               | API key + embed token exchange |
| Quran / hadith content updates | You pull updates           | Always current                 |
| Image storage                  | Your S3-compatible storage | Storage included               |
| Support                        | Community                  | Email & priority               |
| Price                          | Free (MIT)                 | Paid — sustains the waqf       |

## When to self-host

Choose self-host if you need full control of data residency, want to run the
backend inside your own infrastructure, or are building against a custom
implementation of the [`/v1` contract](/backend/documents). Start with
[Self-hosting](/backend/self-hosting).

## When to use the cloud

Choose managed cloud for zero backend maintenance: hosted content APIs,
maintained Quran/hadith datasets, and included image storage. You mint embed
tokens from an API key — see [Authentication](/backend/authentication).

<Info>
  Qirtaas is a waqf project by the [Alrimaal](https://alrimaal.com) team.
  Revenue from managed plans keeps the editor free and open for students of
  knowledge.
</Info>