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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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Dashy
Infrastructure128MB+ RAM
Highly customizable personal dashboard for self-hosted services
dashboardhomepageself-hostedcustomizable
Deploy Dashy in 3 Steps
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Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select Dashy
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 Dashy on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Dashy template in Server Compass to deploy a customizable self-hosted dashboard on your VPS, then verify the web UI 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 Dashy
Use the template picker search to find Dashy in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Dashy template
Choose the Dashy template. Server Compass fills the dashboard service, persistent config volume, and public port.
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Step 5Review the Dashy settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named dashy-demo and used host port 3001.
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Step 6Deploy Dashy
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the Dashy 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 Dashy image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Dashy is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Dashy app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open Dashy in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The Dashy dashboard confirms the self-hosted start page is reachable.
After Dashy Opens
- Configure authentication before exposing Dashy beyond trusted networks.
- Use a VPN, IP allowlist, firewall rule, or authenticated reverse proxy for production access.
- Add only the service links and widgets that should be visible from the dashboard.
- Back up the Dashy config volume before moving or replacing the VPS.
- Customize themes and layout after the first verified deployment.
- Keep the Dashy image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The Dashy web interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
Dashy deployment questions
What does the Dashy template deploy?
It deploys the Dashy container with a persistent user-data volume and a public web port.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 3001, which maps to the Dashy web UI inside the container on the same port.
Can I enable authentication?
Yes. Configure authentication in Dashy settings or place the dashboard behind an authenticated reverse proxy.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Dashy template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
Why Self-Host Dashy?
Dashy is a highly customizable dashboard for organizing all your self-hosted services. It provides a single page where you can access every service on your homelab or server — with status monitoring, search, and a beautiful, configurable interface.
Single page to access all your self-hosted services
Highly customizable with themes, icons, and layouts
Built-in status checking for service health monitoring
Keyboard shortcuts and search for quick navigation
YAML-based configuration that's easy to version control
Dashy vs Alternatives
Dashy vs Homarr
Homarr focuses on Docker integration. Dashy is more customizable with more themes, layout options, and widgets.
Dashy vs Homepage
Homepage is widget-focused. Dashy offers more visual customization and status monitoring features.
Dashy vs Heimdall
Heimdall is basic bookmarks. Dashy adds status checks, search, widgets, and far deeper customization.
Why Deploy Dashy with Server Compass?
Server Compass deploys Dashy with persistent configuration storage so your dashboard layout and settings survive container updates. A perfect first thing to deploy on any new server.
Download Server CompassAfter Deployment
After deploying Dashy with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
1
Access the dashboard
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Configure sections and items in the UI
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Customize theme and layout
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Dashy FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Dashy
How do I deploy Dashy with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Dashy 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 Dashy?
Dashy requires a minimum of 128MB 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 Dashy data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Dashy backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Dashy to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Dashy image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Dashy free to self-host?
Dashy 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 Dashy?
Download Server Compass and deploy Dashy to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
Download Server Compass