Community Edition Walkthrough

Self-host ControlBird with Docker and start monitoring in minutes.

Community Edition

Self-Hosted. Free. Yours.

ControlBird CE runs as a single Docker container on your own hardware. No cloud account needed, no subscription required. Connect devices, build automations, and create dashboards, all running locally.

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~80 min total Free & open to use

Looking for the Cloud Edition?

The Cloud edition offers managed hosting, Historian, Smart Assistant, and industrial protocols.

Cloud Walkthrough

Walkthrough Steps

1

Install Docker

3 min

Install Docker on your system to run ControlBird CE.

2

Run ControlBird CE

2 min

Start the ControlBird CE container with a single command.

3

Access the UI

1 min

Open the web interface and log in with default credentials.

4

How ControlBird Works

3 min

Understand the architecture that makes real-time automation possible.

5

Explore Platform

3 min

Discover the built-in apps and how devices are organized.

6

Connect a Device

5 min

Add your first smart device and watch live data flow in.

7

Create Automation

5 min

Build a visual rule chain to react to data changes automatically.

8

Monitor Alarms

3 min

Respond to alerts and manage alarm states with the Active Alarms app.

9

Manage Users

4 min

Control access with roles and permissions for your team members.

10

Advanced Access Control

6 min

Master fine-grained permissions, role hierarchy, and audit capabilities.

11

Write Scripts

5 min

Extend automation with custom JavaScript programs for advanced logic.

12

Logs & Diagnostics

4 min

Monitor service health, debug communications, and troubleshoot issues.

13

Build Dashboards

5 min

Create custom operator interfaces with drag-and-drop layouts.

14

Visual Design Tools

8 min

Create reusable models, device faceplates, and system schematics.

15

Kiosk & Location Displays

5 min

Deploy dedicated displays with auto-login and location-specific dashboards.

16

Customize Appearance

4 min

Personalize your interface with themes, colors, and white labeling.

17

Configuration Management

5 min

Version-control schemas and entity tree with git-like branching and validation.

18

Audio Output

4 min

Play sounds from browser or server for alarm notifications and audio feedback.

19

SMTP Email Alerts

5 min

Send automated email notifications when entity values change.

By the End You'll Have

A working ControlBird instance running on your machine
Your first device connected and sending live data
Custom automations and dashboards for your setup
The skills to expand your system with more devices and protocols

CE vs Cloud

The Community Edition includes Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, HTTP, CoAP, SMTP, all visual builders, scripting, and more. The Cloud edition adds Historian (time-series), Smart Assistant, BACnet, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, white labeling, and managed hosting.

What You'll Need

Required

Docker

Docker Engine or Docker Desktop installed

Required

Modern Web Browser

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge

Optional

IoT Device

Modbus, MQTT, or OPC UA compatible

Ready to Get Started?

Install Docker and have ControlBird running in under 5 minutes.

Begin Walkthrough