Click Generate to create compose file
Visual Docker Compose generator. Add services, configure ports, environment variables, volumes, and dependencies to generate ready-to-use compose files.
What is Docker Compose Generator?
Docker Compose is a tool for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. A compose file (docker-compose.yml) specifies services, networks, and volumes in YAML format. This visual generator helps you create compose files without manually writing YAML - perfect for setting up development environments, microservices, and containerized applications quickly.
How to Use
- Set the compose version (3.8 recommended for modern features)
- Add services with names and Docker images
- Configure port mappings (host:container)
- Set environment variables for each service
- Define volumes for persistent data
- Set dependencies between services
- Generate and copy the YAML file
Why Use This Tool?
Tips & Best Practices
- Use 'Load Sample' to see a full stack example
- Set restart: always for production services
- Mount volumes for database persistence
- Use depends_on to control startup order
- Port format is host_port:container_port
- Alpine images (nginx:alpine) are smaller
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Docker Compose?
Docker Compose is a tool for defining multi-container applications in a single YAML file. Instead of running multiple docker run commands, you define all services in docker-compose.yml and start them with docker compose up. It handles networking, volumes, and dependencies automatically.
What compose version should I use?
Version 3.8 is recommended for modern Docker features. Version 3.x supports Docker Swarm mode, healthchecks, and modern networking. Version 2.4 works for older setups without Swarm features. Most modern applications use 3.8.
How do port mappings work?
Port mapping format is host_port:container_port. The host port is exposed on your machine (localhost:8080), the container port is what the app listens on internally. Map different host ports when running multiple services on the same port (e.g., 3001:3000, 3002:3000).
What are volumes for?
Volumes persist data beyond container lifetime. Without volumes, database data disappears when containers restart. Map host paths (./data:/var/lib/postgresql/data) for development, or named volumes (postgres_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data) for production persistence.
What restart policies mean?
'always' restarts on any failure or system reboot. 'unless-stopped' restarts unless explicitly stopped. 'on-failure' restarts only on error (with exit code). 'no' never restarts automatically. Use 'always' for production services.
How do I run the compose file?
Save the generated YAML as docker-compose.yml, then run 'docker compose up' in the same directory. Add '-d' for detached mode (background). Use 'docker compose down' to stop and remove containers. 'docker compose logs' shows all service logs.