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Setting Up Joplin Server with Docker Compose

Introduction to Joplin Server

Joplin Server acts as a self-hosted synchronization server for Joplin notes. It allows you to synchronize your notes across multiple devices securely and privately.

Docker Compose Configuration for Joplin Server

This Docker Compose setup deploys Joplin Server along with a PostgreSQL database, ensuring a robust and isolated environment for your notes.

Docker Compose File (docker-compose.yml)

version: '3'
services:
    db:
        image: postgres:16
        volumes:
            - ./data/postgres:/var/lib/postgresql/data
        ports:
            - "5432:5432"
        restart: unless-stopped
        environment:
            - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=testing123
            - POSTGRES_USER=joplin
            - POSTGRES_DB=joplindb
    app:
        image: joplin/server:latest
        depends_on:
            - db
        ports:
            - "22300:22300"
        restart: unless-stopped
        environment:
            - APP_PORT=22300
            - APP_BASE_URL=http://192.168.68.105:22300
            - DB_CLIENT=pg
            - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=testing123
            - POSTGRES_DATABASE=joplindb
            - POSTGRES_USER=joplin
            - POSTGRES_PORT=5432
            - POSTGRES_HOST=db

Key Components of the Configuration

Services:

db (PostgreSQL):

  • Stores Joplin Server data.

  • Ports: Exposes PostgreSQL on port 5432.

  • Environment: Configures the database credentials and database name.

app (Joplin Server):

  • The main Joplin Server application.

  • Ports: Exposes Joplin Server on port 22300.

  • Environment: Configures the application to communicate with the PostgreSQL database.

Initial Login Credentials

Username:
admin@localhost
Password:
admin

These are the default login credentials for Joplin Server upon the first run. It's strongly recommended to change these credentials after your initial login to ensure the security of your instance.

Deployment Instructions

  1. Prepare Environment.

  2. Create a directory named data on your host to ensure data persistence for PostgreSQL.

  3. Ensure your .env file or Docker Compose environment variables are correctly set.

  4. Launch Services.

  5. Use Docker Compose to start the services:

docker compose up -d
  1. After startup, Joplin Server will be accessible at the APP_BASE_URL you've configured, e.g., http://192.168.68.105:22300.

Initial Setup and Synchronization Configuration

After successfully deploying Joplin Server and logging in with the default credentials (admin@localhost / admin), it's important to secure your instance and configure your Joplin applications (desktop, mobile) to synchronize with your self-hosted server.

Secure Your Joplin Server Instance

  • Change Admin Credentials: Navigate to the settings through the Joplin Server web interface. Update the admin username and password to secure your Joplin Server instance.

Configure Synchronization in Joplin Applications

To synchronize your Joplin notes across devices using your self-hosted Joplin Server:

  1. Open Joplin Application Settings: On each Joplin application (desktop or mobile), go to the settings or configuration section.

  2. Select Synchronization Target:

    • Find the Synchronization settings.
    • Under Synchronization target, select Joplin Server from the dropdown menu.

  3. Enter Server URL:

    • In the URL field, enter your Joplin Server's URL, which is the APP_BASE_URL you set in your Docker Compose file (e.g., http://192.168.68.105:22300).

  4. Input Credentials:

    • Enter the username and password you have set for your Joplin Server admin account.

  5. Apply Changes: Click Apply, OK, or similar to save your synchronization settings.

  6. Initiate Synchronization: Use the synchronize button or feature within your Joplin application to start syncing your notes with your self-hosted Joplin Server.

By following these steps, you will have configured your Joplin applications to synchronize with your self-hosted Joplin Server, ensuring that your notes are up-to-date across all your devices. This setup provides a private and secure way to manage and sync your notes.