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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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FileBrowser
Infrastructure64MB+ RAM
Web-based file manager with sharing, editing, and user management
filesmanagerweb-uisharing
Deploy FileBrowser in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select FileBrowser
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy FileBrowser on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the FileBrowser template in Server Compass to deploy a web-based file manager on your VPS, then verify the login page 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 FileBrowser
Use the template picker search to find FileBrowser in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the FileBrowser template
Choose the FileBrowser template. Server Compass fills the web service, persistent file and database volumes, and public port.
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Step 5Review the FileBrowser settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named filebrowser-demo and used host port 3001.
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Step 6Deploy FileBrowser
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the FileBrowser 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 FileBrowser image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm FileBrowser is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the FileBrowser app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open FileBrowser in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The FileBrowser login page confirms the file manager service is reachable.
After FileBrowser Opens
- Log in with the default admin account from the template notes and change the password immediately.
- Use a VPN, IP allowlist, firewall rule, or authenticated reverse proxy for production access.
- Create user accounts with only the file permissions they need.
- Back up the FileBrowser data and database volumes before moving or replacing the VPS.
- Use HTTPS before uploading real files through the browser.
- Keep the FileBrowser image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The FileBrowser login page loaded successfully from the deployed container.
FileBrowser deployment questions
What does the FileBrowser template deploy?
It deploys the FileBrowser container with persistent file and database volumes plus a public web port.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 3001, which maps to the FileBrowser web UI on container port 80.
What are the default credentials?
The template notes list the default account as admin with password admin. Change it immediately after first login.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the FileBrowser template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
Why Self-Host FileBrowser?
FileBrowser provides a web-based file management interface for your server. Self-hosting gives you a Dropbox-like experience for browsing, uploading, sharing, and editing files on your VPS — without sending data to any cloud service.
Browse and manage server files from any web browser
Upload, download, and share files with shareable links
Built-in text editor for quick file modifications
Multi-user support with per-user home directories
Extremely lightweight — runs on just 64MB RAM
FileBrowser vs Alternatives
FileBrowser vs Nextcloud
Nextcloud is a full suite. FileBrowser is a simple, fast file manager when you just need to browse and share files.
FileBrowser vs Filestash
Filestash connects to external backends. FileBrowser manages local server files directly with minimal overhead.
FileBrowser vs SSH/SCP
FileBrowser provides a web UI for file management that non-technical users can use without terminal access.
Why Deploy FileBrowser with Server Compass?
Server Compass deploys FileBrowser with just 64MB RAM. It's the lightest file manager you can run, perfect for quickly giving yourself or your team web access to server files.
Download Server CompassAfter Deployment
After deploying FileBrowser with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Log in with default credentials (admin/admin)
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Change the default password
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Configure users and permissions
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
FileBrowser FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting FileBrowser
How do I deploy FileBrowser with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select FileBrowser 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 FileBrowser?
FileBrowser requires a minimum of 64MB 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 FileBrowser data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard FileBrowser backup and restore procedures.
How do I update FileBrowser to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest FileBrowser image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is FileBrowser free to self-host?
FileBrowser 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 FileBrowser?
Download Server Compass and deploy FileBrowser to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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