qpixel

Self-Hosted

Open-source Q&A platform powering Stack Exchange communities

Overview

qpixel is an open-source Q&A platform designed for structured knowledge-sharing communities. It powers Stack Exchange sites like Stack Overflow, offering core features such as reputation systems, badges, voting, moderation tools, and customizable community rules. It supports self-hosting via Docker containers or traditional deployment, enabling full control over data privacy and governance. Ideal for technical teams, niche communities, or organizations looking to build a scalable Q&A hub with proven community management capabilities.

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

Key Features

Reputation and badge-based incentive system
Voting and moderation workflows
Customizable community policies and rules
Responsive mobile interface
API access for extending functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is qpixel hard to install?

qpixel offers Docker-based deployment which simplifies basic setup, but production environments require configuring PostgreSQL, Redis, and scaling considerations. Technical expertise in server management and containerization is recommended for a smooth deployment.

? Is it a good alternative to Quora?

Yes—qpixel is ideal for communities seeking full control over their data and rules, unlike Quora’s hosted, ad-supported model. It provides structured Q&A with moderation tools, making it better suited for niche or technical communities needing tailored governance.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—qpixel is licensed under the MIT License, so it’s free to download, self-host, modify, and distribute without any licensing fees or subscriptions.

Top Alternatives

Quora (proprietary hosted Q&A) Search Google

AnswerHub (proprietary enterprise Q&A) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data control via self-hosting
⊕ Open-source (modify and customize freely)
⊕ Proven scalability (used by Stack Exchange)
⊕ Robust moderation and community management tools

Cons

⊖ Requires technical expertise for setup (Docker/DB config)
⊖ Steep learning curve for advanced customization
⊖ Limited pre-built templates for non-technical users