> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/requirements/ghost-cms-hosting.md).

# Ghost CMS Hosting

### Ghost Version Compatibility

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> is designed to work reliably with the **latest stable versions of Ghost CMS**.

{% hint style="success" %} <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> is regularly updated and supports the latest version of Ghost CMS.
{% endhint %}

Theme templates, helpers, and member routing behave as expected under Ghost’s current API surface and routing model.

However, there are a few important considerations depending on how you plan to use <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>—especially if you want **multilingual support**.

***

### Important Notes on Multilingual Features

{% hint style="warning" %}
I highly recommend to use <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> on **self-hosted Ghost** instance if you plan to use **Multilingual** features.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
If you do not want to use the Multilingual features and your site will be in only **one single language** (doesn't matter which language), then you can use <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> as any other theme - either on Ghost(Pro) or self-hosted instance.
{% endhint %}

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s **true multilingual capabilities** are one of its standout features, but they come with specific requirements.

The multilingual features **require separate Ghost installations** — one per language. Separate Ghost installs are required per language. You can expose them either through subfolders or through locale-specific domains/subdomains.

* `https://example.com/` → Default language (English)
* `https://example.com/es/` or `https://es.example.com` or `https://spanishdomain.com`→ Spanish
* `https://example.com/hi/` or `https://hi.example.com` or `https://hindidomain` → Hindi

\
This setup means each language runs its own Ghost instance on the same server (or different server).

Ghost **does not natively support multiple languages in a single instance** — so <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> handles multilingual setups by *separate installations* and language-aware routing configured via `routes.yaml` , intelligent coding and site structure.

***

### Why Self-Hosted Ghost Is Recommended for Multilingual Support

If you want to take full advantage of <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s multilingual features, I *strongly recommend* using **self-hosted Ghost** — and here’s why:

**1. Sub-directory Installations**

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>’s multilingual setup uses **sub-directory installations** (e.g., `/es`, `/hi`). This means:

* You install Ghost into separate folders for each language
* During Ghost setup, you set the correct URL for each language
* Each Ghost instance runs independently but shares the same domain

This setup is straightforward on self-hosted environments but limited or costly on Ghost(Pro).

**You can choose Locale Specific settings to use separate domains for each language instead of subfolders.**

**2. Ghost(Pro) Restrictions and Costs**

On **Ghost(Pro)**:

* Running Ghost in a sub-directory or reverse proxy typically requires the **Business plan** plus a **paid add-on** for sub-directory hosting, which can be expensive.
* You may need multiple Ghost(Pro) plans if you're hosting each language on its own Ghost install — which multiplies hosting costs.

{% hint style="success" %} <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> can be used on Ghost(Pro) too, but sub-directory installation per each language will be costly. So, ideally, a self-hosted setup is much more cost effective.
{% endhint %}

***

### Ghost(Pro) vs Self-Hosted (for <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code>)

| Feature / Setup                                       | Ghost(Pro) | Self-Hosted Ghost |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | ----------------- |
| Multilingual Setup Possible?                          | Yes        | Yes               |
| Multilingual Setup Cost Effective?                    | No         | Yes               |
| Single Language Possible?                             | Yes        | Yes               |
| Single Language Cost Effective?                       | Yes        | Yes               |
| Multilingual Setup Cost (per month for two languages) | \~ USD 578 | \~ USD 10         |
| Single Language Setup Cost (per month)                | \~ USD 35  | \~ USD 10         |

{% hint style="info" %}
The above table assume Monthly Billing cycle (Yearly billing is discounted). For Self-Hosted, VPS starts from USD 5 or less. Ideally a VPS with 2 GB RAM would be around USD 10 per month.
{% endhint %}