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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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TrailBase
Database256MB+ RAM
SQLite-backed Backend-as-a-Service with auth, APIs, and admin UI
databasesqltrailbaseopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy TrailBase in 3 Steps
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Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
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Select TrailBase
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 TrailBase on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the TrailBase template in Server Compass to deploy a SQLite-backed Backend-as-a-Service with auth, REST APIs, and an admin UI on your VPS, then verify the admin interface 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 TrailBase
Use the template picker search to find TrailBase in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the TrailBase template
Choose the TrailBase template. Server Compass fills the TrailBase service, SQLite-backed data volume, public URL setting, and public web port.
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Step 5Review the TrailBase settings
Confirm the app name, PUBLIC_URL, persistent data volume, and compose service. In this run, the app was named trailbase-demo and used host port 4264.
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Step 6Deploy TrailBase
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the TrailBase 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 TrailBase image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm TrailBase is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the TrailBase app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open TrailBase in the browser
Open the admin URL in a browser. The TrailBase admin interface confirms the Backend-as-a-Service is reachable.
After TrailBase Opens
- Create the initial admin account from the admin UI before exposing the service to other users.
- Define your first tables, auth settings, and REST API collections through the admin interface.
- Update PUBLIC_URL when moving from the raw VPS IP to a production domain.
- Put TrailBase behind HTTPS before using auth flows, API keys, or production client applications.
- Back up the trailbase_data volume because it stores the SQLite database and application state.
- Keep the TrailBase image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The TrailBase admin interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
TrailBase deployment questions
What does the TrailBase template deploy?
It deploys TrailBase as a single container with a persistent data volume for its SQLite database, auth configuration, admin UI, and generated APIs.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4264, which maps to TrailBase inside the container on port 4000.
Does TrailBase need setup after deployment?
Yes. Open the admin UI after deployment, create the initial admin account, then define tables, auth providers, and API access for your application.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the TrailBase template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying TrailBase with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Open the admin UI at http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:{{PORT}}/_/admin
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Create the initial admin account
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Define tables and APIs through the admin UI
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Configure authentication providers (email, OAuth, etc.)
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Generate API keys and integrate with your client applications
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
TrailBase FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting TrailBase
How do I deploy TrailBase with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select TrailBase 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 TrailBase?
TrailBase 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 TrailBase data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard TrailBase backup and restore procedures.
How do I update TrailBase to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest TrailBase image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is TrailBase free to self-host?
TrailBase 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 TrailBase?
Download Server Compass and deploy TrailBase to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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