PmWiki

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, self-hosted wiki for simple collaborative content management

Overview

PmWiki is a lightweight, file-based self-hosted wiki designed for easy collaborative content management. It requires no database, making deployment straightforward: just upload files to a PHP-enabled server and configure basic settings. Key features include fine-grained access control (page/group permissions), page history with diff tracking, customizable skins, and a large library of plugins for extending functionality (e.g., forms, calendars, and search tools). Ideal for teams, personal knowledge bases, or organizational docs, it balances simplicity with flexibility for both beginners and advanced users.

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

Key Features

File-based storage (no database required)
Fine-grained access control (page/group permissions)
Extensible via plugins and custom skins
Page history and diff tracking
Simple PHP server deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is PmWiki hard to install?

No—PmWiki is one of the easiest self-hosted wikis to install. It requires no database; just upload its files to a PHP-enabled web server, adjust a few configuration settings (like admin passwords), and it’s ready to use.

? Is it a good alternative to Confluence?

Yes, for users wanting a lightweight, cost-free alternative. While it lacks Confluence’s advanced project management tools, PmWiki excels at simple knowledge base creation with minimal overhead and no subscription fees.

? Is PmWiki completely free?

Yes—PmWiki is open source under the GNU General Public License (GPL). All core features are free, and the vast majority of community-contributed plugins and skins are also available at no cost.

Top Alternatives

Confluence Search Google

Notion Compare

SharePoint Wiki Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Wikis

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Zero database setup (low overhead)
⊕ Highly customizable with community plugins
⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting option
⊕ Lightweight and fast for small-to-medium wikis

Cons

⊖ Default UI feels less modern compared to newer wikis
⊖ File-based storage may not scale optimally for very large wikis
⊖ Requires basic PHP server knowledge for setup