Data
Self-host CouchDB on a VPS
A document database with built-in sync.
A JSON document store with multi-master replication that makes offline-first sync straightforward.
Why self-host CouchDB?
CouchDB’s replication is ideal for syncing apps across devices, including Obsidian and mobile clients.
How to install CouchDB
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Erlang + HTTP API.
- 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 CouchDB its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy CouchDB 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 CouchDB patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does CouchDB need?
- Plan on 1–2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does CouchDB run on?
- Erlang + HTTP API.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so CouchDB plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include MongoDB, PouchDB, PostgreSQL — browse all app guides.