Blot.im: A Simple, File-Based Blogging Platform

Blot.im is an elegant, minimalist blogging platform that turns a folder (DropBox or Google Drive) into a website. It eliminates the need for a traditional content management system (CMS) by allowing users to publish content simply by adding files to a designated folder. This approach makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward, distraction-free workflow.

How Blot Works

Blot connects to a folder on your computer, which can be synced via Dropbox or Google Drive. Any publishable file added to this folder is automatically uploaded to your website. This includes plain text files, Markdown documents, HTML files, images, videos, and even Word documents. The platform processes these files intelligently, handling elements such as equations, code snippets (with syntax highlighting), embedded images, tables, and more.

For example, if you create a text file containing a simple line of text and place it in your Blot folder, the system will immediately publish it as a blog post. Updates are just as seamless—editing the file and saving it triggers an automatic update on your site, deleting a file in your folder removes the posting on your website.

Drafts and Previews

Blot includes a useful drafts feature. By placing a file in a subfolder called “drafts,” you can preview the post before making it live. The system generates a local preview (HTML file), allowing you to refine your content after viewing it in a browser, before publishing. To publish a draft, simply move the file out of the drafts folder, and Blot will handle the rest.

Support for Various File Types

Blot is remarkably versatile, supporting a wide range of file formats:

• Markdown: Enables structured formatting, including headings, lists, and inline code.
• HTML: Allows custom HTML content to be directly published.
• Images and Videos: Dragging media files into the Blot folder embeds them in posts.
• Word Documents: Extracts text, images, and tables while maintaining basic formatting.
• JavaScript-Generated Content: Blot can process and display interactive elements like D3-generated graphs.

Publishable Files

Content Management Without a CMS

One of Blot’s biggest advantages is its lack of a conventional CMS interface. Instead of logging into a dashboard, users interact with their website entirely through their local file system. This means they can:

• Use their preferred text editor to write posts, I use Typora.
• Edit images with their favourite tools before adding them to the site.
• Delete posts by simply removing the corresponding file from the folder.

Additional Features

Blot provides some essential website functionalities, including:

• Archives Page: Automatically generated for easy navigation of past posts.
• Search Engine: Built-in search functionality for finding content.
• RSS Feed: Keeps readers updated with new posts should they wish to do so.

Website Templates and Customisation

Blot offers a good selection of pre-designed templates, allowing users to create different types of websites, including:

• Blogs: Traditional text-based blogging layouts.
• Magazines: More structured content presentation.
• Photography Portfolios: Clean, image-focused templates ideal for showcasing visual work.

Who is Blot For?

Blot is ideal for users who:

• Prefer a simple, no-frills blogging experience.
• Want to avoid complex CMS platforms.
• Like to manage their website entirely through local files.
• Appreciate the flexibility of working with plain text, Markdown, and other standard formats.
• Are looking for an established and cost effective solution to get content online easily.

Final Thoughts

Blot.im stands out as a refreshingly simple alternative to traditional blogging platforms. By removing the need for a CMS interface and integrating directly with file storage systems, it allows for a seamless and distraction-free publishing workflow. Whether you’re a writer, photographer, or developer, Blot provides a lightweight yet powerful solution for building and managing a website with minimal fuss. Blot.im may not have all the “bells and whistles” of other providers but it will satisfy the needs of many.