WriteFreely

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, open-source blogging platform for minimalist writers

Overview

WriteFreely is a privacy-centric, minimalist blogging platform built for writers who want full control over their content. It supports markdown, custom domains, and federation via ActivityPub (connecting to the Fediverse). Deployable via Docker, binaries, or source code, it runs on low-resource servers (even Raspberry Pi) making self-hosting accessible. Features include draft saving, theme customization, public/private posts, and no intrusive tracking. Ideal for personal blogs, journals, or collaborative writing spaces, it prioritizes speed and simplicity over bloated tools, avoiding third-party dependencies.

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

Key Features

Markdown editing
ActivityPub federation
Custom domain support
Low-resource server compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is WriteFreely hard to install?

No—WriteFreely offers simple deployment options like Docker (one-command setup), pre-built binaries, or source code. Official docs provide clear steps for self-hosting on low-resource servers, including Raspberry Pi.

? Is it a good alternative to Medium?

Yes—WriteFreely gives full content control (no algorithmic feeds or ads) and federation to reach the Fediverse, unlike Medium's paywalls and content ownership restrictions. It’s ideal for writers wanting privacy and independence.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—WriteFreely is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host. There are no subscription fees; only optional server hosting costs if you choose to self-host.

Top Alternatives

Medium Search Google

WordPress.com Search Google

Substack Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Blogging Platforms

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no ads/tracking)
⊕ Minimalist, distraction-free interface
⊕ Fediverse integration for wider reach
⊕ Easy deployment via Docker

Cons

⊖ Limited advanced features (e.g., no built-in comments)
⊖ Basic theme customization options
⊖ Requires server setup for self-hosting