Productivity
Self-host Joplin Server on a VPS
Sync your Joplin notes through your own server.
Host the Joplin sync target yourself so your notebooks synchronise across devices without relying on a hosted service.
Why self-host Joplin Server?
Joplin Server means your note sync and sharing stay on infrastructure you control, using the official apps.
How to install Joplin Server
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Node.js + PostgreSQL.
- 3
Deploy the application
Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.
- 4
Enable HTTPS
Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.
- 5
Back it up
Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.
Practical tips
- Give Joplin Server its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Joplin Server 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 Joplin Server patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Joplin Server need?
- Plan on 1–2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Joplin Server run on?
- Node.js + PostgreSQL.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Joplin Server plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Obsidian LiveSync, Nextcloud, Standard Notes — browse all app guides.