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Docker is the recommended way to run Perplexica. The Docker image includes both Perplexica and SearxNG, making setup straightforward with a single command.

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Quick start

Run Perplexica with the bundled SearxNG instance: 
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 -v perplexica-data:/home/perplexica/data --name perplexica itzcrazykns1337/perplexica:latest
Once running, open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to configure your settings (API keys, models, etc.) in the setup screen.
The -v flag creates a persistent volume for your data and uploaded files. Your settings and search history will be preserved across container restarts.

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Using your own SearxNG instance

If you already have SearxNG running, use the slim version of Perplexica: 
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 -e SEARXNG_API_URL=http://your-searxng-url:8080 -v perplexica-data:/home/perplexica/data --name perplexica itzcrazykns1337/perplexica:slim-latest
Make sure your SearxNG instance has:
  • JSON format enabled in the settings
  • Wolfram Alpha search engine enabled
Replace http://your-searxng-url:8080 with your actual SearxNG URL, then configure your AI provider settings at http://localhost:3000.

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Building from source

For more control over your deployment, you can build Perplexica from source:
1

Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/ItzCrazyKns/Perplexica.git
cd Perplexica
2

Build the Docker image

docker build -t perplexica .
3

Run the container

docker run -d -p 3000:3000 -v perplexica-data:/home/perplexica/data --name perplexica perplexica
4

Configure settings

Access Perplexica at http://localhost:3000 and configure your settings in the setup screen.
After the container is built, you can start Perplexica directly from Docker Desktop or your Docker management tool without opening a terminal.

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Using Docker Compose

You can also use Docker Compose to manage your deployment:
docker-compose.yaml
services:
  perplexica:
    image: itzcrazykns1337/perplexica:latest
    ports:
      - '3000:3000'
    volumes:
      - data:/home/perplexica/data
    restart: unless-stopped

volumes:
  data:
    name: 'perplexica-data'
Run with: 
docker compose up -d

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Container configuration

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Exposed ports

  • 3000: Perplexica web interface (Next.js application)
  • 8080: SearxNG API (only in full image, not slim)

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Volume mounts

  • /home/perplexica/data: Stores application data, settings, and search history
  • /home/perplexica/uploads: Stores uploaded files (created automatically)

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Environment variables

  • SEARXNG_API_URL: SearxNG API endpoint (default: http://localhost:8080)
    • Required for slim image when using external SearxNG
    • Automatically configured in the full image

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Managing the container

docker start perplexica

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Next steps

Updating Perplexica

Keep your installation up to date

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions

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