APBoard v3 · Documentation
Documentation

Everything you need to install, configure and run APBoard. Explained in full, even for complete beginners.

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APBoard v3 Documentation

This guide explains how to install, configure, update and operate APBoard v3. It is written for people who may be using Docker, Apache, nginx or MariaDB for the first time.

Which installation should you choose?

Use Docker if you have your own server or VPS. Docker brings the correct PHP, Apache and MariaDB setup with it. Use the plain web server installation if you already have working hosting with Apache or nginx, PHP 8.5 and a MySQL compatible database.

The two supported installation paths

Docker installation

APBoard runs in two containers: one app container with PHP 8.5 and Apache, and one MariaDB 10.6 database container. The app container creates config.php, installs Composer dependencies when needed, prepares asset links and creates the first admin account.

  • Best choice for a VPS or dedicated server
  • No manual PHP or Apache setup inside the host system
  • Works well behind Traefik for automatic HTTPS
  • Uses deploy/.env as the central configuration file
Read the Docker guide
Plain web server installation

APBoard is copied to a normal web space. Apache or nginx serves only the public/ directory. The browser based setup wizard imports the database, writes config.php and creates the first admin account.

  • Works with Apache or nginx
  • Requires PHP 8.5 and required PHP extensions
  • Requires MariaDB 10.6 or MySQL 8.0
  • Uses /setup/ for the first installation
Read the plain server guide

Read in this order

Page What it explains
Prerequisites Server, domain, SSH, database, PHP requirements and basic terms.
Docker installation Install Docker, clone APBoard, configure .env, start containers and verify the forum.
Plain web server installation Install on Apache or nginx with PHP and MariaDB or MySQL, then run the web setup wizard.
Configuration Every setting in .env and config.php, including SMTP, URL and database values.
Getting started First login, categories, boards, legal pages, mail testing and launch checks.
Update APBoard Backups, Docker updates, plain server updates and how automatic migrations work.
Troubleshooting Common installation, routing, database, permission, mail and update problems.

Where to get APBoard

The APBoard source code is hosted on the project's own Forgejo server. Docker installations usually clone the Git repository. Plain web server installations should use a release ZIP that already contains vendor/.

Open APBoard on Forgejo

Important security rule

Never point your web server at the APBoard root directory. The public web root is always public/. Files such as config.php, engine/, libs/ and setup/mysql/ must not be reachable in a browser.

Next Prerequisites