Lowdefy

Self-Hosted

Open-source low-code platform for building internal tools fast

Overview

Lowdefy is an open-source low-code platform designed to help teams build internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and workflows without writing complex code. It uses YAML configuration files to define UIs (with drag-and-drop support), connect to databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL) and APIs (REST, GraphQL), and automate processes. Deployable via Docker on any server, Kubernetes cluster, or cloud platform (AWS, GCP, Azure), it eliminates frontend/backend development cycles, enabling teams to ship tools in hours instead of weeks. It supports role-based access control (RBAC), custom components, and integrates with tools like Slack, GitHub, and more.

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

Key Features

YAML-driven no-code configuration
Seamless integration with databases & APIs
Docker-based self-hosting
Role-based access control (RBAC)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Lowdefy hard to install?

Lowdefy is easy to install using Docker—just pull the official image and run it with your YAML config file. For cloud deployment, you can use Kubernetes or managed services like AWS ECS, GCP Cloud Run, or Azure Container Instances.

? Is it a good alternative to Retool?

Yes! Lowdefy is a strong open-source alternative to Retool for teams wanting to avoid subscription costs and keep data on their own servers. It offers similar core features (database/API connections, internal tool building) though Retool has a larger plugin ecosystem.

? Is it completely free?

Yes! Lowdefy is licensed under the MIT License, meaning it’s 100% free to use, modify, and self-host without any hidden costs or paid tiers.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Software Development - IDE & Tools

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting
⊕ Reduces internal tool development time
⊕ 100% free and open-source

Cons

⊖ YAML learning curve for advanced setups
⊖ Limited to internal tools (not customer-facing apps)
⊖ Requires basic Docker knowledge for deployment