# CTFd

CTFd is a Cyber Range Training product. It runs in the cloud or on-premises (hybrid). Pricing is free.

CTFd is a web-based framework for creating and managing Capture The Flag cybersecurity competitions with customizable challenges, scoring systems, and team management capabilities.

Checked October 2026.

## What is CTFd?

CTFd is a Capture The Flag framework designed for creating and managing cybersecurity competitions and training exercises.

The platform provides an administrative interface for creating challenges across multiple categories, with support for various challenge types and difficulty levels. Users can configure hints, flags, and scoring mechanisms through the web-based management system.

The framework supports both static and regex-based flag validation, along with custom flag plugins for specialized challenge requirements. Challenge creators can implement attempt limits and automatic bruteforce protection to maintain competition integrity.

CTFd accommodates both individual and team-based competitions, featuring dynamic scoring systems that adjust point values based on solve rates. The platform includes unlockable challenges that become available based on prerequisite completions or team progress.

The system provides comprehensive scoreboard functionality with automatic tie resolution and score graphs for tracking participant progress over time. Content management capabilities support Markdown formatting for challenge descriptions and documentation.

Email integration is available through SMTP and Mailgun services for participant communications and notifications. Team management features allow for group formation, member administration, and collaborative competition participation.

File upload capabilities enable challenge creators to distribute necessary materials, tools, or datasets to participants. The plugin architecture allows for extensibility and custom challenge types beyond the standard offerings.

Tags: CTF, Education

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Human Risk](https://cybersectools.com/categories/human-risk) · [Cyber Range Training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range)
- Deployment: Hybrid
- Company size fit: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 6,569
- Website: github.com

## CTFd FAQ

### What is CTFd?

CTFd is a product in the Cyber Range Training category. It covers CTF and Education.

### What is the pricing for CTFd?

CTFd is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/CTFd/CTFd.

### What are alternatives to CTFd?

Alternatives to CTFd listed on CybersecTools:

1. [SudoCyber](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sudocyber) - Gamified cybersecurity training platform with hands-on labs and certifications (Commercial)
2. [GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gemforge-labs) - Subscription-based cybersecurity lab platform with hands-on hackable instances. (Commercial)
3. [MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/tools/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges) - Cloud-based, team-based hands-on cybersecurity training labs simulating real networks (Commercial)
4. [CTFGuide](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ctfguide) - Social learning platform for CTF challenges, labs, and cybersecurity training. (Free)
5. [echoCTF.RED](https://cybersectools.com/tools/echoctfred) - CTF platform providing hands-on cybersecurity training and competition challenges (Free)

Compare all CTFd alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ctfd](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ctfd)

### What deployment and organization size does CTFd fit?

CTFd is available as cloud or on-premises (hybrid). It is listed for startups, small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare CTFd with similar solutions

- [CTFd vs SudoCyber](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-sudocyber)
- [CTFd vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-gemforge-labs)
- [CTFd vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)

All alternatives to CTFd: [/alternatives/ctfd](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ctfd)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/ctfd

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More on CTFd: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=product-md