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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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Baikal
Application256MB+ RAM
Lightweight CalDAV and CardDAV server for calendars and contacts
applicationcalendarbaikalopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy Baikal in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
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Select Baikal
Choose from our template library
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Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy Baikal on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Baikal template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted CalDAV and CardDAV server on your VPS, then verify the web installer.
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 Baikal
Use the template picker search to find Baikal in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Baikal template
Choose the Baikal template. Server Compass fills the CalDAV/CardDAV service, persistent config/data volumes, and public web port.
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Step 5Review the Baikal settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named baikal-demo and used host port 4223.
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Step 6Deploy Baikal
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the Baikal web port is available, and click Deploy.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the Baikal image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Baikal is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Baikal app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open Baikal in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The Baikal installer or admin page confirms the CalDAV/CardDAV web UI is reachable.
After Baikal Opens
- Place Baikal behind HTTPS before syncing calendars or contacts.
- Set a strong administrator password during the web installer.
- Restrict access to trusted clients because CalDAV/CardDAV uses account credentials.
- Back up the Baikal config and data volumes because they contain calendars, contacts, and the SQLite database.
- Use the `/dav.php` endpoint when configuring CalDAV and CardDAV clients.
- Test calendar and contact sync with a disposable user before importing real data.
- Keep the Baikal image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The Baikal web interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
Baikal deployment questions
What does the Baikal template deploy?
It deploys the Baikal CalDAV/CardDAV server container with persistent config and data volumes.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4223, which maps to the Baikal web UI on container port 80.
Does Baikal need setup after deployment?
Yes. Complete the web installer, set the administrator password, then create users and configure CalDAV/CardDAV clients.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Baikal template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying Baikal with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Open the application URL — the installer launches
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Set the admin password and select SQLite (default)
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Log in to the admin UI and create users
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Connect clients (iOS, macOS, Thunderbird, DAVx5) using the CalDAV/CardDAV URLs
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Set up HTTPS via Traefik before adding real data
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Baikal FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Baikal
How do I deploy Baikal with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Baikal 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 Baikal?
Baikal requires a minimum of 256MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing Baikal data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Baikal backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Baikal to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Baikal image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Baikal free to self-host?
Baikal 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.
Ready to Self-Host Baikal?
Download Server Compass and deploy Baikal to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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