Commerce
Self-host Documenso on a VPS
An open-source DocuSign alternative.
Create, send and sign documents with templates, branding and audit trails.
Why self-host Documenso?
Documenso is a modern, self-hosted e-signature platform with no per-envelope pricing.
How to install Documenso
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Next.js + PostgreSQL + S3.
- 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 Documenso its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Documenso 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 Documenso patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Documenso need?
- Plan on 2 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Documenso run on?
- Next.js + PostgreSQL + S3.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Documenso plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Docuseal, DocuSign (hosted), PDF signing — browse all app guides.