How to Install LibreDesk on Debian 12 (Using Docker Compose)

---

LibreDesk is an open-source, self-hosted customer support and helpdesk application. It provides ticketing, conversations, automation, and integrations, making it a great alternative to hosted support desk solutions.

This guide explains how to install LibreDesk on Debian 12 using Docker Compose, which is the recommended and easiest deployment method.

Update the System

---

It is always recommended to update your system packages before installing new software. This ensures you have the latest security updates and dependencies.

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Install Docker and Docker Compose

---

LibreDesk runs inside Docker containers. First, install the required dependencies and Docker packages.

apt install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release

Add Docker GPG Key

mkdir -p /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/debian/gpg | gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

Add Docker Repository

echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

Install Docker Packages

apt update
apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-compose-plugin

Enable and Start Docker

systemctl enable --now docker

Download LibreDesk Docker Files

---

Create a working directory for LibreDesk and download the required files.

mkdir -p ~/libredesk && cd ~/libredesk

Download Docker Compose and sample configuration:

curl -LO https://github.com/abhinavxd/libredesk/raw/main/docker-compose.yml
curl -LO https://github.com/abhinavxd/libredesk/raw/main/config.sample.toml

Configure LibreDesk

---

Copy the sample configuration file and edit it as needed.

cp config.sample.toml config.toml
nano config.toml

Important configuration parameters:

• db.host, db.user, db.password, db.database
• redis.address
• app.server.address

When using Docker Compose, do NOT change the database and Redis host values (db and redis) unless you are using external services.

Ensure the application listens on all interfaces:

address = "0.0.0.0:9000"

Start LibreDesk Containers

---

Start all LibreDesk services using Docker Compose:

docker compose up -d

Docker will automatically download and start the LibreDesk application, PostgreSQL, and Redis containers.

Set LibreDesk System User Password

---

After the containers are running, set the System user password:

docker exec -it libredesk_app ./libredesk --set-system-user-password

Follow the prompts to set a secure password.

Access the LibreDesk Web Interface

---

Open your web browser and navigate to:

http://Your-server-IPaddress:9000

Login using:

• Username: System
• Password: the password you just configured

If everything is configured correctly, you will see the LibreDesk dashboard.

Conclusion

---

You have successfully installed LibreDesk on Debian 12 using Docker Compose. This setup provides an easy-to-manage, scalable, and production-ready helpdesk solution.

You can now proceed with:

• Creating teams and agents
• Configuring inboxes
• Setting up automation rules
• Adding a reverse proxy and SSL (recommended for production)

Done.