Where can I host Desk, and what do I need?
Updated
Anywhere that can run one small app with a persistent disk and HTTPS: a VPS, Docker on your own server, or a managed host like Fly.io, Render or Railway. Serverless platforms don't fit, because Desk needs a disk that survives restarts.
Which hosting options are documented?#
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu server | A VPS you control, even a 512 MB one. HTTPS is set up for you |
| Docker Compose | Any server with Docker, with automatic HTTPS |
| Fly.io | Managed hosting from the command line |
| Render | Managed hosting from a link (paid instance type) |
| Railway | Managed hosting with automatic updates |
| By hand | Other Linux systems |
What does every setup need?#
- HTTPS: dashboard sign-in only works over HTTPS.
- One instance: never run two copies against the same data.
- A persistent disk: your articles, settings and database live in one data folder.
- A ModelRiver API key, and the
support_assistantworkflow imported and published Live. Without it, every answer fails. - Two secrets you create once and keep, used to protect connector keys and sign visitor identities.
Memory: 512 MB to run, about 1 GB while building from source.
Why not Vercel or other serverless hosts?#
They don't keep files between requests, so Desk's data would disappear. Cloudflare Containers reset the disk when a container sleeps, for the same reason.
How do I update Desk?#
Each option has update steps, by hand or on a schedule. See Updating Desk.
Can ModelRiver host Desk for me?#
Yes, if you'd rather not run it yourself. Contact us and we'll talk through what you need.