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ComposeForge Documentation

ComposeForge helps you generate clean, understandable Docker Compose stacks for self-hosting open-source software — without lock-in, accounts, or hidden automation.

It does not run anything for you.
It does not host your data.
It simply helps you create files that you own and run yourself.

What ComposeForge Does

ComposeForge provides a guided builder that:

  • Lets you select open-source applications
  • Generates Docker Compose files and environment templates
  • Organizes everything into a clear folder structure
  • Supports different ingress approaches (external or bundled)
  • Produces a downloadable bundle you can edit freely

Everything generated by ComposeForge: - Runs on your own system - Can be modified or deleted at any time - Does not depend on ComposeForge being online

What ComposeForge Does Not Do

ComposeForge intentionally avoids certain things:

  • No user accounts
  • No configuration uploads
  • No background services
  • No automatic deployments
  • No runtime dependencies on ComposeForge servers

If something is running, it’s because you started it.

Who ComposeForge Is For

ComposeForge is designed for people who want control without chaos, including:

  • Home lab users
  • Privacy-conscious individuals
  • Open-source enthusiasts
  • Small teams and nonprofits
  • Learners who want understandable infrastructure

You don’t need to be a DevOps expert — but you should be comfortable running Docker Compose and reading configuration files.

Editions at a Glance

ComposeForge uses the same builder interface across all editions.

Community Edition

  • Free and intended to remain accessible
  • No accounts, no time limits
  • Core infrastructure and productivity tools
  • Ideal for personal use, learning, and small deployments

Learn more:
→ Community Edition

Pro Editions (Freelancer & Non-Profit)

  • Built on the same foundation
  • Add time-saving defaults and automation
  • Designed for sustainability, not lock-in
  • Do not change ownership of your files

You can use Community Edition indefinitely without upgrading.

Ownership & Trust

  • The ComposeForge builder is proprietary (for now)
  • The files you generate are 100% yours
  • You may use, modify, and share them freely
  • If ComposeForge is ever discontinued, the intent is to release the builder source so users are not stranded

For details:
→ Licensing & Ownership

Supported Systems (Short Version)

ComposeForge works best on:

  • Linux systems
  • Especially Debian-based distributions (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian)

It can also work on: - Raspberry Pi and other ARM systems (with some app limitations) - macOS or Windows (via Docker Desktop, for testing)

Read the full breakdown:
→ Supported Platforms

Where to Go Next

ComposeForge exists to make self-hosting calmer, clearer, and more humane — without hiding how things actually work.