Deploy and Host Docmost with one click on Railway

Docmost is a free, open-source knowledge management and documentation platform, available on Docmost GitHub. It’s designed for teams who want a self-hosted solution to organize their knowledge base, collaborate on documents, and securely store company information. With features like Docmost API, SSO, SMTP configuration, backup support, and Docker deployment, it’s an excellent self-host alternative to platforms like Notion and Confluence.

About Hosting Docmost on Railway (Self Hosting Docmost on Railway)

You can self host Docmost to keep all your documentation and notes under your full control, without relying on third-party SaaS platforms. By deploying Docmost Docker on Railway, you get the advantages of simplicity, security, and scalability. With managed databases, containerized environments, and automatic scaling, Railway makes it extremely easy to run your Docmost instance without worrying about server administration.

Why Deploy Managed Docmost on Railway

Deploying Docmost on Railway allows you to enjoy the power of self-hosting with zero system administration overhead. Railway manages your environment, scales containers as your team grows, and provides built-in monitoring and logging.

Railway vs DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean requires manual setup, server patching, and database management for Docmost self hosting. Railway removes these hurdles by offering a one-click Docmost deploy.

Railway vs Linode

Linode is great for experienced sysadmins but involves configuring SMTP, SSL, and backups yourself. With Railway, you just configure Docmost environment variables and get a working app instantly.

Railway vs Vultr

On Vultr, hosting Docmost Docker means handling OS updates, firewall rules, and Docker Compose setups. Railway makes it all managed and user-friendly.

Railway vs AWS Lightsail

Lightsail is flexible but comes with added complexity like networking, IAM roles, and scaling. Railway simplifies this with an intuitive platform tailored for app deployment.

Railway vs Hetzner

Hetzner is cost-effective but requires deep technical involvement. Railway balances cost and convenience by automating everything from backups to updates, giving you a smooth Docmost hosting experience.

Common Use Cases for Docmost

1. Company Knowledge Base: Centralize policies, workflows, and onboarding guides.
2. Team Collaboration: Multiple team members can contribute and edit documents in real time.
3. API Documentation: Use Docmost API to build technical documentation hubs.
4. Secure Internal Notes: Manage private notes with role-based access control and SSO.
5. Research and Planning: Organize projects, meeting notes, and long-term roadmaps.

Dependencies for Docmost (Knowledge Management) hosted on Railway

To host Docmost on Railway, you need:

• A PostgreSQL database
• Redis (for caching and background tasks)
• SMTP (for email invites and password resets)
• Docker container runtime

Deployment Dependencies

Railway provides managed PostgreSQL and Redis instances, while Docker ensures your Docmost instance runs consistently across environments.

Implementation Details

You’ll configure environment variables such as:

• DATABASE_URL
• REDIS_URL
• SMTP_HOST
• SMTP_USER
• SMTP_PASSWORD
• DOCMOST_SECRET_KEY

These allow Docmost to connect with storage, email systems, and authentication.

Alternatives to Docmost

Docmost vs Notion (Notion Alternative)

Notion is a popular SaaS tool with advanced UI, but your data is stored on their servers. Docmost lets you self host, keeping data private and secure.

Docmost vs Outline (Outline Alternative)

Outline is another open-source knowledge base platform. Both offer SSO, backup, and Docker support, but Docmost provides a simpler setup and lighter footprint.

Docmost vs Joplin (Joplin Alternative)

Joplin is more personal-note-focused with great mobile apps. Docmost is team-oriented, designed for collaboration and enterprise use.

Docmost vs Affine (Affine Alternative)

Affine is a new open-source Notion alternative with AI features. Docmost, on the other hand, prioritizes stability and enterprise knowledge base management.

Docmost vs Memos (Memos Alternative)

Memos is a lightweight self-hosted note-taking app. Docmost has richer collaboration, version history, and SSO support.

Docmost vs Confluence (Confluence Alternative)

Confluence is a powerful enterprise tool by Atlassian. It offers advanced integrations but comes with a steep price tag. Docmost provides a cost-effective, open-source alternative that enterprises can self host.

Docmost vs BookStack (BookStack Alternative)

BookStack is structured like a library, making it great for technical documentation but less flexible for dynamic team collaboration. Docmost balances structured documentation with flexibility.

Docmost vs MediaWiki (MediaWiki Alternative)

MediaWiki powers Wikipedia but has a steep learning curve and lacks modern UX. Docmost provides a cleaner, team-friendly interface while still being open-source.

Docmost vs Obsidian (Obisidian Alternative)

Obsidian is fantastic for personal PKM (Personal Knowledge Management), but it lacks team-first collaboration. Docmost is built for organizations that need shared spaces and user management.

How to use Docmost

After deploying Docmost on Railway:

1. Log in to the web dashboard.
2. Invite your team members via email (SMTP configured).
3. Create spaces for different teams or departments.
4. Start adding documents, projects, and notes.
5. Integrate with SSO or connect Docmost API for automation.

How to Self Host Docmost on Other VPS

Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/docmost/docmost.git

Install Dependencies

Make sure your VPS has Docker, PostgreSQL, and Redis installed.

Configure Environment Variables

Set values for DATABASE_URL, REDIS_URL, and SMTP settings.

Start with Docker Compose

docker-compose up -d

Access Docmost Dashboard

Open your server’s public URL to complete setup and invite your team.

Features of Docmost

• Open-source and available on Docmost GitHub
• SSO integration for secure logins
• SMTP support for email notifications and password resets
• API access for developers to extend functionality
• Automatic backups and restore options
• Cross-platform access including web and iOS apps
• Docker-ready for easy deployment

Official Pricing of Docmost

Docmost itself is open-source and free to self-host. Hosting costs depend on your provider. On Railway, hosting Docmost Docker typically costs $5–$10 per month for the base service, with extra charges for PostgreSQL and storage depending on usage.

Self Hosting Docmost vs Paid SaaS Platforms

Self hosting Docmost:

• Pros: Free, private, and customizable
• Cons: Requires hosting and initial setup

Paid SaaS like Notion or Confluence:

• Pros: Managed, with customer support
• Cons: Expensive, limited control over your data

Monthly Cost of Self Hosting Docmost on Railway

Expect around $5–$15/month depending on Railway plan, PostgreSQL instance size, and storage.

FAQs

What is Docmost?

Docmost is a self-hosted, open-source documentation and knowledge management platform.

How do I self host Docmost?

You can use Docmost Docker with Railway for one-click deployment, or manually set up Docker Compose with PostgreSQL and Redis.

Does Docmost support backups?

Yes, Docmost supports automatic and manual backups for disaster recovery.

Can I configure SMTP in Docmost?

Yes, SMTP configuration is supported for sending emails, invites, and password resets.

Does Docmost have mobile apps?

Docmost offers iOS support and can be accessed from any mobile browser.

How does Docmost compare to Notion?

Unlike Notion, Docmost is open-source, self-hosted, and privacy-first.

Is Docmost good for small teams?

Yes, it is lightweight and easy to set up, making it perfect for startups and small organizations.

Can Docmost be used for API documentation?

Yes, with Docmost API you can build custom documentation hubs for developers.

Does Docmost support Single Sign-On (SSO)?

Yes, Docmost supports SSO for secure enterprise authentication.

How does Railway simplify hosting Docmost?

Railway automates infrastructure, scaling, backups, and monitoring, so you only manage the app itself.

What database does Docmost use?

Docmost uses PostgreSQL as its main database and Redis for caching.

How much does it cost to self host Docmost on Railway?

Hosting costs around $5–$15/month depending on team size and usage.

Where can I find the official Docmost source code?

You can find it on the Docmost GitHub repository.

Can I migrate from Notion or Confluence to Docmost?

Yes, you can export your data from tools like Notion and import it into Docmost spaces with some configuration.

Does Docmost have community support?

Yes, Docmost has an active open-source community on GitHub and Reddit where you can ask questions and share solutions.

Does Docmost integrate with third-party apps?

Docmost supports APIs and can integrate with custom workflows or automation platforms.

Can I run Docmost without Docker?

While Docker is the recommended method, advanced users can set it up manually on a server with PostgreSQL and Redis.

Deploy Docmost now on Railway!