Overview
DockPanel is a free, self-hosted server management panel that provides a web-based interface for managing websites, PHP, Docker applications, SSL certificates, databases, and other server services.
This guide explains how to install DockPanel on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS using the official installer.
Requirements
Before installing DockPanel, make sure your server has:
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Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
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x86_64 architecture
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Root or sudo access
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A domain or subdomain pointing to the server
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Ports 80 and 443 available
Example panel domain:
panel.example.com
Installation
Run the following command as root or a sudo-enabled user:
curl -sL https://dockpanel.dev/install.sh | sudo bash
When prompted for the panel domain, enter your domain:
panel.example.com
The installer will automatically:
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Detect the operating system and architecture
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Install required base packages
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Install and configure Docker
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Configure Nginx
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Generate application secrets
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Create the PostgreSQL database container
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Download the DockPanel binaries
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Configure systemd services
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Install PHP 8.5 with PHP-FPM
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Install Certbot
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Configure UFW firewall
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Install and configure Fail2Ban
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Provision an SSL certificate
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Configure automated PostgreSQL backups
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Perform a final health check
Installation Confirmation
After a successful installation, the installer will display information similar to:
DockPanel installed successfully!
Version: v2.98.0
Panel URL: https://panel.example.com
Open the displayed panel URL in your browser and create your administrator account.
Service Management
Check Agent Status
systemctl status dockpanel-agent
Check API Status
systemctl status dockpanel-api
View Agent Logs
journalctl -u dockpanel-agent -f
View API Logs
journalctl -u dockpanel-api -f
Restart DockPanel Services
systemctl restart dockpanel-agent dockpanel-api
DockPanel CLI
Check the current panel status:
dockpanel status
Run diagnostics:
dockpanel diagnose
View available commands:
dockpanel --help
Important Configuration Paths
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
| Configuration | /etc/dockpanel/ |
| Agent token | /etc/dockpanel/agent.token |
| API environment | /etc/dockpanel/api.env |
| Database backups | /var/backups/dockpanel/ |
| Installation log | /var/log/dockpanel-install.log |
PostgreSQL Database
DockPanel runs PostgreSQL in a Docker container.
Container name:
dockpanel-postgres
Database port:
5450
To connect to the database:
docker exec -it dockpanel-postgres psql -U dockpanel -d dockpanel
Automated Backups
DockPanel installs a PostgreSQL backup script at:
/opt/dockpanel/scripts/db-backup.sh
A daily cron job is configured automatically with a 7-day retention period.
Installed Services
A standard installation includes:
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Docker
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Nginx
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PHP 8.5 with PHP-FPM
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Certbot
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UFW
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Fail2Ban
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PostgreSQL
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DockPanel API
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DockPanel Agent
First Steps After Installation
After logging into DockPanel:
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Create your administrator account.
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Go to Sites → Create Site.
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Add your first website.
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Provision SSL using the lock icon.
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Run Diagnostics → Run Scan.
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Install additional services if required.
Optional services available from the panel include:
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Mail Server
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Roundcube Webmail
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Rspamd Spam Filter
Updating DockPanel
To update DockPanel, run:
bash /opt/dockpanel/scripts/update.sh
Troubleshooting
If the panel is not accessible, check the DockPanel services:
systemctl status dockpanel-agent
systemctl status dockpanel-api
Check recent API logs:
journalctl -u dockpanel-api -n 100 --no-pager
Check recent Agent logs:
journalctl -u dockpanel-agent -n 100 --no-pager
You can also run the built-in diagnostic tool:
dockpanel diagnose
If SSL or domain access is not working, verify that:
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The domain points to the server's public IP.
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Ports 80 and 443 are open.
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Nginx is running.
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The DockPanel API service is running.
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The SSL certificate was successfully provisioned.
Summary
DockPanel can be installed on Ubuntu 26.04 using its automated installer. The installer handles Docker, Nginx, PHP-FPM, PostgreSQL, SSL, firewall configuration, Fail2Ban, systemd services, and automated database backups.
Once installation is complete, access the panel using the configured domain:
https://panel.example.com
Replace panel.example.com with your own panel domain.
