TrailBase

Self-Hosted

Open-source low-code platform for building internal tools and workflows

Overview

TrailBase is an open-source low-code solution designed to help teams create internal tools, admin panels, and automated workflows without extensive coding. It supports connecting to databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL), APIs, and third-party services, with a drag-and-drop interface for designing UIs. Deployment is flexible—run via Docker, Kubernetes, or on your own server. Features include role-based access control (RBAC), real-time updates, and custom script support for advanced use cases, making it ideal for streamlining tool creation and reducing time-to-market for internal solutions.

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

Key Features

Drag-and-drop UI builder for internal tools
Seamless integration with databases and APIs
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Flexible deployment via Docker/Kubernetes

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is TrailBase hard to install?

TrailBase is easy to install using Docker—just pull the official image and run it with a few commands. For production, it supports Kubernetes or manual deployment on a VPS, with step-by-step guides in the documentation to simplify setup.

? Is it a good alternative to Retool?

Yes—TrailBase offers core features like UI building and integrations similar to Retool but is open-source and self-hosted, making it perfect for teams prioritizing data privacy and avoiding subscription costs. However, Retool has more pre-built integrations and a larger user base.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—TrailBase is licensed under MIT, so you can use, modify, and self-host it without any licensing fees. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs for core functionality.

Top Alternatives

Retool Search Google

Bubble Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Software Development - Low Code

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Self-hosted for full data privacy
⊕ No subscription fees (100% open-source)
⊕ Supports custom code for advanced workflows
⊕ Wide range of data source connections

Cons

⊖ Fewer pre-built templates than SaaS alternatives like Retool
⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for production deployment
⊖ Smaller community compared to mainstream low-code platforms