Five-minute self-host

Want accounts and data on your machine or intranet? Bring the stack up with Docker Compose, then smoke-test Save version.

Not sure yet? Try the live Demo (no login) or Compare first.

Goal: Run ERD Online locally or on a private network.
Prereq: Docker + Compose; 2C4G recommended. Full options: Deployment.

Steps

git clone https://github.com/erdonline/erdonline.git
cd erdonline
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d

1. Wait until healthy: docker compose ps; on failure docker compose logs -f backend.
2. Open the frontend mapped port in a browser (default 8000—follow your compose file).
3. Register / sign in → create a project → smoke-test with Save a version and view the diff.

What success looks like

• docker compose ps shows mysql / redis / backend / frontend running (or equivalent healthy).
• The browser reaches login or the workbench—not a gateway 502.
• A new project opens the designer and can Save version.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Try
Port in use	Remap compose ports, or stop whatever holds 8000/9502
Backend restart loop	Backend logs: often waiting on MySQL or wrong password/db name
Image pull failed	Network access to GHCR; or build locally per deployment docs
Default passwords in prod	Change them; use read-only DB users for reverse engineering
Need Agent / MCP	MCP is not in the default compose. Self-host: set ERD_API_URL to http://127.0.0.1:9502, then API and MCP. Pick prompt suggest-erd-version. create_version API 200 is not human approval. The public Demo is not a PAT

Next

• Deeper topologies & cloud: Deployment
• Let Cursor read the local diagram, then suggest a version: MCP guide — prompt suggest-erd-version; ERD_API_URL=http://127.0.0.1:9502
• Bring models in: Import DBML · Reverse engineer
• Start here