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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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AnythingLLM
Development2048MB+ RAM
All-in-one AI desktop app with RAG, agents, and multi-LLM support
aillmragagentsmulti-llm
Deploy AnythingLLM in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select AnythingLLM
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy AnythingLLM on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the AnythingLLM template in Server Compass to deploy a web-based self-hosted AI workspace and document chat app on your VPS, then verify the first-run setup screen in a browser.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for AnythingLLM
Use the template picker search to find AnythingLLM in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the AnythingLLM template
Choose the AnythingLLM template. Server Compass fills the AnythingLLM service, persistent storage volume, generated JWT secret, and web port.
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Step 5Review the AnythingLLM settings
Confirm the app name and compose services. In this run, the app was named anythingllm-demo and used host port 3001.
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Step 6Deploy AnythingLLM
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the web port is available, and click Deploy Now.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the AnythingLLM image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm AnythingLLM is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the AnythingLLM app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open AnythingLLM in the browser
Click Open Application or open the application URL in a browser. The AnythingLLM first-run setup or login screen confirms the AI workspace UI is reachable.
After AnythingLLM Opens
- Do not expose AnythingLLM directly to the public internet without HTTPS, a strong admin password, and an additional access-control layer.
- Use a VPN, IP allowlist, or authenticated reverse proxy for production AI workspace access.
- Configure LLM provider API keys through the AnythingLLM UI and keep them out of screenshots and docs.
- Keep the AnythingLLM image updated for security and connector fixes.
- Use least-privilege API keys and separate workspaces for different teams or datasets.
AnythingLLM deployment questions
What does the AnythingLLM template deploy?
It deploys the AnythingLLM container with a persistent `/app/server/storage` data volume and generated JWT secret.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 3001, which maps to the AnythingLLM web UI on container port 3001.
Why does the browser verification stop at the first web UI screen?
A fresh AnythingLLM deployment is considered reachable when the first-run setup or login screen loads. The tutorial does not create an account or publish the generated JWT secret.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the AnythingLLM template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
Why Self-Host AnythingLLM?
AnythingLLM gives you a full-stack AI workspace with RAG, agents, and multi-LLM support — all running on your own hardware. Self-hosting means your proprietary documents, embeddings, and conversation history never leave your infrastructure. This is critical for companies handling sensitive data like legal contracts, medical records, or financial reports that cannot be sent to third-party APIs.
Complete data privacy — documents and embeddings stay on your server
Connect to any LLM provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, local Ollama) from a single interface
Built-in RAG pipeline for chatting with your documents
Multi-user workspaces with permission controls
No per-seat SaaS fees — unlimited users on your instance
AnythingLLM vs Alternatives
AnythingLLM vs ChatGPT Teams
Requires sending all data to OpenAI. AnythingLLM keeps documents local and supports multiple LLM backends.
AnythingLLM vs Dify
Dify focuses on workflow building. AnythingLLM provides a simpler, all-in-one workspace with built-in document RAG.
AnythingLLM vs LibreChat
LibreChat is a chat UI. AnythingLLM adds workspace management, document embedding, and agent capabilities.
Why Deploy AnythingLLM with Server Compass?
Server Compass deploys AnythingLLM with a single click, pre-configuring persistent storage for your document embeddings and vector database. It handles Docker networking so AnythingLLM can connect to your existing Ollama or database containers seamlessly.
Download Server CompassAfter Deployment
After deploying AnythingLLM with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Access the web interface
2
Configure LLM providers
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Create workspaces and upload documents for RAG
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
AnythingLLM FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting AnythingLLM
How do I deploy AnythingLLM with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select AnythingLLM from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for AnythingLLM?
AnythingLLM requires a minimum of 2048MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 4096MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing AnythingLLM data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard AnythingLLM backup and restore procedures.
How do I update AnythingLLM to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest AnythingLLM image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is AnythingLLM free to self-host?
AnythingLLM is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
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