APBoard v3 · Documentation

Documentation

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

APBoard Documentation

APBoard v3 Documentation

Everything you need to install, configure and run APBoard on your server. Whether you are completely new to server administration or an experienced developer – you will find the right starting point here.

Recommendation for beginners

If you have never administered a server before, start with What you need and then follow the Docker installation guide. Docker is the easiest way – you don’t need to manually configure PHP, Apache or a database.

Installation paths

Docker (recommended)

APBoard runs in isolated containers. PHP, Apache and the database are set up automatically. No manual configuration, no version chaos.

  • Ideal for own servers and VPS
  • Automatic HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt
  • Easy updates with 2 commands
  • No prior knowledge of PHP/Apache required
Docker guide
LAMP server (classic)

Classic installation directly on a Linux server with Apache, PHP and MariaDB. Well suited for shared hosting or if you already have a configured LAMP stack.

  • Works on shared hosting
  • Graphical web installer
  • Full control over the configuration
  • Requires PHP 8.5 on the server
LAMP guide

All topics at a glance

Page What you’ll find there
Prerequisites Server, domain, SSH – what you need to have and know before installation
Installation with Docker Full step-by-step guide: install Docker, clone repository, configure .env, start
Installation on LAMP Classic installation: upload files, create database, configure Apache, web installer
.env & config.php All configuration options in detail: database, SMTP, admin account, security
Getting started First login, set up forum structure, create categories and boards
Update APBoard How to update to new APBoard versions (Docker and LAMP)
Troubleshooting Common problems and their solutions

Download the code

APBoard v3 is open source (GPL-3.0). You can find the source code and all releases on GitLab:

gitlab.apboard.de/app/apboard3

Under Releases you’ll find the current release ZIP (for LAMP installation) as well as the option to clone the repository (for Docker installation or developers).