Development
Self-host Appsmith on a VPS
Build internal tools fast, self-hosted.
Drag-and-drop UIs over your APIs and databases to build admin and internal tools quickly.
Why self-host Appsmith?
Appsmith lets teams build internal dashboards without exposing data to a hosted builder.
How to install Appsmith
- 1
Provision a VPS
Pick a Debian/Ubuntu template and get root SSH in about a minute.
- 2
Install the runtime
Install Node.js + MongoDB + Redis.
- 3
Deploy the application
Net what you need from the project’s official source and run it.
- 4
Put it behind TLS
Reverse-proxy with Nginx and issue a Let’s Encrypt certificate.
- 5
Add it to your backups
Include the data directory and database in your backup routine before you rely on it.
Practical tips
- Give Appsmith its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Appsmith and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
- Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
- Keep Appsmith patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Appsmith need?
- Plan on 4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Appsmith run on?
- Node.js + MongoDB + Redis.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Appsmith plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include ToolJet, Budibase, Retool (hosted) — browse all app guides.