Choose how to install CapacityLens

CapacityLens has two supported installation routes. Docker is not a prerequisite: use Docker Compose if you want CapacityLens to manage the packaged services, or install it directly if you prefer to manage Node and nginx yourself.

Both routes give you the same persistent CapacityLens app, SQLite database and sign-in options. Both also take you through creating the first Owner account. The difference is how the app and API run on your host.

TIP

Just want to look around first? Try the demo instead — no persistent data or sign-in setup required.

Install with Docker

Choose Install with Docker if your host already runs Docker and Docker Compose. The packaged stack builds and runs the web app, API and their internal certificate setup for you.

You will need Docker, Docker Compose and a reverse proxy for public TLS. Allow about ten minutes on a host where Docker is already installed.

Install without Docker

Choose Install without Docker if you do not use Docker or prefer to manage the services on the host. Node 24 runs the API as a systemd service, while nginx serves the web app and sends API requests to Node.

You will need a Linux host with systemd, Node 24, pnpm and nginx. Allow about 20–30 minutes when those tools are already installed.

What's next

After completing either route, follow First steps after installing to claim the Owner account and find your way around the schedule.