Community Edition Walkthrough

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

Community Edition

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.

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~88 min total Free for personal use

Prefer not to run a server?

ControlBird Cloud is the same product, hosted for you and also free for personal use.

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 stack with Docker Compose.

3

Access the UI

1 min

Open the web interface and claim your node in the setup wizard.

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

View Historical Data

3 min

Query time-series data and analyze trends with the Historian app.

9

Monitor Alarms

3 min

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

10

Manage Users

4 min

Control access with roles and permissions for your team members.

11

Advanced Access Control

6 min

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

12

Write Scripts

5 min

Extend automation with custom Go programs for advanced logic.

13

Logs & Diagnostics

4 min

Monitor service health, debug communications, and troubleshoot issues.

14

Build Dashboards

5 min

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

15

Visual Design Tools

8 min

Create reusable models, device faceplates, and system schematics.

16

Kiosk & Location Displays

5 min

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

17

Customize Appearance

4 min

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

18

Configuration Management

5 min

Snapshot your configuration, compare changes, and restore with undo.

19

Audio Output

4 min

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

20

Service Fault Tolerance

5 min

Understand how services automatically fail over to keep your system running with high availability.

21

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 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

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