Manifest
Self-HostedOpen-source low-code platform for building internal tools quickly
Overview
Manifest is an open-source low-code platform designed to help teams build internal tools, dashboards, and workflow automation without extensive coding. It connects to popular databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and APIs, allowing drag-and-drop creation of CRUD apps and interactive interfaces. Deployment is straightforward via Docker, Kubernetes, or manual setup on your server, giving full control over data privacy and infrastructure. Key features include role-based access control (RBAC), custom JavaScript scripting for advanced use cases, and team collaboration support, making it ideal for both technical and non-technical teams.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
manifest:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: manifest
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Drag-and-drop low-code interface for internal tools
- Database & API integration (PostgreSQL, MySQL, APIs)
- Workflow automation & role-based access control (RBAC)
- Custom JavaScript scripting for flexibility
- Self-hosted deployment via Docker/Kubernetes
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Manifest hard to install?
Manifest is easy to install using Docker—just pull the official image and run it with minimal commands. For scalable setups, it supports Kubernetes or manual deployment. Documentation provides step-by-step guides, so even users with basic server knowledge can get it up quickly.
? Is Manifest a good alternative to Retool?
Yes—Manifest is a strong open-source alternative to Retool. It offers similar low-code features for internal tools but is self-hosted, ensuring full data control. While Retool has more pre-built integrations, Manifest’s custom scripting and open-source nature make it ideal for privacy-focused teams.
? Is Manifest completely free?
Yes—Manifest is 100% free and open-source under the MIT License. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs; you can use, modify, and self-host it without any fees.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Manifest
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data control via self-hosting
- ⊕ 100% open-source (no subscription fees)
- ⊕ Supports custom scripting for advanced needs
- ⊕ Easy deployment with Docker/Kubernetes
Cons
- ⊖ Smaller community compared to proprietary tools like Retool
- ⊖ Limited pre-built templates (growing library)
- ⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for self-hosting