Deploy with Local Build

How local build works

Local build lets you use your machine's resources for Docker builds:

1. Server Compass builds the Docker image on your local machine
2. The built image is pushed directly to your server via SSH
3. The container is started on the server

No cloud CI/CD services, no container registries, no third-party accounts needed.

Starting a local build deploy

1. Open the Stack Wizard
2. Select Local Build as the build location
3. Choose your project directory or Dockerfile
4. Server Compass detects the framework and generates a Dockerfile if needed
5. Configure environment variables and ports
6. Click Deploy — the image builds locally and is transferred to your server

Upload code to deploy

For projects without a Dockerfile:

1. Select Upload Code in the Stack Wizard
2. Pick a folder from your computer
3. Server Compass auto-detects the framework (Next.js, Django, Laravel, etc.)
4. A Dockerfile is generated automatically
5. Upload progress is tracked in real-time
6. The app is built and deployed on the server