Quick Start

Short path from a fresh VPS to a live app with a domain.

1. Install

On Ubuntu/Debian with Docker:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/SSujitX/docklift/master/install.sh | sudo bash

The installer prints something like:

Dashboard: http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080
Setup code: <bootstrap-secret>

2. Open the dashboard

Open http://SERVER_IP:8080 in your browser.

If you lost the setup code:

docker logs docklift-backend | grep -A8 "Fresh install"

sudo cat /opt/docklift/data/.bootstrap-secret

3. Complete setup

1. Paste the Setup code
2. Create the first admin account (or restore a backup)
3. Sign in

The bootstrap secret is consumed and deleted after a successful setup.

4. Create a project

1. Click New Project
2. Choose a source: GitHub URL, private repo (after GitHub connect), or ZIP upload
3. Optionally set env vars and build mode (Auto is fine for most apps)
4. Create the project

5. Deploy

Click Deploy and watch live build logs. You can cancel mid-build.

By default the app is Private by default on the project network — not exposed as IP:port until you publish host ports or add a domain.

6. Add a domain (preferred)

1. Point a DNS A record at your server IP
2. Open the project → Domains
3. Add the hostname (e.g. app.example.com)
4. Wait for HTTPS to become active

Prefer domains over raw SERVER_IP:5500-style URLs. Host ports (5500–5600) are opt-in under Build Settings → Publish host ports.

Optional next steps

• Enable Auto-Deploy on the Source tab for push-to-deploy
• Link a managed database instead of pasting credentials by hand
• Set a panel domain under Settings → Domain for HTTPS access to Docklift itself

Upgrade later

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/SSujitX/docklift/master/upgrade.sh | sudo bash