eLabFTW

Self-Hosted

Open-source electronic lab notebook with customizable conference management workflows

Overview

eLabFTW is an open-source, web-based tool blending electronic lab notebook (ELN) functionality with adaptable conference management features. Deployable via Docker for easy self-hosting, it enables organizers to track abstract submissions, manage peer reviews, and schedule sessions. For researchers, it offers version-controlled experiment logs, team collaboration, and integration with LaTeX/Zotero. It prioritizes data ownership, compliance with academic standards, and customizable workflows—ideal for small-to-medium conferences and research teams seeking privacy-focused alternatives to proprietary tools.

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:
  elabftw:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: elabftw
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Conference abstract submission & peer review tracking
Docker-powered self-hosting for data privacy
Customizable workflows for session scheduling

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is eLabFTW hard to install?

No—eLabFTW uses Docker for deployment, simplifying setup with pre-configured containers. You just need a server with Docker and Docker Compose installed, then follow the official step-by-step guide.

? Is it a good alternative to ConfTool for conference management?

Yes, if you value data ownership and cost savings. While primarily an ELN, its customizable workflows adapt well to abstract tracking, peer reviews, and session scheduling—all without recurring fees.

? Is eLabFTW completely free?

Yes! It’s open-source under the MIT License, so you can use, modify, and self-host it for free with no hidden costs.

Top Alternatives

ConfTool Search Google

EasyChair Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Conference Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
⊕ Open-source (MIT License, no subscription fees)
⊕ Integrates with research tools like LaTeX and Zotero

Cons

⊖ Requires basic Docker/server knowledge for deployment
⊖ Conference-specific features need customization (primary use is ELN)