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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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Focalboard
Application512MB+ RAM
Open source, self-hosted alternative to Trello, Notion, and Asana — project management with kanban boards
applicationpmfocalboardopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy Focalboard in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select Focalboard
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 Focalboard on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Focalboard template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted kanban and project board app on your VPS, then verify the sign-up page loads.
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 Focalboard
Use the template picker search to find Focalboard in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Focalboard template
Choose the Focalboard template. Server Compass fills the single-container board service, persistent data volume, and public web port.
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Step 5Review the Focalboard settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named focalboard-demo and used host port 4105.
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Step 6Deploy Focalboard
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the Focalboard 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 Focalboard image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Focalboard is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Focalboard app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open Focalboard in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The Focalboard sign-up page confirms the board workspace app is reachable.
After Focalboard Opens
- Create the first account immediately; the first signup becomes the admin.
- Use HTTPS before inviting teammates.
- Back up the Focalboard data volume because it stores boards and cards.
- Disable open signups after your team has registered if the instance is public.
- Create a harmless test workspace before moving real project data.
- Restrict access with a reverse proxy, VPN, or firewall for production use.
- Keep the Focalboard image updated for application and dependency fixes.
Verified Result
The Focalboard web interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
Focalboard deployment questions
What does the Focalboard template deploy?
It deploys Focalboard as a single-container kanban, card, and workspace app with persistent storage.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4105, which maps to the Focalboard web UI on container port 8000.
Does Focalboard need setup after deployment?
Sign up as the first user, create a test team or workspace, and add a harmless board before inviting teammates.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Focalboard template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying Focalboard with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Visit the application URL
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Create your account (the first signup becomes admin)
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Create your first team and workspace
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Invite teammates from the workspace switcher
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Focalboard FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Focalboard
How do I deploy Focalboard with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Focalboard 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 Focalboard?
Focalboard requires a minimum of 512MB 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 Focalboard data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Focalboard backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Focalboard to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Focalboard image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Focalboard free to self-host?
Focalboard 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 Focalboard?
Download Server Compass and deploy Focalboard to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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