
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:
- Create your admin account
- 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:
- Settings → Server → Configure Domain
- Enter your domain name
- 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
- Connect your GitHub account inside Coolify
- Select your repository
- Choose Build Pack (Node.js, PHP, etc.)
- Deploy with 1 click
Deploy Static Website
- New → Static Site
- Enter domain name
- Connect to Git repository
- Deploy
Deploy Docker Compose Application
- New → Docker Compose Project
- Paste your
docker-compose.yml - 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.
