Cargo

Portfolio site builder for designers who want control over the code

AI Design & UIOverseasβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜† 3.0

What is Cargo?

Cargo is a website builder used mostly by artists, designers, photographers and small studios for portfolio sites. It sits between a template service and hand-coded development: you can start from a designed theme, then edit the underlying HTML, CSS and JavaScript in a built-in code editor that previews your changes as you type. Collections and tags handle image-heavy projects, and sites are hosted on Cargo's own infrastructure with a custom domain. It is a paid product with no free tier for live sites, and its AI involvement is minimal, so choose it for design control rather than automation.

Last updated: 2026-09-20. This site only provides an index; for exact features, pricing, and licensing, see the official website.

Key features

  • Designed themes plus direct editing of HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Live preview that updates while you edit the template code
  • Project collections with tags for image-heavy portfolios
  • Custom domain, SSL and hosting included in the subscription
  • Publishing that can push one site to several connected domains
  • Optional shop and newsletter add-ons for creative businesses

Pros & cons

Strengths

  • Real code access, unlike most visual site builders
  • Typography and layouts are well suited to visual work
  • Hosting and domains are handled in the same subscription

Watch out for

  • No free tier: a paid plan is needed to publish
  • Code editing assumes some comfort with HTML and CSS
  • Few AI or automation features compared with newer builders

Best for & use cases

design portfolios, photography sites, studio websites and small online shops

If you're comparing similar products, check the alternatives below, or browse all tools in the AI Design & UI category.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to code?

No, the themes work on their own. But the reason people choose Cargo is the code editor, so the product makes most sense to someone comfortable adjusting HTML and CSS.

Can I use my own domain?

Yes, custom domains and SSL are part of the subscription. Cargo also offers a subdomain on its own domain, which is handy while a site is still being built.

Is there a cheaper option for a portfolio?

Yes, several free site builders exist. They usually trade away code control and fine typographic settings, which are exactly what Cargo is chosen for.