HyperKitty

Self-Hosted

Web-based archiver for GNU Mailman 3 mailing lists

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Overview

HyperKitty is an open-source, user-friendly web interface for browsing and searching GNU Mailman 3 mailing list archives. It supports threaded conversations, tagging, advanced search filters (date, author, tags), and seamless integration with Mailman’s REST API. Deployable via Docker or traditional Django setups, it allows admins to manage archives and users to follow threads or subscribe/unsubscribe directly. Multilingual support and data ownership (via self-hosting) make it ideal for communities prioritizing privacy and control over their mailing list data.

Self-Hosting Resources

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

Key Features

  • Threaded conversation archiving
  • Advanced search with filters (date, author, tags)
  • Seamless GNU Mailman3 integration
  • Docker and Django deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is HyperKitty hard to install?

HyperKitty offers Docker deployment for simplified setup, though integrating with an existing Mailman3 instance requires configuring REST API access. While some technical knowledge helps, official documentation provides step-by-step guides for both Docker and Django-based installs, making it manageable for most self-hosters.

? Is HyperKitty a good alternative to proprietary mailing list archivers like Google Groups?

Yes—HyperKitty is a privacy-focused alternative that lets you self-host archives and control your data, unlike proprietary options. It integrates deeply with Mailman3, making it ideal for communities that value data ownership and want to avoid third-party platforms.

? Is HyperKitty completely free?

Yes! HyperKitty is open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPLv3), so it’s completely free to download, install, modify, and self-host without any subscription fees or hidden costs.

Top Alternatives

Google Groups Search Google
Yahoo Groups Search Google

People Also Ask about HyperKitty

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source
Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

  • Privacy-focused self-hosted data control
  • Open-source and fully customizable
  • Deep integration with GNU Mailman3

Cons

  • Requires GNU Mailman3 (not standalone)
  • Technical setup for Mailman3 integration
  • No support for non-Mailman list managers

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