Dotclear

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted blogging platform with multi-blog and RSS support

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Overview

Dotclear is a lightweight, open-source blogging platform built for self-hosting. It supports multiple blogs from one instance, RSS/Atom feeds, markdown/WYSIWYG editing, and user roles (admin, editor, contributor). Built with PHP, it works with MySQL/MariaDB or SQLite. Deployment is simple via Docker or manual setup on a PHP-enabled server. It emphasizes privacy, customization via themes/plugins, and open web standards—ideal for individuals or small teams wanting full control over their content without third-party reliance.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE 

version: '3'
services:
  dotclear:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: dotclear
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

  • Multi-blog management from a single instance
  • Markdown and WYSIWYG content editing
  • RSS/Atom feed generation
  • Customizable themes and plugins

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Dotclear hard to install?

Dotclear is relatively easy to install. You can use Docker for a quick containerized setup, or manually install it on a web server with PHP 7.4+ and a supported database (MySQL/MariaDB or SQLite). Official documentation provides clear step-by-step guides for both methods.

? Is Dotclear a good alternative to WordPress?

Yes, Dotclear is an excellent alternative for users prioritizing blogging-specific features over a full CMS. It’s lighter, faster, and has fewer security risks due to its smaller footprint. However, it lacks WordPress’s extensive plugin library, so it’s better suited for focused blogging needs.

? Is Dotclear completely free?

Yes, Dotclear is 100% open source under the GNU GPL v2 license. It’s free to download, use, modify, and self-host—there are no paid tiers or hidden costs for core features.

Top Alternatives

WordPress.com Search Google
Medium Search Google

People Also Ask about Dotclear

Dotclear vs WordPress.comDotclear vs Medium Dotclear 2025 review Dotclear docker-compose example

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source
Category Blogging Platforms
Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

  • ⊕ Full control over content and privacy (self-hosted)
  • ⊕ Lightweight and fast performance compared to heavy CMSes
  • ⊕ Multi-user role support for collaborative blogging

Cons

  • ⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for manual installation
  • ⊖ Smaller plugin ecosystem than WordPress

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