Community Edition Walkthrough
Self-host ControlBird with Docker and start monitoring in minutes.
Self-Hosted. Yours.
ControlBird CE runs as a Docker Compose stack on your own hardware. No cloud account needed, and it is free for personal use. Connect devices, build automations, and create dashboards, all running locally.
Walkthrough Steps
Install Docker
3 minInstall Docker on your system to run ControlBird CE.
Run ControlBird CE
2 minStart the ControlBird CE stack with Docker Compose.
Access the UI
1 minOpen the web interface and claim your node in the setup wizard.
How ControlBird Works
3 minUnderstand the architecture that makes real-time automation possible.
Explore Platform
3 minDiscover the built-in apps and how devices are organized.
Connect a Device
5 minAdd your first smart device and watch live data flow in.
Create Automation
5 minBuild a visual rule chain to react to data changes automatically.
View Historical Data
3 minQuery time-series data and analyze trends with the Historian app.
Monitor Alarms
3 minRespond to alerts and manage alarm states with the Active Alarms app.
Manage Users
4 minControl access with roles and permissions for your team members.
Advanced Access Control
6 minMaster fine-grained permissions, role hierarchy, and audit capabilities.
Write Scripts
5 minExtend automation with custom Go programs for advanced logic.
Logs & Diagnostics
4 minMonitor service health, debug communications, and troubleshoot issues.
Build Dashboards
5 minCreate custom operator interfaces with drag-and-drop layouts.
Visual Design Tools
8 minCreate reusable models, device faceplates, and system schematics.
Kiosk & Location Displays
5 minDeploy dedicated displays with auto-login and location-specific dashboards.
Customize Appearance
4 minPersonalize your interface with themes, colors, and white labeling.
Configuration Management
5 minSnapshot your configuration, compare changes, and restore with undo.
Audio Output
4 minPlay sounds from browser or server for alarm notifications and audio feedback.
Service Fault Tolerance
5 minUnderstand how services automatically fail over to keep your system running with high availability.
SMTP Email Alerts
5 minSend automated email notifications when entity values change.
By the End You'll Have
CE and Cloud
The Community Edition includes every protocol (Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, BACnet, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, and more), all visual builders, scripting, the historian, alarms, white labeling, and ControlBird AI (bring your own provider key). ControlBird Cloud is the same product hosted for you, with the cloud control plane and remote access included.
What You'll Need
Docker
Docker Engine or Docker Desktop installed
Modern Web Browser
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
IoT Device
Modbus, MQTT, or OPC UA compatible
Ready to Get Started?
Install Docker and have ControlBird running in under 5 minutes.
Begin Walkthrough