How is NocoBase different from NocoDB?

NocoDB is spreadsheet-first: it turns any database into a smart spreadsheet grid. NocoBase is data-model-first: you define entities, relations, field types and permissions, then compose a UI on top with tables, forms, Kanban boards and charts. NocoDB excels at ad-hoc data viewing; NocoBase is better for building structured internal applications with workflows, approval chains and multi-role access control.

Does NocoBase have a REST API?

Yes. NocoBase auto-generates a REST API for every collection you create. Endpoints support filtering, sorting, pagination, field selection and relation loading. API tokens are generated per user in Settings → API Keys. You can build a mobile app, webhook integration or CI pipeline on top of any NocoBase collection without writing backend code.

Can I connect NocoBase to an existing database?

Yes. NocoBase supports multiple data sources: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB and SQLite. In Settings → Data Sources you can add a connection string to an external database and surface its tables as NocoBase collections — with full UI, permissions and API — without migrating the data. The bundled PostgreSQL in the Compose stack is used for NocoBase's own metadata only.

Is NocoBase free to self-host?

Yes. NocoBase is Apache-2.0 open-source software — free to use, modify and self-host with no per-seat fees, no subscription plans, no usage limits and no telemetry. You pay only for the ServOrbit VPS. A commercial Enterprise plan adds premium plugins (SSO, audit logs, white-label) for teams that need them.

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NocoBase

Open-source no-code/low-code — build internal tools, CRM and business apps on your VPS. Apache-2.0, 23 k+ stars, v2.1.26.

2 GB RAM 1 vCPU Port 13000 Available

Tech stack

DockerNode.jsPostgreSQL 16

Minimum RAM2 GB

Minimum CPU1 vCPU

Default port13000

Compatible OSChoice of Linux distributions

NocoBase is a scalability-first, open-source no-code/low-code platform (Apache-2.0, 23 k+ stars, v2.1.26 — released 2026-07-17) designed for developers and teams who want to build data-driven internal tools, CRM, approval workflows, inventory systems and client portals without writing a full-stack app from scratch.

Unlike spreadsheet-style no-code tools such as NocoDB or Airtable, NocoBase is data-model-first: you define entities, fields, relations and permissions, then compose a UI on top. The plugin-based architecture (80+ first-party plugins, open API) lets you extend any behaviour without forking the platform. Permissions are granular down to the field level, making it suitable for multi-tenant setups or sensitive business data.

Deployed via Docker Compose on a ServOrbit VPS (PostgreSQL 16, ~1 GB RAM at idle), NocoBase gives your team a permanent, self-hosted Retool / AppSmith alternative — without per-seat SaaS fees, without your business data leaving your infrastructure.

Key features

Data-model-first architecture — define entities, fields, relations and indexes before composing the UI on top.

80+ first-party plugins — workflows, calendars, map views, charts, file manager, Gantt, Kanban, form builder and more.

Granular field-level permissions — control who sees, edits or deletes each field, per role, per collection.

Multi-data-source connector — link multiple PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB or SQLite databases in one interface.

REST API auto-generation — every collection exposes a REST API with filtering, sorting, pagination and relation loading.

Block-based page builder — drag-and-drop tables, forms, charts, maps and action buttons onto responsive pages.

Visual workflow engine — automation builder with conditions, loops, HTTP requests and database triggers.

Apache-2.0 licence — no telemetry, no seat limits, deploy as many instances as you need.

When to use this solution?

1

CRM and sales pipeline for SMBs

Replace Notion CRM or HubSpot Starter with a fully self-hosted pipeline built in NocoBase. Model contacts, companies, deals and activities as related collections. Add a Kanban view for the pipeline stage, a form for lead capture and a role-restricted view for each sales rep — without any spreadsheet hacks. REST API lets your website or chatbot create leads programmatically. All data stays on your VPS.

2

Internal approval and request workflow

Model leave requests, purchase approvals or IT change requests as structured forms in NocoBase. The visual workflow engine routes submissions through multi-step approval chains (manager → finance → admin), sends email notifications at each step and logs every state transition. No code required — just collections, forms and workflow blocks connected in a drag-and-drop builder.

3

Inventory and asset management

Track stock, equipment, software licences or fixed assets in a structured NocoBase database with category trees, supplier relations and status fields. Add a barcode or QR field, enable CSV import/export and expose the REST API so your warehouse app or ERP can push updates in real time. Deploy on your own VPS so the data never leaves your network — critical for ISO or SOC 2 compliance.

Deploy NocoBase on your VPS

Guide optimized for ServOrbit Cloud VPS.

01

Order a ServOrbit VPS

A 2 vCPU / 2 GB RAM plan on Ubuntu 24.04 is recommended. NocoBase with PostgreSQL 16 starts comfortably under 1 GB RAM at idle; 2 GB gives headroom for active use, plugin loading and concurrent users.

02

Deploy from the Marketplace

Open your ServOrbit control panel, go to Marketplace → Development → NocoBase, and click Deploy. AWX provisions Docker, generates a secret key and database password, writes the environment file and starts the app + postgres containers. The UI is ready in about 30 seconds.

03

Create your first admin account

Navigate to http://your-vps-ip:13000. The first-run wizard prompts you to set the system language, time zone, email and password for the root admin. Once logged in, you land on the NocoBase dashboard — no database configuration needed.

04

Build your first collection

Click Settings → Data Sources → Main → Collections → Create. Add fields (text, number, date, relation, select…) and save. NocoBase immediately generates a REST API for that collection at /api/. Click UI Configuration to drag a table or form block onto your first page.

05

Invite team members

Go to Settings → Users & Permissions → Users → Add. Assign roles with field-level permissions. Each user sees only the collections and fields their role grants — useful for hiding financial data from logistics staff or restricting client portals to read-only.

Frequently asked questions

NocoBase is an open-source, self-hosted no-code/low-code platform (Apache-2.0, 23 k+ stars, v2.1.26). It lets developers and teams build internal tools, CRM, approval workflows and client portals by defining data models and composing UI blocks — without writing a full-stack app from scratch. Deployed on a ServOrbit VPS, your data never leaves your infrastructure.