Deploying your first Docker container with Hostinger's Docker manager is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from accessing the Docker manager to running your first containerized application.
Before you begin, ensure you have:
A Hostinger VPS with Docker template installed
Either a Docker Compose file or a URL to a Docker Compose repository
Step 1: Access Docker manager
Log in to your Hostinger control panel
Navigate to your VPS dashboard
Click on Docker Manager in the left sidebar
You'll see the main Docker manager interface with options to deploy your first application.
Step 2: Choose your deployment method
Docker manager offers two deployment methods:
Option A: Compose from URL (recommended for beginners)
Perfect for deploying pre-configured applications from GitHub, GitLab, or other repositories.
Click the Compose from URL button
In the URL field, paste your Docker Compose file URL
Example:
https://github.com/username/project/docker-compose.yml
The system supports GitHub, GitLab, and direct links to Docker Compose files
Option B: Compose manually
Ideal when you want to write or paste your Docker Compose configuration directly.
Click the Compose manually button
You'll see a form-based editor to configure your container
Step 3: Configure your container
When using manual compose:
Project name: Enter a descriptive name for your project
Example:
my-wordpress-siteornodejs-api
Container settings:
Container name: Give your container a unique identifier
Image: Specify the Docker image (e.g.,
nginx:latest,wordpress:6.0)Ports: Map container ports to VPS ports
Format:
VPS-port:Container-portExample:
8080:80(access container's port 80 via VPS port 8080)
Volumes (optional):
Add persistent storage for your container data
Example:
/home/mydata:/var/www/html
Environment variables (optional):
Set configuration variables
Common examples:
NODE_ENV=productionPORT=3000
Restart policy:
Choose from the dropdown:
always: Container restarts automaticallyunless-stopped: Restarts unless manually stoppedon-failure: Restarts only on errorsno: No automatic restart
Step 4: Review your configuration
The right panel shows a live preview of your Docker Compose YAML configuration. This helps you:
Verify your settings are correct
Understand the Docker Compose format
Make quick edits if needed
Step 5: Deploy your container
Once satisfied with your configuration, click the Deploy button
Docker manager will:
Validate your configuration
Pull the required Docker images
Create and start your containers
Set up networking and volumes
Deployment typically takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on image size.
Step 6: Verify your deployment
After successful deployment, you'll be redirected to the projects list where you can see:
Your project name with a green "Running" status
Container details including:
Container ID
Port mappings
Current status
Step 7: Access your application
To access your deployed application:
Note the port mapping from your container settings
Open your browser and navigate to:
http://your-vps-ip:portExample:
http://123.45.67.89:8080
Managing your deployment
From the projects list, you can:
Edit: Modify container configuration
Stop/Start: Control container state
Delete: Remove the entire project
Remember, Docker manager is designed to make container deployment simple. Start with basic deployments and gradually explore more advanced features as you become comfortable with the platform.