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Server installation

This section describes how to install Canvus server for the first time. If you are updating an existing installation, see updating.

The recommended deployment method is using containers (Podman or Docker). Containers bundle all dependencies, simplify upgrades, and work consistently across Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Setting up a containerised Canvus server involves the following steps:

  1. Install Podman (recommended) or Docker on your host machine.
  2. Download the compose file from the MultiTaction registry.
  3. Configure the deployment by editing podman-compose.yml.
  4. Start the services with podman-compose up -d (or docker compose up -d if using Docker).
  5. Activate your license — see server-licensing.

See the platform guide for your operating system:

Bare-metal installation (legacy)

Legacy deployment method

Bare-metal installation (.deb / .exe) is a legacy deployment method. New deployments should use containers. Existing bare-metal installations must migrate to containers to receive current and future Canvus versions. See migrating to containers.