How to Install Coolify on Ubuntu

If you’re looking for a self-hosted alternative to platforms like Vercel, Netlify, Laravel Forge, or Heroku — Coolify is one of the best solutions available today. It’s an open-source, easy-to-use deployment and server management tool designed to simplify application deployment for developers and teams.

Coolify automates the setup of containers, SSL certificates, databases, and more — without needing to manually configure Docker or manually write deployment pipelines. If you run projects for clients, host multiple projects, or simply want to avoid relying on third-party platforms, Coolify offers a flexible and privacy-focused option.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install Coolify on Ubuntu step-by-step. This tutorial works for both cloud servers and local environments, including Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and the newest Ubuntu 24.04.

What is Coolify?

Coolify is:

• Open-source
• Self-hosted
• Docker-based
• A no-code/low-code platform for deployments

It allows you to easily deploy:

• Node.js, Laravel, PHP, Django, and Python apps
• Static sites
• Databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB
• Docker Compose projects
• Custom Services

Think of it like "self-hosted Heroku + Netlify + Railway" — running on your own server.

Requirements

Before installing Coolify, ensure your server has:

• OS: Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04
• CPU: 2+ vCPU
• RAM: 4GB+
• Disk: 30GB+
• Root / Sudo Access Required

Tip: If you need a fast server with NVMe SSD and full root access, Hostomy offers VPS Hosting perfectly optimized for Docker-based deployments.

Step 1: Update Your System

First, connect to your server via SSH:

ssh username@your_server_ip

Then update your system packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required System Packages

Install necessary utilities:

sudo apt install -y curl wget git ufw

Step 3: Install Docker and Docker Compose

Coolify runs entirely on Docker. If Docker is not already installed, run:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

Now enable Docker to start at boot:

sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

Verify the installation:

docker --version

Step 4: Download Coolify

Coolify provides an installation script that sets everything up.

Run:

curl -fsSL https://cdn.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh | bash

This will:

• Clone the Coolify repository
• Set up Docker containers
• Configure environment files
• Start all Coolify services

Installation usually completes in a few minutes.

Step 5: Access the Coolify Dashboard

Once installation finishes, Coolify will be running.

Open your browser and visit:

http://your_server_ip:3000

You should see the Coolify setup screen.

Now:

1. Create your admin account
2. Log in to the dashboard

Step 6: Secure Coolify with HTTPS (SSL)

Coolify supports automatic SSL using Traefik and Let’s Encrypt.

But first, point your domain (e.g., deploy.yourdomain.com) to your server IP.

Add an A Record in your DNS:

TypeHostValueAdeployyour_server_ip

Once DNS propagates, go to your Coolify dashboard:

1. Settings → Server → Configure Domain
2. Enter your domain name
3. Enable HTTPS/SSL

Coolify will automatically request and install SSL certificates.

Step 7: Deploy Your First Project

Now you’re ready to deploy apps!

Coolify allows multiple deployment types:

Deploy from GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket

1. Connect your GitHub account inside Coolify
2. Select your repository
3. Choose Build Pack (Node.js, PHP, etc.)
4. Deploy with 1 click

Deploy Static Website

1. New → Static Site
2. Enter domain name
3. Connect to Git repository
4. Deploy

Deploy Docker Compose Application

1. New → Docker Compose Project
2. Paste your docker-compose.yml
3. Deploy

Step 8: Enable Firewall (Recommended)

Allow only needed ports:

sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp
sudo ufw enable

Coolify UI runs on port 3000, but once SSL is configured, everything runs via 80/443.

Step 9: Update Coolify (Optional)

Coolify updates frequently. To update:

cd /data/coolify
git pull
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d

Conclusion

And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed Coolify on Ubuntu.

With Coolify, you now have:

• A self-hosted deployment control panel
• Easy app deployment from Git
• Automatic SSL certificates
• Built-in monitoring & logs
• Full privacy and control

If you’re running client projects or multiple apps, this setup can save huge time and give you scalable deployment automation — without recurring SaaS costs.

Need Hosting for Coolify?

If you want a smooth and optimized Coolify experience, Hostomy provides:

• High-performance NVMe servers
• Docker-ready environments
• One-click OS installation
• 24/7 Expert Support

Just choose a VPS Hosting plan, deploy Coolify, and start launching apps.