# Self-Host Trello Alternative: ‘Kan’ with Docker Support

**URL:** <https://onehack.st/t/self-host-trello-alternative-kan-with-docker-support/306245>\
**Category:** Tools & Scripts\
**Tags:** programming, self-improvement, hosting\
**Created:** [June 9, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/self-host-trello-alternative-kan-with-docker-support/306245 "2025-06-09T00:54:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SRZ](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/srz/32/146132_2.png) [@SRZ](https://onehack.st/u/SRZ)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://onehack.st/t/self-host-trello-alternative-kan-with-docker-support/306245/1 "2025-06-09T00:54:03Z")

</div>

![image](https://onehack.st/uploads/default/original/3X/6/6/663920e00a3a55e9f0d1bbbb73002e6156ec2cfe.jpeg)

### Short Introduction

Kan is a promising new open-source alternative to Trello built for self-hosting. While still in early development, it supports public boards, private workspaces, and has Docker support in progress. This tool aims to solve the problem of limited, non-flexible Kanban tools by allowing full control over your data.

### Simplified One-Line Flowchart

Visit GitHub ➔ Clone & Configure with Docker ➔ Self-Host Kan ➔ Share Public Boards or Collaborate Privately

### Easy Step-by-Step Method

**Step 1: Clone the GitHub Repository**

- Get the full source code:
  - 🔗 [https://github.com/kanbn/kan](https://github.com/kanbn/kan)

**Step 2: Preview the Live Web Version (Optional)**

- See Kan in action before deploying:
  - 🔗 [https://kan.bn](https://kan.bn)

**Step 3: Check the Roadmap**

- See which features are coming soon:
  - 🔗 [https://kan.bn/kan/roadmap](https://kan.bn/kan/roadmap)

**Step 4: Self-Host with Docker (Basic Support Available)**

- Use the provided `docker-compose.yml` file.
- ⚠ Some variables are undocumented (e.g. `POSTGRES_URL`, `EMAIL_URL`).
- Docker image is not published yet, but coming soon.

**Step 5: Make a Board Public**

- Click the “Private” button on any board.
- Your board becomes accessible at:
  - `https://kan.bn/your-workspace/your-board`

**Step 6: Customize the Board URL**

- Click the three-dot menu \> “Edit board URL”

### Quick Tips (Optional)

- ✅ Public board sharing is supported
- ✅ Docker Compose file exists (needs improvements)
- 🚫 No working screenshots or install guide yet
- 🚫 No automation or card templates yet, but planned
- 🔄 License corrected to AGPLv3 from GPLv3 after feedback

### Important Notes

- **Still in beta** — Features like automation, subtasks, and advanced auth (OIDC, SSO) are not yet available.
- **Current Limitations:**
  - No stable Docker image published yet.
  - Docker Compose file needs cleanup (uses deprecated syntax, unclear env variables).
  - No install script or “one-click” setup.

- **Community Feedback Highlights:**
  - 💡 Automations like recurring tasks, template-based cards, and triggers are highly requested.
  - 💬 Common complaint: No screenshots, no releases, not production-ready yet.
  - 🔄 Several existing open-source competitors were mentioned:
    - Vikunja: [https://vikunja.io](https://vikunja.io)
    - WeKan: [https://wekan.github.io](https://wekan.github.io)
    - Kanboard: [https://kanboard.org](https://kanboard.org)
    - Planka: [https://planka.app](https://planka.app) (debated if still open-source)
    - Nextcloud Deck: [https://apps.nextcloud.com/apps/deck](https://apps.nextcloud.com/apps/deck)

- 🎯 Creator responded positively and plans to fix shortcomings soon.